Philip Rivers, the longtime NFL quarterback who last played in 2020, is making a stunning comeback.
The QB-needy Indianapolis Colts (8-5), who have lost three consecutive games, brought him in for a workout on Monday that “went well,” per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
On Tuesday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared that Rivers is, in fact, signing with the Colts practice squad, opening the door for a possible start later this season. With Daniel Jones out for the season after suffering a Week 14 torn Achilles and backup Riley Leonard battling a knee injury, the Colts turned to Rivers.
So we were wondering what the 2004 first-round pick has been up to in the five years since last playing in the NFL. Let’s dig in.
Jan. 20, 2021: Philip Rivers announces retirement
Rivers signed with the Colts in 2020 after 16 seasons playing for the Los Angeles Chargers and led Indianapolis to its most recent playoff appearance. Following a wild-card exit, Rivers announced his retirement, telling The San Diego Union-Tribune, “It’s just time. It’s just right.”
Aug. 26, 2021: Wins first game as St. Michael Catholic Cardinals (HS) head coach
In May 2020, Rivers announced his plans to take over as St. Michael Catholic (Ala.) head coach, and he delivered a resounding 49-0 win in his first game 15 months later.
“It’s the process that makes it awesome,” Rivers said afterward, adding, “Tonight was special.”
May 7, 2022: Enshrined in Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
An NFL return would threaten Rivers’ Pro Football Hall of Fame eligibility — he was named a semifinalist in November — but he’s already immortalized in his home state. Rivers was one of eight players voted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame’s 2022 class, joining Doyle Alexander (MLB), William Andrews (NFL), Keith Askins (NBA), Rusty Greer (MLB), Patrick Murphy (college softball), Jake Peavy (MLB) and Justin Tuck (NFL).