American football is supposed to be a young man’s game.

The career span of a player can be remarkably short and the game demands so much speed and ability to take hard hits, there really isn’t much room for an ageing player.

But Al Ain Desert Foxes special teamer Jay Connorton is bucking the trend.

A 52-year-old former soccer player and referee from Rochester, New York, Connorton takes to the field every round and has come through unscathed, despite owning a pair of iron plated knees.

American football isn’t a lifelong hobby for Connorton, he just wanted to play in a team after so many years of being a soccer referee.

“I played soccer in high school. When I moved to Al Ain I saw a game and I thought ‘I want to do that’,” he told Sport360°. “I know my limitations. I play on the special teams so I try to run down on the kicks and then I try to block them when they run up the field.

"I’m not good enough, big enough or quick enough to play offence or defence, so I know my limitations.

“I was a soccer referee for 25 years so I’m used to running and playing, and I always wanted to be part of a team and so I came and played last January.”

Even at 52, Connorton is making a difference with Al Ain and his team-mates appreciate what he does.

An assistant coach for the Desert Foxes claims he’s as hard as nails for his age.

He says: “I’ve had some success, I had a kick off tackle last year.

“I would go as far as to say it was a touchdown saving tackle, and I did it again this year which I think justifies my spot on the team.

“I’m having a blast. I can run, so I can get down the field and get to the ball carrier.

“I’m not doing anything too demanding, but I feel I can contribute.”