NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
Philip RiversReturning to the NFL has many former quarterbacks over 40 wondering if they can turn back the clock and perform at the same high level.
If anything, they should at least take a look at what Rivers did in the first half for the Indianapolis Colts against the San Francisco 49ers.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS RESOURCES ON FOXNEWS.COM
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes as San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Keyon White (56) applies pressure during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Carolyn Custer/AP Photo)
The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist put on a vintage first-half performance against the 49ers to please NFL fans who tuned in to the game on Monday night.
He started the evening with applause from Colts fans at Lucas Oil Stadium – his family was also present. The Colts went nine plays for 72 yards, with Rivers finding receiver Alec Pierce for a 20-yard touchdown. Indianapolis jumped out to a 7-0 lead.
NFL SUSPENDS D.K. METKAFLA STEELERS FOR 2 GAMES AFTER THE BATTLE WITH A LIONS FAN
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Photo/)
San Francisco scored back-to-back scores thanks to Brock Purdy connecting with DeMarcus Robinson, special teams forcing a turnover, and then Purdy throwing a touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey. When Rivers got the ball back, he drove down the field again.
The Colts scored on a 16-yard pass from Rivers to Pierce, capping a 12-play, 66-yard drive. The game was even in the first half with plenty of time remaining in the first half.
Indianapolis trailed 24-17 at halftime. But the spotlight was on Rivers.
He was 14 of 21 for 175 passing yards and two touchdown passes. The last time he threw multiple touchdown passes in the regular season was on December 20, 2020 against Houston Texans.
Rivers returned to the Colts last week at age 44. He had a great performance against the Seattle Seahawks for a guy who hadn't thrown a ball in nearly five years.
Combine FOX One and FOX Nation to stream the entire FOX Nation library, plus live FOX news, sports and entertainment for the lowest price of the year. Offer ends January 4, 2026. (Fox One; Fox Nation)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Now the Colts' playoff hopes rest on his shoulders.
Follow Fox News Digital sports reporting on X and subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
