Over thirty years post-graduating high school, Tom Cillo is now tackling retirement on the field, in the gym, and in the classroom. The 58-year-old Lycoming College freshman has made history as the oldest collegiate football player to sign a name, image, and likeness deal. As a first-year defensive lineman for Division III Lycoming College Warriors, Cillo is pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a collegiate football player.. The father of three worked for the city of Williamsport, PA, for 33 years before retirement. He began playing football at 8 years old, but fell out of the sport as a teenager. Outside of his love of football, Cillo also broke the International Powerlifting Association World Record in 2024 by deadlifting 580 lbs in the 55-59 age group. The Pennsylvania native is working towards a degree in criminal justice and joins a small list of players 50+ to ever make an NCAA football roster.
On speaking about his college studies, Cillo told news outlets that, “(He) was probably more nervous about that than the football part of it… 41 years away from the classroom. But I have adapted rather quickly and am actually doing well.” As for being on the field itself, Cillo remarks that, “The same thing in football that appealed to me as a child still appeals to me to this day. I still feel like it is the greatest sport in the world. And just to be out on that field going through the grind every day with a group of guys with a common goal, it’s a special time for me. It really is. I’m enjoying every day of it.”
Coaches and teammates are excited to see the progress of Cillo as he paves his way in college football. Head coach Mike Clark noted that the decision has led to “developing the guys on our team and helping them become not just better players and hopefully winning games, but helping them become better men and achieve the goals that they want to achieve.” Junior Terrence Oliver quoted, “He brings the energy that we needed,” while other teammates have noted that they gained an “older brother” figure in their new teammate.
The NIL deal with Aspercreme, whose target audience is adults over 55 years old, matches Cillo’s story with the brand’s ideas and identity. The pain relief brand will give Cillo a four-year supply in exchange for public promotion.
