Aaron Rodgers Applauds Philip Rivers’ Comeback: “Big Credit to Phil”
Aaron Rodgers may be battling through injuries and leading a playoff push with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he still found time this week to show love for a fellow veteran quarterback making an unexpected return to the NFL.
Rodgers, who turned 42 on December 2, was all smiles when asked about Philip Rivers signing with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad - a move that stunned much of the football world. Rivers, now 44, hasn’t played a down since the 2020 season, but he’s expected to start this Sunday when the 8-5 Colts travel to face the 10-3 Seattle Seahawks.
And Rodgers? He’s here for it.
“I’m Not the Oldest Guy in the League - Love That”
Rodgers couldn’t help but crack a joke when asked about Rivers’ return.
“Well, I’m not the oldest guy in the league - love that,” he said with a grin.
But beyond the humor, there was genuine admiration in Rodgers’ tone. He knows firsthand what it takes to play quarterback in your 40s - and how brutal it can be on the body.
Rodgers is currently playing through a fractured left wrist, and he’s still not far removed from a torn Achilles he suffered in September 2023. The grind is real.
So when a guy like Rivers, who’s been out of the league for nearly four full seasons, decides to lace ‘em up again? That earns Rodgers’ respect.
“I’m Staying Retired”
Rodgers revealed that some of his friends reached out asking what he would do in Rivers’ situation - sitting at home, out of the game for years, then suddenly getting the call to start in a high-stakes December matchup.
His response was quick and honest: “I’m retired, I’m staying retired.”
That’s what makes Rivers’ decision all the more impressive in Rodgers’ eyes. The Colts are heavy underdogs - 13.5 points as of Friday morning - heading into Seattle, and Rivers is being asked to step into a playoff race after years away from NFL speed.
That’s not just a big ask. That’s a mountain.
Still, Rodgers isn’t betting against him.
“I’ve Been a Fan of His Forever”
Rodgers made it clear: he’s rooting for Rivers.
“I’ve been a fan of his forever,” Rodgers said. “I’ve known him a little bit over the years. I’ve just loved the way that he competes, plays.”
There’s a mutual respect between two quarterbacks who’ve seen it all - from Pro Bowls to playoff heartbreaks. Rodgers praised Rivers not just for his longevity, but for how he played the game: smart, tough, and with a competitive fire that was unmistakable.
“Again, not the most gifted player, but cerebral as all get out,” Rodgers said. “Hilarious trash talker. I wish him nothing but the best.”
Rodgers added that he hopes Rivers’ return feels like “riding a bike” - that he can just hop back in the saddle and pick up where he left off. And while many around the league are skeptical about what Rivers can realistically bring to the Colts down the stretch, Rodgers isn’t one of them.
“I expect him to,” he said.
Could Rodgers and Rivers Meet in the Playoffs?
Here’s the kicker: this comeback might not just be a feel-good story. There’s a real chance it could lead to a playoff showdown.
The Steelers currently sit atop the AFC North, while the Colts are in the thick of the wild-card race. If both teams hold their ground, Rodgers and Rivers could find themselves facing off in January - two grizzled vets leading their teams into battle with a postseason berth on the line.
It’s the kind of storyline that writes itself. And if it happens, you can bet Rodgers will be ready - fractured wrist and all - and Rivers will be doing what he’s always done: talking trash, slinging passes, and competing like he never left.