Philip Rivers Set to Start for Colts in Week 15 Return After Five-Year Retirement
In one of the most unexpected quarterback developments of the season, the Indianapolis Colts are turning to a familiar face - and a long-retired one - for their Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Philip Rivers, 44 years old and five seasons removed from his last NFL snap, is officially being elevated to the Colts’ starting quarterback.
Yes, that Philip Rivers. The same one who last played for Indianapolis in 2020, leading the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth before falling to the Bills in the Wild Card round.
Since then, Rivers had stepped away from the game, only recently signing a ceremonial one-day contract in July to retire as a Charger. Now, he’s back - not just in uniform, but under center.
Why Rivers? Why Now?
The Colts’ quarterback room has been hit hard by injuries, and timing has been brutal. Daniel Jones, who started the season under center, suffered a torn Achilles in last week's 36-19 loss to the Jaguars, ending his season.
Rookie backup Riley Leonard is also sidelined, still recovering from a PCL sprain. With the playoff race heating up and no healthy, experienced options left, the Colts reached out to a player who knows the system, the building, and the moment.
Rivers, speaking at Wednesday’s press conference, explained his decision to unretire in classic, no-nonsense fashion.
“It’s a coach that I love and an organization that I really enjoyed being with,” Rivers said. “Irsay believing in me in that year in 2020… meant a lot.
And shoot, the teammates that I was able to play with - shoot, 14 of them are still here. Training room’s the same.
PR guys the same. … And they wanted me, and I try to keep it as simple as that.”
This isn’t just a nostalgia play. The Colts are in the thick of the playoff hunt and need a steady hand to guide them through the final stretch. Rivers may not have the legs or the arm strength he once did, but what he does bring is experience, command of the offense, and the kind of leadership that doesn’t fade with age.
Not Everyone Is Sold
Of course, not everyone is convinced this is the right move. Former NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz voiced concern on social media, questioning the logic of starting a quarterback who hasn’t played in five years - and who’s stepping in cold, mid-December, with playoff implications on the line.
And he’s not alone. The move has sparked plenty of debate, including on The Pat McAfee Show, where the former Colts punter weighed in on what Rivers’ return means - both for the team and for Rivers’ legacy.
“All indications in all reports, last night out of the building when Philip Rivers came up to Indianapolis on his birthday after a call from Chris Ballard saying, ‘Hey, we need somebody that knows this offense. Can you still spin it?’” McAfee said.
McAfee also pointed out that this comeback will delay Rivers’ Hall of Fame eligibility clock, which had already begun ticking. But he was quick to acknowledge what Rivers brought to the Colts in 2020 - leadership, poise, and a playoff berth in the post-Andrew Luck era.
“Now, is he going to be able to move? No.
Was he able to move the last time he played for the Colts? No.
Led us to the playoffs. It was the best we had since Andrew Luck retired.
He is 44 years old and a grandfather? Of course, he is.
Philip Rivers won’t be the one running. But the Colts certainly will.”
What to Expect on Sunday
The Colts host the Seahawks at 4:25 p.m. ET this Sunday in a game that suddenly carries even more intrigue. Rivers will be stepping back into a huddle that still features several of his former teammates, with a coaching staff that knows how to tailor a game plan to his strengths - quick reads, high-IQ decision-making, and a no-huddle rhythm that could help mask any physical limitations.
It’s a bold move by the Colts, no doubt. But with their season on the line, they’re betting that Rivers still has enough left in the tank - or at the very least, enough savvy - to keep their playoff hopes alive.
One thing’s for sure: Sunday just got a whole lot more interesting.