He’s really doing it!
After hanging up his cleats in 2020, 44-year-old Philip Rivers is back in the game. Reports say he’s joining the Colts’ practice squad after a workout with the team. Rivers, a grandfather now, has been coaching high school football in Alabama. But with the Colts facing serious quarterback injuries, he’s stepping in to lend a hand.
The Colts are sitting at 8-5 with four games left in the season. Their quarterback dilemma is growing worse. Backup Anthony Richardson is out with an orbital fracture from a freak accident, and Daniel Jones is done for the year with a torn Achilles. Adding to the chaos, third-string QB Riley Leonard injured his knee during a recent game against the Jaguars.
Rivers, who led the Colts to an 11-5 record and a playoff spot in 2020, certainly knows the team well, especially their head coach Shane Steichen, who previously coached him with the Chargers.
As the Colts prepare for their upcoming game against the Seahawks, fans are buzzing with excitement. Rivers’ possible return could play a role in his Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy. He’s currently one of 15 semifinalists for the 2026 class. If he joins the active roster, it could shake things up for his Hall of Fame journey.
In recent years, we’ve seen more former players returning to the field, a trend that sparks discussions. Just last season, we saw players like Tom Brady and Drew Brees retire and unretire, illustrating how the game continues to call out to its stars.
As fans await Rivers’ next move, social media reactions are pouring in. Many are thrilled to potentially see him back in action, while others are curious if he can still keep up with the younger players. Whether he’ll make a comeback on Sunday remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Philip Rivers still has the heart of a competitor.
For more insights on this trend of returning players, you can check out NBC Sports.
