Philip Rivers’ return to the NFL is the kind of development few saw coming. Just a week ago, the longtime quarterback was reflecting on a career that seemed firmly in the past, even preparing mentally for the possibility of a future Hall of Fame induction. Now, after five years away from professional football, Rivers is back in uniform and preparing to start for the Indianapolis Colts as they push to stay alive in the playoff race.
Philip Rivers on Why He Came out of Retirement To Play for the Indianapolis Colts
Pressed by a series of quarterback injuries, the Indianapolis Colts reached out to the 44-year-old quarterback, initially signing him to the practice squad.
By Saturday, Philip Rivers had been elevated to the active 53-man roster, which ultimately led to his starting lineup spot on Sunday against Seattle. Rivers is not returning as a mentor or as a fallback. He is returning to lead.
At his core, Rivers said the motivation was simple. He loves the game and embraced the chance to compete again. Beyond that, the former Pro Bowler explained in a pre-game interview that returning also carried a deeper, more personal meaning.
“I love the game. Got an opportunity. And it’s just how I remember it. I’m excited to be a teammate again. As for teammates in this locker room, they were here in 2020. Last time we were in a postseason, and so, for an opportunity to go after it, I’m not here to be a hero by any means. I’m here to be one of the guys and we know all it’s gonna take. It’s tough to win here but we are gonna give it our best shot.”
“I love the game. Got an opportunity. And it’s just how I remember it.” – Philip Rivers is about to make his return | @AJRoss_TV pic.twitter.com/hBloOjhTil
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 14, 2025
For Rivers, the decision to return was not without challenges. He had been out of the league for half a decade and said that when he received the call to try out, he no longer even owned turf shoes.
READ MORE: 2026 3-Round NFL Mock Draft: Browns Build Around Shedeur Sanders, While 4 Ohio State Stars Go Early
According to NFL insider Jay Glazer, Rivers had to dig through a trophy case at home to find an old pair. Nevertheless, once the opportunity presented itself, Rivers did not hesitate.
As Philip Rivers returns to the field, he wants to teach his kids not to be scared and eliminate doubt.@JayGlazer has more ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/LwKrCcbDa4
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 14, 2025
His resume speaks for itself. Over 17 NFL seasons, he compiled a 64.9% completion rate, threw 421 touchdown passes, and finished with 209 interceptions.
In his final season in 2020, also with the Colts, he tossed 24 touchdowns against 11 interceptions and guided Indianapolis to the playoffs. For that year, PFSN’s QB Impact metric gives him a score of 78, with a C+ grade.