Philip Rivers, 44, Joins Colts Practice Squad: “I’m Not Here to Save the Day”
Philip Rivers is back in the NFL. Yes, that Philip Rivers - the fiery, trash-talking, bolo-tie-wearing quarterback who last played a snap in 2020. At 44 years old, Rivers has signed with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad, stepping into a quarterback room rocked by injuries, including a season-ending blow to starter Daniel Jones.
It’s a move that feels straight out of a football movie: the grizzled veteran answering the call one more time. But if you ask Rivers, he’s not trying to be the hero.
“I'm not here to stinking save the year or be a hero by any means,” Rivers said. “We got to stinking run the crap out of the football and play defense and do all those things.”
That’s classic Rivers - candid, self-aware, and still talking like a coach’s son from Alabama. He knows exactly what he is (and isn’t) bringing to the table. And while he’s not promising fireworks, he’s also not backing down.
“I'm going to know where I'm limited. And as we go, it will get better, if that's the route we end up going.
I ain't never ran away from anybody anyway. People say, ‘Well, they're going to know you're going to be right there.’
And it's like, ‘Well, they knew that for 16, 17 years.’”
A Familiar Face in a Familiar Place
Rivers’ return to the Colts comes with some built-in familiarity. He played his final NFL season in Indy back in 2020, leading the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth.
One key connection? Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who has remained close with Rivers and helped facilitate this unexpected reunion.
And while Rivers hasn’t thrown a regular-season pass in three years, there’s a level of comfort in knowing the system - and in being the kind of quarterback who’s seen just about everything a defense can throw at him.
Gannon Weighs In - And Cracks a Smile
Over in Arizona, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon - who was the Colts’ defensive coordinator during Rivers’ 2020 stint - had a laugh when asked about the quarterback’s return.
“Yeah, he is [two years older],” Gannon said with a grin. “A lot more kids than me, too. If anybody can do it, it's him, I'd say that.”
That line got the media room buzzing with laughter, and it wasn’t just a throwaway comment. Gannon knows firsthand what Rivers brings to a locker room - leadership, toughness, and a football IQ that’s off the charts.
And yes, Gannon’s right about the kids: Rivers welcomed his 10th child in 2023. That’s more than most NFL head coaches have wins this season.
The Oldest QB in the League - And Still Competing
With his return, Rivers becomes the oldest quarterback currently affiliated with an NFL team - and older than 13 of the league’s 32 head coaches. But don’t let the age fool you. Rivers has always played the game with a blend of grit and guile, and he’s never needed to outrun defenders to beat them.
The Colts, once seen as a dark horse Super Bowl contender earlier this season, have hit a rough patch, dropping four of their last five games. The quarterback injuries haven’t helped. Whether Rivers ends up starting or simply provides veteran depth, his presence brings a steady hand to a team in flux.
What Comes Next?
Right now, Rivers is on the practice squad. But with the Colts’ quarterback room in disarray, there’s a real chance he could be called into action.
If that happens, don’t expect him to light up the scoreboard with 400-yard games. But do expect him to manage the offense, protect the football, and bring an edge that only 17 years of NFL experience can provide.
This isn’t a fairy tale comeback. Rivers isn’t trying to be the savior. He’s just stepping in, doing what he’s always done - compete, lead, and give his team a shot.
And if that shot turns into something more? Well, don’t be surprised. After all, this is Philip Rivers we’re talking about.