The implications of Philip Rivers joining the Colts for his chances at the Hall of Fame

Colts Turn to Veteran Quarterback Philip Rivers

After losing Daniel Jones to an Achilles injury midway through the season, the Indianapolis Colts are revisiting their past to bolster their quarterback lineup.

They plan to sign Philip Rivers, who hasn’t seen action in the NFL since 2020 and is now a grandfather. Rivers met with the team and worked out for the coaches, making this a bit of a reunion. Head coach Shane Steichen previously coached Rivers with the Chargers, and Rivers’ last NFL season was with the Colts in Indianapolis. That season ended with a playoff appearance, but they lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round.

This situation raises some intriguing questions, especially for Hall of Fame voters.

In his first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Rivers has been named one of 26 Modern Era semifinalists for the 2026 class—alongside Drew Brees and Eli Manning. The typical five-year waiting period still applies for induction into the Hall.

Currently, Rivers is only on the Colts’ practice squad. As long as he stays there, he remains eligible for the 2026 class, according to a Hall of Fame representative.

However, if he moves to the active roster and takes a snap, that would reset the five-year clock. Unless he plays next year, he’d have to wait until 2031 for his Hall of Fame shot.

According to the spokesperson, “If he signs to the practice squad, and that’s his status with the team (while still Hall eligible) for a while, he could be okay until we announce our final 15, but if he goes back to active duty, then that changes things.”

As for the Hall of Fame process, their next step involves narrowing the list of 26 down to 15, which will happen later this month.

The 2026 class will be revealed at the annual Hall of Fame Selection Conference early next year.

If Rivers stays on the practice squad for the December vote, then later joins the active roster, he might find himself on the initial list of 15 but could get removed after moving up.

There are definitely some gray areas in this situation. What if he’s in a high position but doesn’t take a snap? Would he still be considered eligible?