Philip Rivers Is Back in the NFL-and Back in Madden, Too
Philip Rivers is officially back in the NFL. Yes, you read that right.
In one of the most unexpected twists of the 2025 season, the Indianapolis Colts pulled the longtime Chargers and Colts quarterback out of retirement and signed him late in the year. Initially added to the practice squad, Rivers was elevated to the active roster ahead of Week 15, bringing his unmistakable presence-and sidearm delivery-back to the league.
But Rivers’ return didn’t just shake up the Colts' quarterback room. It also triggered a ripple effect in the virtual football world: Rivers had to be added back into Madden NFL 26.
Madden Makes Room for Rivers Again
Rivers hadn’t appeared as an active player in the Madden franchise since Madden 21, when he was still suiting up for Indianapolis during his final NFL season. Since then, he’s only popped up in Ultimate Team mode as a legacy card-fun for nostalgia, but not usable in Franchise mode or regular rosters.
That changed the moment he signed a real NFL contract. EA Sports reactivated him in the game’s player database, adding him to the Colts roster in Madden 26 and assigning him a fresh rating.
Philip Rivers’ Madden 26 Rating: A Career Low
Rivers re-enters the Madden universe with a 70 overall rating-easily the lowest of his career. That’s not entirely surprising.
He’s 44 years old, coming off a multi-year retirement, and joining a league that’s only gotten faster and more athletic at the quarterback position. Still, it’s a bit surreal to see a player who once cracked the mid-90s in his prime now sitting near the bottom of the depth chart in terms of virtual performance.
Where Rivers Ranks Among NFL QBs in Madden 26
That 70 overall ties Rivers for the 40th-best quarterback in the game. He’s behind a long list of both established stars and rising talents, including:
- Josh Allen (99) - The top-rated QB in the game, and for good reason. Allen’s dual-threat ability and cannon arm make him a Madden cheat code.
- Matthew Stafford (97) - Still slinging it with elite accuracy and power.
- Patrick Mahomes (94) - A perennial top-five QB, even in a “down” year.
- Lamar Jackson (93) - Speed, agility, and improved passing keep him near the top.
- Drake Maye (89) and Sam Darnold (84) - Two QBs who’ve risen significantly in the ratings this season.
- Aaron Rodgers (79) - Even in the twilight of his career, Rodgers still ranks well above Rivers.
- Tyler Shough (75), Joe Flacco (73), Kirk Cousins (73), Cam Ward (72) - All rated higher than Rivers, though some only by a few points.
Who’s Rated Lower Than Rivers?
Despite the low rating, Rivers isn’t at the bottom of the Madden QB barrel. Of the 91 quarterbacks currently in the game, 51 have lower overall ratings.
That includes some intriguing names:
- Anthony Richardson (69) - Rivers’ current teammate and the Colts’ young QB of the future.
- Tyler Huntley (68) - Lamar Jackson’s backup in Baltimore.
- Shedeur Sanders (69) and Dillon Gabriel (67) - Rookie QBs still finding their footing in the league.
- Kenny Pickett (67) and Mason Rudolph (66) - Both former Steelers QBs struggling to stay relevant.
- Trey Lance (63) - Once a top prospect, now buried in the ratings.
- Tommy DeVito (61) and Chris Oladokun (55) - Rounding out the bottom tier.
So, while Rivers isn’t exactly a top-tier Madden option anymore, he’s not completely unplayable. For Colts fans or longtime Rivers supporters, there’s still some joy in seeing No. 17 back under center-even if it’s just in a video game.
A Look Back: Rivers’ Madden Ratings Through the Years
To fully appreciate how far Rivers has come (and gone), here’s a quick look at his Madden rating history:
| Game | Rating |
|---|
| Madden 05 | 79 | | Madden 06 | 80 |
| Madden 07 | 83 | | Madden 08 | 89 |
| Madden 09 | 90 | | Madden 10 | 89 |
| Madden 11 | 94 | | Madden 12 | 96 |
| Madden 13 | 92 | | Madden 25 | 84 |
| Madden 15 | 92 | | Madden 16 | 90 |
| Madden 17 | 84 | | Madden 18 | 84 |
| Madden 19 | 87 | | Madden 20 | 94 |
| Madden 21 | 82 | | Madden 26 | 70 |
At his peak, Rivers was a 96 overall in Madden 12, part of a dominant run that saw him consistently rated in the 90s. His accuracy, football IQ, and trademark toughness made him a fan favorite both on the field and in the game.
Now, nearly a decade and a half later, he’s back-albeit with a much more modest rating. But for a guy who’s always been more about grit than flash, that feels fitting.
Final Word
Philip Rivers’ return to the NFL is one of the more heartwarming-and unexpected-stories of the 2025 season. Whether he sees meaningful snaps or not, his presence on the Colts roster brings veteran leadership, a deep well of experience, and now, a bit of Madden nostalgia.
For fans of the game and the player, it’s a chance to relive the Rivers era one more time-even if it’s with a 70 overall rating.