Philip Rivers Returns to NFL at 44, Sparks Conversation with Tom Brady
Philip Rivers, now 44 years old, has made a surprising return to the NFL as the Indianapolis Colts brought back their former quarterback to potentially help them secure a playoff spot. This unexpected comeback has caught the attention of many, including fellow NFL legend Tom Brady, who humorously commented on Rivers’ decision during an appearance on FOX Sports’ “The Herd.” Brady joked, “Who retires and then unretires and then is ultimately going to retire again? Who does that? That’s ridiculous for Philip to do that.” The lighthearted jab comes from someone who himself briefly retired in February 2022, only to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just 40 days later before retiring “for good” after the 2022 season.
When asked if he could still play quarterback at age 48, Brady confidently responded, “Yes, I certainly could.” However, he quickly noted that such a return would be impossible due to his current position as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, which prevents him from returning to the field due to NFL rules. Despite this restriction, Brady expressed genuine excitement about Rivers’ comeback, saying, “I’m very excited to watch Philip play. If he’s out there, it’s just very cool. It speaks to how much he loves the game and really what he’s able to do still.” This sentiment highlights the mutual respect between these two quarterback legends who have both faced decisions about when to step away from the game.
Rivers’ return to the Colts comes at a crucial moment for the team, which has lost its last three games since their bye week, leaving them with an 8-5 record. The Colts are in a tight race in the AFC South, trailing the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) and tied with the Houston Texans (8-5), who have won five consecutive games. With only four regular-season games remaining, Rivers could potentially play a significant role in determining whether Indianapolis secures a playoff spot. The unexpected opportunity arose after a series of unfortunate injuries to the Colts’ quarterback room – Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles after attempting to play through a broken fibula, and rookie Riley Leonard injured his knee during the recent game against Jacksonville.
The decision to bring Rivers back wasn’t made lightly. The Colts first brought him in for a visit to evaluate his physical condition before officially signing him. Now, reports suggest that head coach Shane Steichen may be giving the veteran quarterback most of the first-team practice repetitions, indicating that Rivers could start against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. This rapid transition from high school coach in Alabama – Rivers’ occupation since retiring in 2020 – to potentially starting an NFL game speaks volumes about both Rivers’ maintained abilities and the Colts’ desperate situation at quarterback. When discussing his potential return to the field, Rivers acknowledged that his strengths were never about mobility but rather his arm talent, accuracy, and decision-making.
Brady, offering insight into what makes a quarterback successful even at an advanced age, explained, “This game is about, for the quarterback, from the neck up. We used to have a saying at Michigan, ‘The mental is to the physical as four is to one at the quarterback position.’ That doesn’t really go away.” This perspective highlights why someone like Rivers, who relied more on mental acuity than physical dominance, might still be effective despite being away from professional football for nearly four years. Brady continued, “Do you still have the physical ability to still do it — take the hits, make the throws, the drops, buy a little time in the pocket? If Philip has been practicing those things, then we’re all going to see it on full display in Seattle on Sunday afternoon.”
Rivers’ comeback story represents one of the most unusual late-career returns in recent NFL history. At 44, he’s attempting something few have managed successfully. The circumstances that brought him back – a playoff-contending team desperate for quarterback help after multiple injuries – make this more than just a publicity stunt. It’s a genuine opportunity for Rivers to add another chapter to his already impressive NFL legacy. Whether he can still perform at a high level after years away from the professional game remains to be seen, but the football world will be watching closely as this unexpected comeback unfolds. For Colts fans, Rivers represents both a nostalgic connection to recent success and a potential savior for their current playoff hopes.
