In a move that surprised fans and analysts alike, 44‑year‑old quarterback Philip Rivers has re‑entered the NFL after a five‑year hiatus. The Indianapolis Colts added the former New England Patriots star to their practice squad on Tuesday, a decision prompted by injuries to Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard. Rivers is slated to start the Colts’ Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
A Hall of Fame Semifinalist Back on the Field
Philip Rivers, who has been named a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist this year, last played in the league during the 2020 season. After signing with the Colts for his final year, he led the team to its most recent postseason appearance before announcing his retirement. His return comes after a period of reflection and training that kept him ready for the rigors of professional football.
The Colts’ Need for Experience
The Colts’ roster has suffered a string of injuries at the quarterback position. With Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard all sidelined, the team’s offensive coordinator turned to Rivers for veteran leadership. The 8‑5 Colts are looking to stabilize their offense as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.
A Historic Comeback
While unretirement is not unheard of in the NFL, Rivers’ five‑year absence makes his return notable. The quarterback will face the Seahawks in Week 15, a game that could be pivotal for the Colts’ playoff aspirations. His experience and familiarity with the Colts’ playbook are expected to provide a boost to an offense that has struggled with consistency.
Other NFL Stars Who Returned After Retirement
Philip Rivers joins a lineage of NFL legends who have come back to the field after stepping away from the game. Below is a look at eight notable players who returned to play after announcing retirement.
Tom Brady, QB
Tom Brady announced his first retirement on February 1, 2022, only to rejoin the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40 days later. He played his final season at 45, starting all 17 games and leading the Bucs to the NFC South title while topping the league in pass attempts and completions. “Tom Brady said on Wednesday that he was retiring from the NFL,” a statement that highlighted the brief nature of his first exit.
Rob Gronkowski, TE
Gronkowski sat out the 2019 season after winning his third Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. When Brady moved to Tampa Bay, Gronkowski followed, signing with the Buccaneers in April 2020. He caught two touchdowns in the team’s Super Bowl win that season and played again in 2021 before retiring for good in June 2022.
Jason Witten, TE
The longtime Dallas Cowboys star retired after the 2017 season and became a commentator for Monday Night Football. He returned to the Cowboys in 2019, starting all 16 games at 37. After spending the 2020 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, he retired again, closing a 17‑year career that earned him 11 Pro Bowls.
Marshawn Lynch, RB
Beast Mode retired as a member of the Seattle Seahawks after the 2015 season but returned for 2017, being traded to the Oakland Raiders. Lynch spent two seasons with the Raiders before retiring again, only to return in 2019 for the Seahawks’ playoff run. He suited up for one regular season game and two playoff games, scoring four touchdowns in limited action.
Randy Moss, WR
After a tumultuous 2010 season where Moss suited up for three teams and had little production, the four‑time All‑Pro 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, QB
Favre’s late‑career decisions were marked by uncertainty. He retired as a Green Bay Packer after the 2007 season but attempted a return the following summer when the team had already committed to Aaron Rodgers. Favre was traded to the New York Jets, only to retire again after that season. He later returned to play for the Minnesota Vikings in 2009 and 2010 before finally stepping away at age 41.
Deion Sanders, DB
Sanders’ career mirrors Rivers in terms of time away from the NFL. Prime Time retired after spending 2000 with Washington, was out of the league for three seasons, then returned with the Baltimore Ravens in 2004. He spent two seasons with Baltimore, playing all 16 games in 2005 at age 38.
Reggie White, DE
White retired after 1998 as the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year with the Packers. He came out of retirement in 2000 after a year away, starting all 16 games for the Carolina Panthers and adding 5.5 sacks to his career total of 198.
Key Takeaways
- Philip Rivers has re‑joined the NFL after a five‑year break, signing with the Colts’ practice squad.
- The Colts face injuries at quarterback, making Rivers’ veteran presence crucial for their Week 15 game.
- Rivers is part of a growing list of Hall of Fame candidates who have returned to play after retirement.
The Colts’ decision to bring back Rivers underscores the value of experience during a turbulent season. As the team heads into Week 15, fans will be watching to see if the veteran quarterback can help steer the Colts toward a playoff berth.
