Philip Rivers #17 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to throw a pass against the Buffalo Bills (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
He’s actually doing it. After announcing his retirement following the 2020 NFL season, 44-year-old Philip Rivers is making a surprising return to football. According to multiple reports, the veteran quarterback is signing with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad after working out with the team on Monday night.
Rivers, who has since embraced life as a grandfather and high school football coach in Alabama, is lacing up his cleats once again. His decision to rejoin the NFL comes at a time when the Colts have been hit hard by quarterback injuries during the 2025 season.
The No. 4 overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft, Rivers has long-standing ties to Colts head coach Shane Steichen. Steichen served as his position coach and offensive coordinator during their time together with the Los Angeles Chargers, so Rivers is certainly familiar with the coaching style and offensive scheme Steichen brings to Indianapolis, according to the ESPN.
With an 8-5 record and just four games remaining in the regular season, the Colts find themselves in a precarious situation at quarterback. Indianapolis’ backup quarterback, Anthony Richardson, has already been sidelined for the season due to an orbital fracture he sustained in a freak accident during warm-ups.
On top of that, starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles during Sunday’s game, effectively ending his season. To make matters worse, the Colts’ third-string quarterback, Riley Leonard, also injured his knee in the loss to the Jaguars, leaving his availability for Week 15 uncertain.
The former Colts quarterback, who led the team to an 11-5 record and a postseason appearance in 2020, could be just the answer the team needs. Although he hasn’t played since retiring after that season, Rivers’ leadership and experience could prove invaluable to a team that is rapidly running out of healthy quarterbacks.
The question now is whether Rivers will be available to play on Sunday when the Colts head to Seattle to face the Seahawks. If he does take the field, it could have a significant impact on his candidacy for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Rivers, who has been named one of 15 semifinalists for the class of 2026, would see his candidacy reset if he signs with the Colts’ active roster.
Rivers has enjoyed a decorated career, with numerous accolades including over 63,000 passing yards and 421 touchdowns. His decision to return to football, however brief or impactful, adds an exciting new chapter to his legendary career. Whether he is called upon to play again or simply serves as a veteran presence, Rivers’ return has Colts fans and NFL enthusiasts alike eagerly awaiting the next twist in this already unpredictable season.
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