T
he NFL world got stunning news this week. Retiring after the 2020 season, legendary NFL quarterback Philip Rivers has not taken a snap in over five years, resorting instead to coaching high school football in his home state of Alabama. Recently turning 44-years-old and a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist for the class of 2026, Rivers is living the life of a retired pro athlete who is onto their next phase in life.
Until recently. Dealing with a rash of injuries at quarterback, including seeing starter Daniel Jones go down with a season-ending achilles tear, the Indianapolis Colts were in desperate need of help at the position and gave Rivers a call, bringing him in for a workout early on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Then the crazy thing happened– the Colts actually signed Rivers to their pratice squad, marking his return to an NFL roster in over five seasons. But if Rivers earns a spot on the active roster at any point during the season, his five year Hall of Fame induction clock restarts. Speaking to the media on Dec. 10 for the first time since rejoining the NFL, Rivers commented on potentially having to wait another five years for induction into Canton.
Rivers is ‘Not Counting Down the Years’
In the years since retiring, Rivers has received some interest from teams to return to the league, but nothing materialized. The interest was there, but Rivers never thought he would play football again and was perfectly content in retirement, but felt intrigued enough by the Colts’ offer for a workout to fly to Indianapolis. And even though Rivers was very close to seeing his successful career remembered forever with a potential enshrinement into the Hall of Fame, he did not factor that into his decision to return to the NFL.
“I’d not given any thought of actually playing again until about 48 hours ago, to be honest with you, but this wasn’t just any place or any coach. It’s not like, ‘Oh, shoot, I’ll see what happens in the league and see if I can get ready,” Rivers said. “The Hall of Fame is a real honor. To be mentioned with those other 25 guys, but I’m not holding my breath on that. And I hadn’t been counting down the years, with all respect to the Hall. If one day I can be part of that group, it would be special – no doubt about it. But the extension of that time, if that comes to be, is not a factor in my decision.”
Rivers’ career is certainly Hall of Fame worthy and if he does end up on the Colts’ active roster as the starter, he could add even more to his legacy. 7th all-time in passing yards and 6th all-time in passing touchdowns, Rivers has the chance to pass Ben Roethlisberger in yards but given how big the gap is between Rivers and the No. 5 leader in passing touchdowns, Brett Favre, it is unlikely he will enter the top five in that category.
Rivers’ Hall of Fame Career
Rivers played for the Chargers franchise from 2004-19, starting for them from 2006-19. During his 14 seasons as the Chargers‘ starting quarterback, Rivers earned eight Pro Bowl trips, won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2013, is the Chargers all-time leading passer and ended his career second all-time in consecutive regular season starts by a quarterback. Now looking to keep the Colts’ season alive and take them to the Super Bowl, Rivers will look to add the one thing he does not have on his resume– both an appearance and a win in the Super Bowl.
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