Philip Rivers has not played in the NFL since 2020, yet the 44‑year‑old quarterback is making a historic comeback. The Indianapolis Colts added him to their practice squad on Tuesday after injuries to Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard. Rivers will start against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, and the 8‑5 Colts could benefit from his experience.
Philip Rivers’ Historic Return
Rivers signed with the Colts after a five‑year hiatus from professional football. He had retired following his final season with the Colts, during which he led the team to its most recent postseason appearance. The quarterback is a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist this year, underscoring the significance of his return.
Colts’ Injuries Prompt Signing
The Colts faced a sudden depth crisis when injuries knocked out key offensive players. Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard were all sidelined, creating a gap that the team needed to fill. In response, the Colts signed Rivers to their practice squad, hoping his veteran presence would stabilize the offense.
Rivers’ Final Season and Postseason
During his last season with the Colts, Rivers guided the team to the playoffs. He served as the starting quarterback and helped secure a postseason berth. After that season, he announced his retirement, stepping away from the game for five years.
Hall of Fame Semifinalist
This year, Rivers is a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His career achievements and recent return to the NFL have drawn attention from the Hall of Fame selection committee. The 44‑year‑old quarterback’s story adds a compelling narrative to his candidacy.
NFL Stars Who Returned
Philip Rivers is not the first Hall of Fame‑level player to come back after retirement. The following list highlights other NFL stars who returned to play after stepping away:
Tom Brady, QB
- First retired on February 1, 2022.
- Rejoined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40 days later.
- Played out his last season at age 45, starting all 17 games.
- Led the Bucs to the NFC South title.
- Led the NFL in pass attempts and completions.
- “Tom Brady said on Wednesday that he was retiring from the NFL.”
Rob Gronkowski, TE
- Sat out the 2019 season after winning his third Super Bowl with the New England Patriots.
- Joined the Buccaneers when Brady moved there.
- Traded to the Buccaneers in April 2020.
- Caught two touchdowns in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl win that season.
- Played again in 2021 before retiring in June 2022.
Jason Witten, TE
- Retired after the 2017 season and became a commentator for Monday Night Football.
- Returned to the Cowboys in 2019 and started all 16 games at age 37.
- Retired again after the 2020 season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Completed a 17‑year career with 11 Pro Bowls.
Marshawn Lynch, RB
- Retired as a member of the Seattle Seahawks after the 2015 season.
- Returned in 2017, traded to the Oakland Raiders.
- Spent two seasons with the Raiders before retiring again.
- Returned in 2019 for the Seahawks’ playoff run.
- Suited up for one regular‑season game and two playoff games, scoring four touchdowns.
Randy Moss, WR
- Had a tumultuous 2010 season, playing for three teams.
- Retired in August 2011.
- Signed with the San Francisco 49ers in March 2012.
- Recorded 28 catches in 16 games that season.
- The team lost in the Super Bowl.
Brett Favre, QB
- Retired as a Green Bay Packer after the 2007 season.
- Attempted a return in the summer of 2008 when the team had Aaron Rodgers.
- Traded to the New York Jets, then retired again after that season.
- Returned to play for the Minnesota Vikings in 2009 and 2010.
- Finally stepped away at age 41.
Deion Sanders, DB
- Retired after the 2000 season with Washington.
- Out of the league for three seasons.
- Returned with the Baltimore Ravens in 2004.
- Played two seasons with the Ravens.
- Played all 16 games in 2005 at age 38.
Reggie White, DE
- Retired after 1998 as the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year.
- Came out of retirement in 2000 after one year away.
- Started all 16 games for the Carolina Panthers.
- Added 5.5 sacks to his career total of 198.
Key Takeaways
- Philip Rivers is the latest 44‑year‑old quarterback to return to the NFL after a five‑year absence.
- The Colts signed him to their practice squad following injuries to key offensive players.
- Rivers will start against the Seahawks in Week 15 as the Colts look to improve their record.
- Several Hall of Fame‑level players, including Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, have returned to play after retirement.
The return of Philip Rivers adds another chapter to the narrative of veteran quarterbacks who have chosen to re‑enter the league after stepping away. His presence on the Colts roster may prove pivotal as the team seeks to secure a playoff spot in the final weeks of the season.
