Philip Rivers surprises NFL fans by coming out of retirement after five years to play for the Indianapolis Colts. The 44-year-old quarterback, who is now a grandfather, steps in to help the team during a quarterback crisis.
The Colts are 8-5 and their chances of making the playoffs are getting worse. They also have a weak quarterback room. Daniel Jones, the starting quarterback, tore his Achilles tendon, which will keep him out for the rest of the season. Riley Leonard is dealing with a knee injury, and Anthony Richardson is still on injured reserve. After Jones got hurt, head coach Shane Steichen, who had worked with Rivers before at the Chargers, got in touch with him. This led to Rivers’ workout and signing with the practice squad on December 9, 2025.
Rivers last played for the Colts in 2020. He helped them get to the playoffs with an 11-5 record after 16 seasons with the Chargers. He stopped coaching high school football in Alabama in 2021 and had no plans to come back until 48 hours before the call. Rivers is now on the practice squad, but he could soon be moved up to the active roster. He practiced on Wednesday and might play on Sunday.
Career Legacy and the Hall of Fame Stakes Rivers is sixth all-time in NFL history for passing touchdowns and seventh for yards. He has also been to eight Pro Bowls. A semifinalist for the Hall of Fame in 2026, his first year of eligibility, he would have to wait five years to be eligible if he were to be put on the active roster. He joins 14 of his old Colts teammates from 2020 and praises owner Jim Irsay and the team.
