But, that didn't stop him lining up in battle at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland last night alongside some of rugby league's biggest names - and bodies.
The 41-year-old paid $8750 in an internet auction for a place in the "Legends of League" charity rugby league match between New Zealand and Australia, which raised more than $100,000 for the Christchurch earthquake appeal.
For the record, New Zealand won 32-22.
His prize?
The chance to take on Australian internationals, such as Ben Elias, Kevin Campion, Hazem El Masri and John Hopoate.
"The heart was in the mouth before the match. They're very, very shaped boys and you can't help being a bit intimidated by their physical presence," Mr Affleck said after the match last night.
While it was his first game of rugby league, he could take some comfort from the fact his team-mates included seasoned former internationals Ruben Wiki, Stacey Jones, Monty Betham, Kurt Sorensen, Sean Hoppe and Tawera Nikau.
And Mr Affleck was soon upstaging his more glamorous team-mates, running in a fine solo try midway through the second half.
"A few people fell over and a big hole opened up and I stumbled to the line," he said.
Mr Affleck missed his conversion attempt from right in front of the sticks.
Surprisingly, the try wasn't Mr Affleck's highlight of the match.
"I gave [former New Zealand international] Mark Horo three stitches. It was a cheap shot, really. I put my elbow into his head. But, he was really good about it afterwards."
Mr Affleck also ensured he would have plenty of memories of his rugby league debut.
"Every time someone went to the shower after the game I stole their jersey. I even stole the referee's jersey."
After discovering his bid was successful on Wednesday, Mr Affleck's preparation for the match involved digging an old pair of rugby boots out of a cupboard, before hopping on a plane to Auckland.
And he wasn't concerned about never having played rugby league before, as "I've regularly watched it on television".
Mr Affleck won one of two spots available to the public to take part in the match, with the place in the Australian team going to John Cornwall, of Auckland, for $9250.
Mr Affleck returns to Cromwell today, but was unsure if he would be going straight back to work.
"I'll wait and see, I think. I might have a couple of days off to recover. I'll see how I feel in the morning."
