Philip Rivers' Remarkable NFL Return Highlights Key 2025 NFL Week
Philip Rivers, a 44-year-old grandfather, returned to the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts after 1,800 days since his last start. Having been coaching high school football at St Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama since 2021, Rivers stepped in as starting quarterback for the Colts following injuries to Daniel Jones and rookie backup Riley Leonard. His past familiarity with head coach Shane Steichen's passing game from their time together with the Chargers helped the Colts attempt an improbable comeback.
In a game in Seattle, Rivers completed 18 of 26 passes for 120 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. A notable 16-yard third-and-seven completion to Alec Pierce set up Blake Grupe’s 60-yard field-goal attempt. Ultimately, Jason Myers kicked the game-winning field goal with 22 seconds left, with Rivers throwing a late deep interception to Coby Bryant. The Colts fell to an 8-6 record. Rivers’ performance was celebrated as remarkable and unprecedented, demonstrating that a seasoned football mind can still compete effectively after a long hiatus and challenging conditions.
Elsewhere in the NFL, Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the New York Jets 48-20. Lawrence accounted for six touchdowns—five passing and one rushing—as he and offensive coordinator Liam Coen's offense clicked, improving Jacksonville’s record to 10-4.
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a significant blow as Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL during a 16-13 loss to the Chargers, ending his season and effectively ending the Chiefs’ playoff hopes for 2025.
The Denver Broncos secured a playoff berth with a 34-26 victory over the Green Bay Packers, improving to 12-2. Bo Nix threw four touchdown passes in the win. Meanwhile, concerns rose over injuries to Christian Watson, who sustained a chest injury, and Micah Parsons, who reportedly tore his ACL.
The New England Patriots saw their streak of winning games with a 21-point lead come to an end when the Buffalo Bills rallied to win 35-31, snapping the NFL-best run of leading by 21 or more points in 120 straight games.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Rams clinched a playoff berth with an 11-3 record after a 41-34 victory over the Detroit Lions, becoming the first team in the league to lock in a postseason spot.
