Philip Rivers is on the verge of his comeback. © Screenshot

At 44 and as a grandfather: Rivers poised for NFL comeback

Almost five years after his last NFL game, quarterback Philip Rivers is facing an unexpected comeback – and as a grandfather, he doesn't really know how good he still is at the age of 44.

11 December 2025

From: dpa

“I know there’s a risk that something will happen or it won’t. But the only way to find out is to try,” said Rivers, who became a grandfather just over a year ago. The Indianapolis Colts’ injury woes and his connection to head coach Shane Steichen could catapult him straight onto the field against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Quarterback Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon last weekend, and his backup, Riley Leonard, was also injured in the 19-36 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Anthony Richardson has been out all season with a broken bone, so Rivers' phone rang on Monday. On Wednesday, the Colts officially announced that the veteran quarterback had signed a practice squad contract. This means he can easily be called up to the game-day roster for the matchup against the Seahawks.

Rivers does not know his current weight.

Rivers doesn't even know his current weight, as he revealed in his first interview with reporters. "It's definitely not the same as when I retired," he said. "But: I've never run away from anyone." Rivers' last job was as a high school football coach.

During his 17 years in the NFL, Rivers played only for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers – where he already worked with Steichen – and the Colts. He has thrown more than 400 touchdown passes in his career. In 2013, he was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Season.

The Colts haven't won since their victory against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin, but they still have playoff hopes. Rivers is expected to help them achieve that goal.