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Philip Rivers retired from the NFL after the 2020 season. He appeared in 16 games that year, which until recently was his only season with the national team. Indianapolis Colts.
Fast forward five years, and a season-ending injury to Colts starter Daniel Jones prompted Rivers' former team to call him about the possibility of putting his retirement on hold. 44 year old man Rivers was signed to Indy's practice squad this week.
Until recently, Rivers said he believed his football story was completely written.
“I had no hope of playing again. I thought that ship had sailed,” said Rivers, who played 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Colts in 2020 and again this week.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers stands on the sideline during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 6, 2020. (Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports)
“But something about it excited me. This is one of those deals where a door opens and you either walk through it and see if you can do it, or you run away from it. I know there are risks involved, but the only way to find out is to go for it.”
Rivers added that he was watching the Colts game when Jones fell to the turf. He admitted it occurred to him that Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen might eventually call him.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers warms up before playing against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC game on January 9, 2021 in Buffalo. (Rich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports)
“When it happened, I thought, 'What the hell?' As crazy as that would be at the quarterback position, I have to admit I thought, 'I wonder if Shane will call,'” Rivers said. “Immediately the competitor within you is excited.”
Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowler, has long worn No. 17 and will continue to do so in his second stint with the Colts thanks to Jones.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) warms up before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 12, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
“I saw the injury live. I feel terrible for Daniel,” Rivers said. “I wrote to Daniel about how he was so kind about turning 17. It meant a lot to me.”
The Colts' injury crisis was compounded by uncertainty surrounding the health of quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr.
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Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was placed on injured reserve in October after suffering an orbital fracture during pregame warmups.
Colts visit Seattle Seahawks this Sunday as part of week 15.
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