Philip Rivers Makes Unprecedented NFL Return as Indianapolis Colts Starter at Age 44
Philip Rivers, at 44 years old, made an unprecedented return to the NFL as the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts after approximately 1,800 days since his last NFL game. Prior to this return, Rivers had been coaching high school football at St Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama since 2021. The Colts chose to back Rivers owing to his familiarity with head coach Shane Steichen's passing offense, a system developed during Steichen's tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers when Rivers played there for 16 seasons.
In the game against the Seattle Seahawks, Rivers completed 18 of 26 passes for 120 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception, yielding a passer rating of 91.8. One notable play was a 16-yard third-and-seven connection to Alec Pierce, which helped set up Blake Grupe's 60-yard field goal with 47 seconds remaining. Despite this effort, Seattle won 18-16 after Jason Myers kicked the game-winning field goal with 22 seconds left. Rivers' late deep pass attempt was intercepted by Coby Bryant with 11 seconds on the clock.
This return is historically significant as the longest gap between NFL appearances by a player aged 44; previously, Steve Deberg held the record in 1998. Rivers traveled over 2,000 miles to Seattle for the game. Following this contest, the Colts improved their record to 8-6 and will face the San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans in their remaining regular-season games.
Rivers addressed concerns about playing at his age and enduring hits, stating that he does not mind physical contact. He recounted his wife's comment that he is crazy for wanting to throw the ball and take hits again, highlighting his passion for the game.
