The Indianapolis Colts have made a surprising move by signing veteran quarterback Philip Rivers out of retirement, marking his return to the NFL nearly three years after he last played in 2020. Rivers, now the oldest active player in the league at 44 years old, was added to the Colts’ practice squad and is poised to take the field this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks due to Riley Leonard’s knee injury.
Rivers’ comeback is an intriguing narrative, especially considering that we recently witnessed another ageless quarterback, Tom Brady, perform at a high level well into his 40s. Brady, who retired for the second time earlier this year, discussed his ability to still play the game in a recent interview. “Yes, I certainly could,” he stated confidently. However, due to a new NFL rule, Brady, a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, is currently ineligible to return to the field.
The league rule, implemented in 2023, prohibits players from also owning a team, effectively closing a loophole that allowed prior arrangements with owner approval. Brady acknowledged this, but expressed enthusiasm about Rivers’ opportunity to showcase his skills once again. “I’m very excited to watch Philip play,” Brady remarked, emphasizing Rivers’ passion for the game and his potential to succeed.
Rivers spent the last five years coaching high school football, preparing his son, Gunner Rivers, who has emerged as a promising quarterback prospect. With the high school season now concluded, Rivers decided it was the right time for a comeback. Being drafted back in 2004, he now joins Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco as the only quarterbacks over 40 to start a game this year. He will also reunite with Shane Steichen, his former coach from the Chargers, which may benefit him as he steps back into the NFL.
As Rivers gets ready to take the field again, fans are eager to see if he can deliver a solid performance and perhaps continue to defy age as an active player.