Today In Sports Birthdays: Dwight Howard, Phillip Rivers, Kevin Harvick, Mike Mussina And Vernon Wells All Have Something To Celebrate Today

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard, San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers, former New York Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells, NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick and former Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina are all celebrating sports birthdays today, Dec. 8.

Here's what you need to know about this special crop on their special day.

Who's the oldest?

Congratulations, Mr. Mussina. The former Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees hurler turns 46 today. Known across baseball as "Moose," Mussina is six years removed from an 18-year, five-time All-Star career. Moose went 270-153 over 537 games, posting a career 3.68 and finishing in the top five in American League Cy Young voting six times. He received 20.3 percent of the voting in his first year on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2013. Induction into Cooperstown requires 75 percent.

Who has the most to celebrate?

That'd be Kevin Harvick. The Bakersfield, California, native turns 39 just three weeks after winning his first Sprint Cup Series championship in November. Harvick previously earned two Busch Series Championships, in 2001 and 2006, as well as a win at the 2007 Daytona 500.

Whose best years are behind them?

Sorry, Vernon Wells, but this couldn't have been a surprise. As a young man, you made yourself and your agents rich. But as you got older, you wasted a lot of other people's time and money. You turn 36 today, which increases the daily chances of your player status changing from free agent to retired. After sitting out the 2013 season, it's probably time.

Who has the most to look forward to?

San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers, who turns 33. Last Sunday, Rivers passed Dan Fouts with 87 career wins, the most in Chargers history. He also moved up to 20th all-time in career passing yards, shooting by Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. Next up: Donovan McNabb.

Who couldn't we think up a question for?

Dwight Howard. He's 28 and the Rockets are 16-4 to start the year. Whoops ...