Philip Rivers Returns to NFL After Brief Retirement
Philip Rivers, the veteran quarterback who stepped away from the NFL following the 2020 season, has made a surprising return to professional football at age 44. After five years in retirement, Rivers was recently signed to the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad following a season-ending injury to starter Daniel Jones. This unexpected comeback marks a new chapter in Rivers’ storied career, which previously included 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers followed by what was initially thought to be his final season with the Colts in 2020.
Rivers had fully embraced retirement and wasn’t anticipating a return to the gridiron. “I wasn’t hanging onto any hope of playing again. I kind of thought that ship had sailed,” he explained when discussing his unexpected comeback. But when opportunity knocked, the competitor in him couldn’t resist answering the call. Rivers described his decision-making process with clarity: “It’s one of those deals where a door opens, and you either walk through it and find out if you can do it, or run from it. I know there’s risk involved, but the only way to find out is going for it.” This mindset perfectly encapsulates the mentality that has defined Rivers’ career—a willingness to embrace challenges head-on rather than shy away from them.
In a twist of fate that seems almost scripted, Rivers was actually watching the Colts game when Jones suffered his injury. “When that happened, in my mind, I was like, ‘What in the world?'” Rivers recalled. “Just how crazy this would be on the quarterback position, I have to admit I thought, ‘I wonder if Shane will call.'” That intuition proved correct when Colts head coach Shane Steichen reached out, creating this unlikely reunion. The moment highlights how quickly circumstances can change in professional sports, transforming a retired player watching from home into an active roster member within a matter of days.
The eight-time Pro Bowler’s return comes with a touching gesture from the injured Daniel Jones. Rivers, who has worn the number 17 throughout his career, will continue that tradition in his second stint with the Colts thanks to Jones’ willingness to relinquish the number. “I saw the injury live. I feel terrible for Daniel,” Rivers expressed with genuine concern. “I texted with Daniel about him being so gracious about 17. That was meaningful to me.” This exchange demonstrates the respect and camaraderie that exists among NFL quarterbacks, even as one player’s misfortune creates an opportunity for another.
The Colts’ decision to bring Rivers back wasn’t made lightly, but rather resulted from a perfect storm of quarterback injuries. Beyond Jones’ season-ending issue, the team has also been grappling with uncertainty surrounding Anthony Richardson Sr.’s health. Richardson, who the Colts selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been on injured reserve since October after suffering an orbital fracture during pregame warm-ups. This crisis at the quarterback position left Indianapolis in desperate need of experienced leadership—something Rivers can provide in abundance after his 17 previous NFL seasons.
As the Colts prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, Rivers’ return adds an intriguing storyline to the matchup. While it remains to be seen how much playing time he’ll receive or how effective he might be after five years away from professional competition, his comeback represents one of those rare second chances that sports occasionally provides. For Rivers, it’s an opportunity to write an unexpected epilogue to what he thought was a completed NFL career. For fans, it’s a chance to witness the passion and competitive fire that has always defined Rivers’ approach to the game—qualities that, at 44 years old, clearly haven’t diminished despite his time away from the spotlight.
