Philip Rivers Signs with Colts at 44, and Cam Newton Isn’t Happy About It
Five years removed from his last NFL snap, Philip Rivers is back. At 44 years old, the veteran quarterback has signed a deal with the Indianapolis Colts, stepping in after Daniel Jones went down with a season-ending injury.
It’s a surprising move on the surface-bringing a retired quarterback back into the fold after half a decade away-but Rivers does have history in Indy. He wrapped up his final NFL season with the Colts in 2020, and that familiarity may have played a key role in this reunion.
But not everyone is thrilled with the decision-especially not Cam Newton.
The former NFL MVP didn’t hold back during a recent episode of his podcast, 4th&1 with Cam Newton, saying he felt disrespected by the Colts’ decision to look past him in favor of Rivers.
“It’s almost like a slap in my face, bro. I’m not even gonna lie,” Newton said.
“I did not [retire] and will not. Because of an opportunity like this...
I don’t give a damn if [Rivers] is in their family. He’s 44 years old, bro!”
Newton, now 36, has made it clear he’s still open for business. He hasn’t played in the league since 2021, when he returned for a second stint with the Panthers.
That year, he appeared in eight games and started five-but went winless as a starter, throwing four touchdowns to five interceptions. His last full season came in 2020 with the Patriots, where he started 15 games and put up eight touchdowns against 10 picks.
While the numbers from those final seasons don’t exactly scream “QB1,” Newton has kept himself in shape and has been vocal about his desire to return to the league. And from his perspective, this Colts opportunity was exactly the kind of situation he’s been waiting for.
Adding another layer to the discussion, Newton floated a theory about why Indianapolis might have passed on him-his jersey number. The Colts recently acquired cornerback Sauce Gardner in a midseason trade with the Jets, and Gardner wears No. 1, the same number Newton has famously worn throughout his career.
“I know why the Indianapolis Colts didn’t sign me,” Newton said. “Because their newest member, Sauce Gardner, wears No. 1.”
It’s a lighthearted jab, but it underscores Newton’s frustration. He’s not just looking for a job-he’s looking for respect. And in his eyes, watching a 44-year-old Rivers get the nod before even receiving a call stings.
From the Colts’ side, the decision isn’t without logic. Rivers may be older, but he’s familiar with the system and the coaching staff.
He spent his final NFL season in Indy, leading the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance in 2020. That kind of continuity matters, especially when a team is trying to stabilize midseason.
Still, Newton’s resume isn’t one to dismiss lightly. Across his 11-year career, he’s thrown for 194 touchdowns, rushed for 75 more, and completed nearly 60% of his passes. He’s a former MVP, a Super Bowl starter, and one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks the league has ever seen.
But in today’s NFL, opportunity is as much about fit and familiarity as it is about raw talent. And for now, the Colts believe Rivers gives them the best shot to steady the ship.
Whether Newton gets another chance remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear-he’s not done fighting for it.