Running backs peak and decline fast
NFL running backs reach their statistical peak around age 25 and show a steep decline afterward. The demands of the position, stopping and starting explosively on a crowded field, erode speed and lateral agility faster than most other roles. By age 28, top-tier RB production drops noticeably. Teams have learned this curve and now draft and invest in younger backs rather than paying for aging stars.
Quarterbacks sustain productivity longer
Quarterbacks peak later, around 28-30 years old, and maintain effectiveness into their mid-30s. The position rewards experience, field vision, and decision-making more than physical explosiveness. Once a QB learns an offense and reads defenses, age-related declines in arm strength or mobility happen gradually. Tom Brady played at high level until age 45, an extreme outlier that still reflects the position's unusual durability window.