Mike Tomlin, the Steelers head coach, recently reacted to the news of Philip Rivers returning to the NFL. Rivers, now 44, hasn’t played since the 2020 season, and he’s making a surprising comeback with the Colts after they faced injuries to their current quarterbacks.
Tomlin’s first response to questions about Rivers was simply, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” When it was clarified that Rivers was being signed by the Colts, he quickly shifted focus to his team’s upcoming game against the Dolphins, saying, “That’s none of my business.”
Historically, quarterbacks have faced doubt when returning after long absences, especially at Rivers’ age. He last played in a playoff game where the Colts lost to the Bills. If Rivers steps onto the field this season, it could spark discussions about older players’ roles in a league that often emphasizes youth.
Reactions to Rivers’ return have been mixed but lively. Chargers safety Derwin James, who played with Rivers, expressed surprise, saying, “Whoa! What is Phil doing?” He also noted Rivers still has the ability to perform due to his “mind and arm.”
As the NFL evolves, there’s a growing trend of older players remaining competitive. Recent statistics show that the average retirement age for NFL players has risen slightly, with several players in their late 30s and early 40s finding roles on teams.
The conversations around Rivers highlight an interesting shift in sports culture. Aging athletes are challenging the norms and redefining longevity in professional sports.
If you’re curious about more insights on athletes’ performance across age brackets, check out this study on sports longevity from the National Institute of Health.
