Philip Rivers Reflects on Possible Last Game
INDIANAPOLIS — After 17 seasons in the NFL, Philip Rivers has faced many postgame interviews, often under pressure. Yet this time felt notably different.
The Indianapolis Colts had seen their postseason hopes dashed for the fifth year running before taking the field Sunday. The aging quarterback, at 44, hinted that he might be nearing the end of his career.
“These last three weeks have been enjoyable,” Rivers remarked following the Colts’ narrow 23-17 loss to Jacksonville. “If I could go back and know how things would unfold, I’d still choose to do it all over again.” He added, “If this turns out to be my last game, then that’s how it is. I walked off the field in Buffalo back in January 2021 thinking that was it, and it felt okay at the time. Sure, I cried later, but overall, I felt relieved it was behind me. So if this is it, I’m glad I got a few bonus games I didn’t expect.”
Returning to the Colts after a five-year retirement, Rivers provided enthusiasm and energy to a team that was falling apart after Daniel Jones’ season-ending injury. This revitalized spirit was much needed, especially after the Colts became the first team in three decades to miss the playoffs following a 7-1 start.
Unfortunately, Rivers has faced challenges. He lost all three games since returning, and key mistakes—like a late interception in Seattle—derailed the team’s efforts. This latest game featured a tipped-ball interception that allowed the Jaguars to equalize late in the contest.
Rivers took these mistakes on himself, acknowledging his role in the team’s struggles. He understands he might not represent the Colts’ future moving ahead.
With just one game left against Houston, it’s unclear if Rivers will start again. The team might look to rookie quarterbacks like Anthony Richardson or Riley Leonard, both of whom could be valuable for the future.
“We’ll find out Tuesday,” remarked coach Shane Steichen.
Reflecting on the end of his career, which may repeat itself five years after he first exited the league, Rivers expressed no regrets. He rented a home in Indianapolis and welcomed his family during the final stretch of the season. He even brought players from St. Michael Catholic High School, where he coaches, to the last home game.
As Rivers started his career at age 423, he became the fourth-oldest starting quarterback in NFL history, passing Hall of Famer Warren Moon. If he plays next week, he’ll surpass Vinny Testaverde to become the third-oldest to start a game, trailing only Steve DeBerg and the legendary Tom Brady.
With 425 touchdown passes, Rivers ranks sixth in NFL history, and he’s nearing 64,000 career passing yards—105 yards shy of overtaking Ben Roethlisberger.
Rivers is aware that these milestones might slip away. “I want to support whatever direction the organization goes, whether it’s with Shane or someone else,” he mentioned. “This isn’t just a casual chat on Tuesday. It’s crucial for me to engage in discussions that are in the best interest of the players.”
