Decades ago, professional athletes played until their mid-30s and then retired. In the 21st century, training and a healthy lifestyle are essential components to prolonging someone’s career, like Tom Brady, who played in the NFL until he was 45.
On the other side of the globe Pittsburghthe NHL’s second all-time leading scorer, Jaromir Jagris preparing for another season of professional hockey, skating for Rytířì Kladno, a team he owns in Czechia.
Last season, the then 51-year-old played 15 games and provided four assists.
For those keeping track at home, Jagr, who turned 52 in February, is about to begin his 35th season of professional hockey, which began in 1988-89 with TJ Kladno.
In 24 NHL seasons, Jagr accumulated 1,921 points thanks to 766 goals and 1,155 assists. He ranks second in points behind Wayne Gretzky, while remaining fourth in goals and fifth in assists.
In early 2024, the Penguins, who wrote Jagr fifth overall in 1990, he retired his iconic No. 68 jersey in a ceremony attended by many Hall of Famers such as Mario Lemieux, Ron Francis and Scotty Bowman.
As a veteran of three decades of professional hockey, Jagr skated in the NHL, KHL and Olympics and had several stints in the Czech Republic.
Outside of his international hockey performances representing his home country, Jagr has skated in more than 2,200 games in organized hockey leagues, scoring more than 950 goalscollecting over 1,400 assists and nearly 2,400 career points.
Considering that Jagr owns Rytířì Kladno, he plays because he can and continues skating in front of the fans. Of course, the next Olympics are right around the corner in 2026, and the chance to play one more time could be what keeps Jagr strapped on the skates.
Currently, the Hockey Hall of Fame is just waiting for him to play his last game before inducting him as one of the greatest skaters of all time.
