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Super Bowl 50: 13 players over 30

By Connor Fulton

Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Vernon Davis (80) before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Vernon Davis (80) before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Super Bowl 50 Cortland Finnegan
Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive back Cortland Finnegan (26) intercepts a pass during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Cortland Finnegan, 32

The Panthers’ equivalent to the New England Patriots signing Steven Jackson, Finnegan finds himself in an extremely lucky position. Much like Jackson, the veteran cornerback was unsigned for the majority of 2015 before a contender in need of help in the face of injury came calling.

Finnegan had actually announced his retirement at the end of an unsuccessful 2014 season with the Miami Dolphins. Before the Panthers gave him a ring, Finnegan was managing Juice Bar franchises in Nashville, Tennessee. What’s better, juice or playoff football?

Playing in his first playoff game since 2008 when he was with the Tennessee Titans, Finnegan intercepted Russell Wilson in the Divisional Round. The pick was Finnegan’s reward for staying in shape and getting accustomed to the Panthers’ way of doing things through five regular season games.

Here’s what Finnegan told Jim Rome last month about the stroke of good luck:

"It was surreal. The fact (Panthers) would be undefeated and decide they would just bring a guy in a sign a guy, that’s a blessing. I’m thankful for everything that has transpired."

Unless the Panthers somehow decide to bring Finnegan back next season (which is very unlikely considering Finnegan’s age and the Panthers’ youth at the position), this will be Finnegan’s last dance in the NFL.

Next: 11. Thomas Davis, 32

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