Leahy, NFL’s Oldest Player, Kicks Jets to a 16-13 Victory

Thanks to the new kid on the block, the old man in the league made the New York Jets a winner.

Pat Leahy, at age 40 the NFL’s oldest player, kicked three field goals Sunday. His 40-yarder with 1:22 remaining lifted the Jets over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 16-13.

“I’ve seen it all from way back,” said Leahy, an 18-year veteran. “It’s still a big thrill.

Leahy’s right foot might not have gotten the chance to make him a hero if not for the running of Blair Thomas, who rushed for 92 yards in 23 carries.

Thomas helped the Jets control the ball for more than 38 minutes, including 23:57 in the second half.

“I don’t feel like I have anything to prove,” said Thomas, the second overall pick in the 1990 draft. “I just went out and played football. I’ve never doubted my ability.

“Last year, I was feeling my way, looking over my shoulder a bit. Today, I was more concerned about executing the play. I had a lot of confidence.”

Even with Thomas’ performance, the game was tied 13-13 late in the fourth quarter. The Bucs’ Vinny Testaverde had struggled all day before hooking up with rookie Lawrence Dawsey for a 65-yard touchdown pass with 5:57 remaining. But the Jets, who lost three games in the final minutes last season, came up with a nine-play, 48-yard drive to set up Leahy’s kick.