Quarterback Philip Rivers has officially announced his plans to retire from professional football following a brief and unexpected return to the Indianapolis Colts. After spending part of his retirement coaching at the high school level, Rivers rejoined the Colts in December 2023 as the team faced injuries to key players. The 44-year-old confirmed during an appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Up & Adams” program that he intends to step away from the game for good.
Rivers, who played for the Colts during the 2020 NFL season, took the field again after Shane Steichen, the Colts’ head coach, reached out to him when rookie Riley Leonard dealt with a knee injury. Despite not having played in an NFL game since 2020, Rivers felt the circumstances were right for a comeback. “Everything just lined up,” he stated, emphasizing his familiarity with the team and the coaching staff.
As the Colts prepare for their season finale against the Houston Texans on January 7, 2024, it is clear that Rivers has no intentions of extending his playing career. The Colts, with a record of 8-8, will start rookie Leonard for the final game. Rivers expressed his commitment to his family and coaching responsibilities, noting, “I got a son who will be a senior…It’ll be fun to get back with the boys back home.”
In his three starts since returning, Rivers struggled, losing all three games while throwing for a total of 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. Reflecting on his brief return, he remarked, “This was a fun three-week blur that nobody saw coming, including myself.” Ultimately, Rivers is ready to return to the sidelines, focusing on his family and his role as a coach.
The veteran quarterback’s decision marks the end of a notable chapter in his career. His time with the Colts was characterized by leadership and experience, but it is clear he is content to transition back to coaching at the high school level. As he prepares for this next phase, Rivers is optimistic about the impact he can have on young athletes.
