In a stunning turn of events, Philip Rivers, the 44-year-old former NFL quarterback and now a grandfather, is reportedly considering a comeback to the league after a two-year hiatus. The Indianapolis Colts, facing a quarterback crisis with starter Daniel Jones sidelined for the season, have invited Rivers for a workout on Tuesday.
Want to know what people are really saying? Don’t miss the buzz from Reddit at the end!
The Comeback Trail: Philip Rivers’ Unexpected NFL Return
The football world is abuzz with the news that Philip Rivers, the eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback who retired after the 2020 season, is contemplating a remarkable return to the NFL gridiron. At 44 years old and with 10 children, including a grandchild, Rivers’ potential comeback is nothing short of extraordinary. Rivers last played in 2020 with the Colts, helping pilot the team to an 11-5 record and a postseason appearance the year after Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement. That season, he completed 68.0 percent of his passes for 4,169 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. “Mike Florio” His 2020 campaign saw him amass 4,478 passing yards on 590 attempts, completing 397 of those throws.
Gridiron Grandpa: Rivers Mulls Shocking Comeback at 44
The prospect of Rivers, a grandfather at 44 years old, suiting up for an NFL team is almost unheard of in the modern era. After spending the past two years coaching high school football following his retirement, Rivers now finds himself weighing a return to the highest level of the sport he once dominated. If signed by the Colts, he would become the oldest non-kicker in the league, shattering age barriers and defying conventional wisdom about longevity in such a physically demanding profession. In his final NFL season, Rivers took 19 sacks for 118 yards lost, while also rushing 19 times for -9 yards.
Colts Calling: Rivers Visits Indy Amid QB Crisis
The Colts’ interest in Rivers stems from a dire situation at the quarterback position. With starter Daniel Jones suffering a season-ending torn Achilles tendon injury in Sunday’s game, the team is scrambling to find a capable replacement to keep their playoff hopes alive. At 8-5, the Colts are firmly in postseason contention, and Rivers’ familiarity with the coaching staff and system could make him an appealing short-term solution. In 2020, Rivers committed just 2 fumbles, losing 1, showcasing his ability to protect the football – a critical asset for any potential playoff run.
From High School to Playoffs: Rivers’ Improbable Journey
Rivers’ potential return to the NFL would cap off an improbable journey that began as a first-round draft pick in 2004. Over his 17-year career, primarily with the Chargers, Rivers amassed an impressive 63,440 passing yards (7th all-time) and 421 touchdown passes (6th all-time). His lone season away from the Chargers was in 2020 with the Colts, where he helped guide the team to the playoffs in the aftermath of Andrew Luck’s abrupt retirement. That year, Luck had thrown for 5,222 yards on 739 attempts before his shocking decision to walk away from the game at just 29 years old.
Ageless Arm: Can Rivers Defy Time for One Last Run?
As the football world watches with bated breath, the question remains: can Philip Rivers defy the ravages of time and father-time to mount one last playoff push? With his wealth of experience, pinpoint accuracy, and competitive fire, Rivers may yet have enough left in the tank to lead the Colts on a postseason charge. Whether this potential comeback becomes a reality or not, the mere possibility of a 44-year-old grandfather taking snaps in the NFL is a testament to Rivers’ enduring passion for the game. In 2020, he tossed 26 touchdowns against just 11 interceptions, demonstrating the precision and decision-making that could prove invaluable if he returns.
Internet Reactions to the Gridiron Grandpa’s Comeback Bid
The prospect of 44-year-old Philip Rivers, now a grandfather, making a comeback to the NFL has captured the imagination of sports fans. The reaction on social media has been a mix of incredulity, humor, and admiration for the veteran quarterback’s apparent refusal to hang up his cleats. Many have jokingly referred to him as the ‘Gridiron Grandpa,’ underscoring the sheer improbability of a player of his age and family status considering a return to the professional game.
Some commenters have suggested that Rivers should embrace his newfound grandfather status and change his jersey to read “Pop-pop,” while others have simply referred to him as “Old Man Rivers.” The overwhelming sentiment seems to be one of surprise and amusement at the idea of a middle-aged, grandfatherly figure making a serious attempt to compete at the highest level of professional football. Despite the joking tone, there is also a sense of admiration for Rivers’ apparent determination and refusal to be defined by his age or family status.