Cam Newton Questions Colts' Call-Up of Philip Rivers: “Like a Slap to the Face”
The Indianapolis Colts made headlines this week with a surprise move at quarterback-and not everyone is thrilled about it. With their QB room decimated by injuries, the Colts turned to a familiar face: 44-year-old Philip Rivers. But one former MVP is wondering why his phone didn’t ring.
Cam Newton didn’t hold back on the latest episode of his show, voicing frustration over being passed over in favor of Rivers, who retired in 2021 and hasn’t taken an NFL snap since. Newton, still just 36 and very much viewing himself as an active player, called the decision “like a slap to the face.”
“Did Philip Rivers send any type of signs that he was available?” Newton asked, clearly baffled by the Colts’ decision to bring back a quarterback who’s been out of the league for nearly four seasons.
“I did not and will not (retire). Because of an opportunity like this!”
The Colts’ quarterback situation has been a revolving door lately. Daniel Jones is out for the season with a torn Achilles, and both Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard are sidelined-Richardson with an eye issue, Leonard with a nagging knee injury. That left Indianapolis scrambling for a veteran presence under center, and they landed on Rivers.
Newton, meanwhile, has stayed in shape and made sure the world knows it, frequently posting workout clips to social media. He’s made it clear he’s ready if the opportunity comes-but so far, it hasn’t.
“I don't give a damn if he (Rivers) was in their family,” Newton said. “He's 44 years old, bro! How come you keep holding Cam Newton to a standard that you're not holding everybody else to?”
Cam Says CALL HIM After Rivers Returns, Shedeur DISRESPECT Continues & Richard Sherman WRONG
— 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) December 10, 2025
New episode of 4th&1 out now!
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It’s a fair question-and one that touches on a deeper conversation around how teams evaluate talent, leadership, and personality. Newton last played in 2021 during a second stint with the Panthers.
In eight games, he completed 54.8% of his passes for 684 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. Not eye-popping numbers, but certainly not out of step with what some teams are getting from their current backups.
The former No. 1 pick and three-time Pro Bowler also acknowledged the elephant in the room: his personality. Newton admitted that some franchises may view him as a distraction, saying, “They don't want a circus.”
That kind of self-awareness is rare-and telling. Newton’s charisma and confidence have always been part of his identity, but in a league that often favors quiet conformity from its backup QBs, it might be working against him.
Meanwhile, Rivers could be under center this Sunday as the Colts take on the Seattle Seahawks. If he does start, it’ll mark his first NFL action since the 2020 season, when he led the Colts to an 11-5 record before retiring.
Whether Rivers can still sling it at age 44 remains to be seen. But for Newton, the bigger issue isn’t just who got the job-it’s why he didn’t.