Aaron Rodgers Tips His Cap to Philip Rivers After Surprise NFL Comeback
In a move that nobody saw coming, Philip Rivers is back in the NFL. Yes, that Philip Rivers - the fiery, bolo-tie-wearing quarterback who last played in 2020 - has signed with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad at age 44. And with that, another milestone quietly shifted: Aaron Rodgers is no longer the oldest player in the league.
Rodgers, now 42 and suiting up for the Pittsburgh Steelers, took the news in stride - and with a grin.
“Well, I’m not the oldest guy in the league. Love that,” Rodgers said, laughing when asked about Rivers’ return.
“It’s pretty incredible, though. He’s been out for four full seasons, plus this season.”
Rodgers shared that a few friends reached out to ask if Rivers’ return stirred any thoughts of his own future. His answer was definitive.
“I was laughing because a couple of buddies hit me up asking me what I would do in that situation, and I said, without missing a beat, ‘I’m retired, I’m staying retired.’”
But make no mistake - Rodgers has nothing but admiration for Rivers.
“Big credit to Phil. I’ve been a fan of his forever,” Rodgers said.
“I’ve known him a little bit over the years. I just love the way he competes and plays.
Again, not the most gifted player, but cerebral as all get out. Hilarious trash-talker, and I wish him nothing but the best.”
That line about Rivers being “not the most gifted” is classic Rodgers - honest, but with a deep respect for the mental side of the game. Rivers, after all, built a 17-year career on savvy, toughness, and a competitive fire that lit up every huddle he entered. And Rodgers is rooting for him to pick up right where he left off.
“I hope he goes out and, just like riding a bike, can jump right back in the saddle,” Rodgers added. “And I expect him to.”
Rivers’ return isn’t just a nostalgic headline - it’s a real opportunity. The Colts reached out after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Sunday’s loss to the Jaguars.
Rivers worked out for the team on Tuesday and signed shortly after. If he’s elevated to the active roster, it would mark one of the most unexpected comebacks in recent league history.
And here’s a fun wrinkle: Rivers’ oldest child, 23-year-old Halle, is the same age as Riley Leonard - the quarterback Rivers could soon be backing up or even replacing. That’s not just a trivia nugget; it’s a reminder of how long Rivers has been away from the game, and how wild it is that he’s back.
Should Rivers play in a game, he’d become just the second grandfather to do so in NFL history, joining Brett Favre in that exclusive club. And there’s more at stake.
If Rivers is activated, his Pro Football Hall of Fame eligibility clock resets. He’s currently one of 26 modern-era semifinalists for the Class of 2026 - and if he plays, that five-year waiting period starts all over again.
So yes, Rivers is back. And while Rodgers might be glad to pass the “oldest player” torch, he’s clearly enjoying the moment - as a fan, a peer, and a fellow quarterback who knows exactly what it takes to compete at that level.
Rivers’ comeback might not lead to a playoff run or a starting job, but it’s already sparked a wave of admiration - especially from one of the most respected signal-callers in the game.