Simulating Attribute Aging in the PNFL
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2026 1:48 pm
Introduction
In order to more accurately reflect the reality of aging within the NFL, it is possible to establish a process for aged player attributes in the PNFL. It is well acknowledged that legendary players such as Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith did not retain their peak speed (SP), acceleration (AC), and other physical characteristics throughout their entire careers. The primary question is how to effectively implement a model that reflects this progression.
Establishing Thresholds for Attribute Decline by Position
The first step is to reach a consensus regarding the age or career year at which players at each position typically begin to experience a decline in their physical attributes. For instance, a hypothetical threshold could be set at age seven for halfbacks (HB), age ten for quarterbacks (QB), and age eight for defensive ends (DE). These thresholds are preliminary and open for discussion, but they serve as a starting point for modeling the onset of attribute reduction.
Randomized Attribute Reduction Process
Once a player reaches the defined threshold, the following process is applied annually:
• Randomly select up to two attributes from the following: None, Speed (SP), Acceleration (AC), Endurance (EN), and Strength (ST). In this selection, it is possible that zero, one, or two attributes are chosen for reduction.
• For each selected attribute, randomly apply a reduction of either 0, 1, or 2 points to both Actual (ACT) and Potential (POT) ratings. For example, if Speed (SP) is selected and the random reduction value is 2, a wide receiver (WR) with 84 ACT and 84 POT would be reduced to 82/82. If the reduction is 1, a WR with 83 ACT and 84 POT would be reduced to 82/83. If the reduction is 0, the WR's ratings will remain unchanged for that year.
• This procedure is repeated each year after the player reaches their position-specific threshold, ensuring a gradual decline in physical attributes over time. For example, if the WR starts the year at 82/84 and the reduction in value is 1, the new ratings would be 81/83, while still allowing for potential improvement during training camp (TC).
Next Steps and Consensus
Although the proposed process appears feasible in theory, the immediate priority is to review and reach agreement on the threshold years for each position. Once consensus is achieved, if possible, I can proceed with the implementation of the detailed aging process.
Impact on Other Processes
It is important to note that, unless otherwise overlooked, this proposed attribute aging process does not affect current procedures regarding physical exams, the transfer of physicals, or the unretirement process.
Constructive (emphasis added) criticism is welcome.
In order to more accurately reflect the reality of aging within the NFL, it is possible to establish a process for aged player attributes in the PNFL. It is well acknowledged that legendary players such as Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith did not retain their peak speed (SP), acceleration (AC), and other physical characteristics throughout their entire careers. The primary question is how to effectively implement a model that reflects this progression.
Establishing Thresholds for Attribute Decline by Position
The first step is to reach a consensus regarding the age or career year at which players at each position typically begin to experience a decline in their physical attributes. For instance, a hypothetical threshold could be set at age seven for halfbacks (HB), age ten for quarterbacks (QB), and age eight for defensive ends (DE). These thresholds are preliminary and open for discussion, but they serve as a starting point for modeling the onset of attribute reduction.
Randomized Attribute Reduction Process
Once a player reaches the defined threshold, the following process is applied annually:
• Randomly select up to two attributes from the following: None, Speed (SP), Acceleration (AC), Endurance (EN), and Strength (ST). In this selection, it is possible that zero, one, or two attributes are chosen for reduction.
• For each selected attribute, randomly apply a reduction of either 0, 1, or 2 points to both Actual (ACT) and Potential (POT) ratings. For example, if Speed (SP) is selected and the random reduction value is 2, a wide receiver (WR) with 84 ACT and 84 POT would be reduced to 82/82. If the reduction is 1, a WR with 83 ACT and 84 POT would be reduced to 82/83. If the reduction is 0, the WR's ratings will remain unchanged for that year.
• This procedure is repeated each year after the player reaches their position-specific threshold, ensuring a gradual decline in physical attributes over time. For example, if the WR starts the year at 82/84 and the reduction in value is 1, the new ratings would be 81/83, while still allowing for potential improvement during training camp (TC).
Next Steps and Consensus
Although the proposed process appears feasible in theory, the immediate priority is to review and reach agreement on the threshold years for each position. Once consensus is achieved, if possible, I can proceed with the implementation of the detailed aging process.
Impact on Other Processes
It is important to note that, unless otherwise overlooked, this proposed attribute aging process does not affect current procedures regarding physical exams, the transfer of physicals, or the unretirement process.
Constructive (emphasis added) criticism is welcome.