Philip Rivers is back under center for the Indianapolis Colts, and yes - that’s a sentence we’re saying in 2025.
After officially unretiring earlier this month, the 44-year-old quarterback is set to make his second start for the Colts, this time in a high-stakes Week 16 matchup against the playoff-bound San Francisco 49ers. It’s a full-circle moment for Rivers, who last suited up for Indianapolis back in 2020. Now, after nearly five years away from Lucas Oil Stadium, he’s stepping onto the field again - this time with a little more gray in the beard and a full cheering section in the stands.
That cheering section? His wife Tiffany and their 10 children, all on hand to support Rivers in his first home game since coming out of retirement.
A photo circulating on social media captured the family moment, with the Rivers crew posted up in the stands, beaming with pride. In another clip that’s quickly gone viral, Rivers is seen waving to his family before kickoff on Monday Night Football - a small but emotional moment that’s resonated with fans across the league.
Rivers’ return wasn’t part of the Colts’ original blueprint. He was signed to the practice squad after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending injury, and quickly elevated to the active roster. The Colts didn’t wait long - he was named the starter for last week’s game against the Seahawks, a narrow 18-16 loss that marked his first NFL appearance in nearly four years.
In that game, Rivers looked like a quarterback shaking off some rust - but also like a guy who hadn’t forgotten how to manage an offense. He completed 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
Not eye-popping numbers, but considering the layoff, it was a solid foundation to build on. And let’s not forget: this is a guy who threw for over 4,100 yards and 24 touchdowns in his final season back in 2020, leading the Colts to an 11-5 record and a Wild Card berth before calling it a career.
Earlier this year, Rivers signed a one-day contract with the Chargers to officially retire as a member of the franchise where he made his name. That seemed like the final chapter - until the Colts came calling.
Not everyone was sure what to make of the move at first. Bringing back a retired quarterback at 44 years old, in the middle of a playoff push?
That’s a bold swing. But not everyone was skeptical.
Former NFL star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt chimed in with some insight that adds a whole new layer to the story.
“Fun fact learned in production meetings,” Watt posted on X. “Philip Rivers ran the same offense as the Colts for his son Gunnar’s high school team this season.
He and Shane Steichen spoke weekly about it, discussing plays and even film. So familiarity with the scheme should be no problem whatsoever.”
That kind of continuity - even at the high school level - matters. Rivers didn’t just walk in cold.
He’s been living and breathing this offense, even if it was through a headset on Friday nights. That connection with head coach Shane Steichen could be the X-factor as the Colts look to snap a four-game losing streak and stay alive in the AFC playoff race.
Right now, Indianapolis sits third in the AFC South at 8-6. The margin for error is razor-thin. But with Rivers back in the huddle, the Colts are banking on experience, leadership, and a whole lot of football IQ to steady the ship.
Week 16 is more than just a game - it’s a test of whether this late-season gamble can pay off. And if Rivers can engineer a win against one of the NFC’s top teams, it won’t just be a feel-good comeback story. It could be the spark this Colts team desperately needs.