Philip Rivers Could Start for Colts in Week 15 - At 44 Years Old
In a twist that nobody saw coming, the Indianapolis Colts have pulled 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement - and he might be under center this Sunday in Seattle.
Yes, that Philip Rivers. The eight-time Pro Bowler who last played in 2020.
The fiery competitor with the signature sidearm and a mouth that never needed a filter. And now, potentially, the Colts’ Week 15 starter.
Colts Quarterback Room in Crisis
This move isn’t just a nostalgic nod to a franchise legend - it’s a response to a full-blown quarterback emergency. Daniel Jones, the team's starter, tore his right Achilles in a 36-19 loss to the Jaguars in Week 14.
His backup, Anthony Richardson, is still out with a facial fracture. Rookie Riley Leonard is nursing a knee injury and is questionable for Sunday.
That leaves Brett Rypien, a fifth-year journeyman with a 2-2 record as a starter, as the only healthy quarterback on the practice squad.
Enter Rivers.
The Colts are staring down a trip to Seattle with a depleted QB room and playoff hopes still flickering. It’s a high-stakes situation, and they’ve turned to a familiar face who knows the system - and the head coach - better than most.
Rivers and Steichen: A Familiar Connection
There’s real continuity here. Colts head coach Shane Steichen worked closely with Rivers during their time together in Los Angeles, when Steichen served as an offensive assistant and later quarterbacks coach for the Chargers from 2014 to 2019.
According to J.J. Watt, Rivers and Steichen have reportedly stayed in touch, even discussing plays weekly.
Rivers has also been coaching his son Gunner at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama, running an offense similar to Steichen’s.
So while Rivers hasn’t taken an NFL snap in nearly five years, he hasn’t exactly been removed from the game. He’s been immersed in it - just from the sidelines.
History Isn’t on His Side - But This Is Uncharted Territory
If Rivers does start, he’d be stepping into rare NFL territory. The last time we saw a quarterback return after such a long layoff at this age, it didn’t go well.
Back in 1998, Steve DeBerg, at 44, came out of retirement to start for the Falcons. He completed just 9-of-20 passes for 117 yards and a pick in a 28-3 loss to the Jets.
DeBerg had at least been signed before the season and had time to prepare. Rivers?
He’s jumping in mid-December.
And he’d be doing it against a Seahawks defense that’s among the league’s stingiest. Seattle ranks second in points allowed (17.4 per game), and they’ve been particularly tough at home. This is not a soft landing spot for a quarterback trying to shake off nearly five years of rust.
What to Expect If Rivers Starts
There’s no questioning Rivers’ football IQ, leadership, or competitive fire. But the NFL doesn’t care about résumés - it demands timing, rhythm, and physical sharpness. At 44, and after five seasons away from live action, those are the biggest question marks.
Still, this is Philip Rivers we’re talking about. He’s not being asked to carry the offense - just to steady the ship. And if there’s one thing he’s always done well, it’s command a huddle and get the ball out quickly.
The Colts know what they’re getting. He knows the system. And there’s a real chance he’ll be the one leading them onto the field in Seattle.
It’s the kind of storyline that feels like it belongs in a movie. But come Sunday, it might be very real - and very unpredictable.