After a five‑year hiatus, former NFL star Philip Rivers is back in the league, signing with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad as injuries mount.
Philip Rivers’ Comeback
The 44‑year‑old quarterback, a Hall of Fame semifinalist this year, joined the Colts’ practice squad on Tuesday. The move comes after injuries to Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard. It remains unclear if Rivers will play in a game, but the 8‑5 Colts could certainly use help.
Colts’ Current Situation
The Colts are 8‑5 and have lost three starting quarterbacks to injury. With the roster already stretched, Rivers’ presence could provide depth and veteran experience.
Retirement Returns in the NFL
While Rivers’ five‑year break is unique, several stars have returned after retiring. The list includes:
- Tom Brady – Announced his first retirement on Feb 1, 2022, only to rejoin the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40 days later. He started all 17 games at 45, led the Bucs to the NFC South title, and topped the NFL in pass attempts and completions. “Tom Brady said on Wednesday that he was retiring from the NFL.”
- Rob Gronkowski – Sat out the 2019 season after winning a third Super Bowl. He joined the Buccaneers in April 2020, caught two touchdowns in their Super Bowl win that season, played in 2021, and retired for good in June 2022.
- Jason Witten – Retired after the 2017 season, became a commentator, returned in 2019, started all 16 games at 37, then retired again after the 2020 season with the Las Vegas Raiders. His career spanned 17 years and 11 Pro Bowls.
- Marshawn Lynch – Retired after the 2015 season with the Seahawks, returned in 2017, was traded to the Oakland Raiders, spent two seasons there, then returned again in 2019 for a Seahawks playoff run. He played one regular‑season game and two playoff games, scoring four touchdowns.
- Randy Moss – After a turbulent 2010 season with three teams, he retired in August 2011. Less than a year later, in March 2012, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers, recording 28 catches in 16 games before the team lost in the Super Bowl.
- Brett Favre – Retired after the 2007 season with the Packers, attempted a return in 2008 when the team had Aaron Rodgers, was traded to the Jets, retired again after that season, then returned to play for the Minnesota Vikings in 2009‑2010 before retiring at 41.
- Deion Sanders – Retired after the 2000 season with Washington, was out of the league for three seasons, returned in 2004 with the Baltimore Ravens, and played all 16 games in 2005 at age 38.
- Reggie White – Retired after 1998 as the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year with the Packers, came out of retirement in 2000 after one year away, started all 16 games for the Carolina Panthers, and added 5.5 sacks to a career total of 198.
Key Takeaways
- Philip Rivers is back after a five‑year absence, signing with the Colts’ practice squad.
- The Colts, 8‑5, have suffered multiple quarterback injuries and could benefit from Rivers’ experience.
- Several NFL legends—including Brady, Gronkowski, Witten, Lynch, Moss, Favre, Sanders, and White—have successfully returned after retiring.
The Colts’ decision to bring Rivers onto the practice squad underscores the team’s willingness to explore unconventional options as they navigate a challenging season.
