Decades ago, professional athletes played until their mid-to-late 30s and then retired. In the 21st century, training and a healthy lifestyle are key 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 from Pittsburgh, the NHL’s second all-time leading scorer, Jaromir Jagr, is gearing up for another season of pro hockey, skating with the Rytířì Kladno, the team he owns in Czechia.

Last season, the then 51-year-old played in 15 games and had four assists.

For those keeping track at home, Jagr, who turned 52 in February, is about to begin his 35th season of pro hockey, which started 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.

Early in 2024, the Penguins, who drafted Jagr fifth overall in 1990, retired his iconic No. 68 jersey in a ceremony attended by many Hall of Famers like Mario Lemieux, Ron Francis, and Scotty Bowman.