Indianapolis, December 29, 2025
Philip Rivers, the former NFL quarterback, has made a comeback with the Indianapolis Colts, signing onto their practice squad amid injuries to their key quarterbacks. The 44-year-old previously retired in 2020 and had been coaching high school football. Rivers’ successful coaching stint at St. Michael Catholic High School included a 13-1 record, showcasing his skills in player development. His return is seen as vital for providing leadership and experience to the Colts as they aim for a playoff berth.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Philip Rivers Returns to Colts as Practice Squad Quarterback
Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers has returned to the Indianapolis Colts, signing with the team’s practice squad amid a series of quarterback injuries.
The 44-year-old Rivers, who retired after the 2020 season, joined the Colts on December 9, 2025, following injuries to starting quarterback Daniel Jones and backup Riley Leonard. Rivers’ extensive experience and familiarity with the Colts’ offensive system make him a valuable addition during this critical period of the season.
Before his return to the NFL, Rivers served as the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. His leadership during the 2025 season led the team to an impressive 13-1 record, advancing to the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 4A state semifinals. Rivers’ son, Gunner, was the team’s starting quarterback, showcasing impressive talent and contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Coaching Legacy and Community Impact
Rivers’ coaching tenure at St. Michael Catholic was characterized by a dedication to player development and a strong emphasis on building a competitive program. His leadership transformed the team into a formidable force in Alabama high school football, reflecting his commitment to the sport and his community. This role allowed Rivers to remain active in football while nurturing the next generation of players, demonstrating an admirable dedication not only to athletics but also to community values.
Remarkable NFL Career
During his remarkable NFL career, Rivers amassed over 63,000 passing yards and 421 touchdowns, which places him among the league’s all-time leaders. His return to the Colts is positioned as a strategic move designed to stabilize the quarterback position and inject veteran leadership into the team as they strive for a playoff berth. The Colts hope Rivers’ experience will help navigate the turbulence of injuries and ensure continuity in their game strategy.
The Significance of Rivers’ Experience
As the Colts deal with injuries to both their starting and backup quarterbacks, the value of experienced players like Rivers cannot be overstated. His ability to quickly adapt back into the Colts’ system could be instrumental in the coming games. The leadership from a veteran with extensive playoff experience adds a layer of resilience to the team, which is crucial in the highly competitive NFL landscape.
Looking Ahead
As the Colts aim for a playoff spot, the addition of Philip Rivers offers both hope and strategic depth. His presence on the practice squad is indicative of a franchise that values experience and preparedness. With the right support and a solid game plan, the Colts can harness Rivers’ expertise to navigate the challenges ahead and keep their playoff aspirations alive.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player: | Philip Rivers |
| Age at Return: | 44 |
| Team: | Indianapolis Colts |
| Position: | Quarterback |
| Previous Role: | Head Coach at St. Michael Catholic High School |
| Coaching Record: | 13-1 in 2025 season |
| Son: | Gunner Rivers, starting quarterback at St. Michael Catholic |
| NFL Career Stats: | Over 63,000 passing yards, 421 touchdowns |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Philip Rivers?
Philip Rivers is a former NFL quarterback known for his prolific passing career, including over 63,000 passing yards and 421 touchdowns. He retired after the 2020 season and later became a high school football coach.
Why did Philip Rivers return to the NFL?
Rivers returned to the NFL to assist the Indianapolis Colts amid injuries to their quarterbacks, bringing veteran experience and leadership to the team.
What was Rivers’ coaching record at St. Michael Catholic High School?
During his tenure as head coach, Rivers led St. Michael Catholic High School to a 13-1 record in the 2025 season, advancing to the state semifinals.
Who is Gunner Rivers?
Gunner Rivers is the son of Philip Rivers and was the starting quarterback at St. Michael Catholic High School, contributing significantly to the team’s success under his father’s coaching.
What are Philip Rivers’ NFL career statistics?
Rivers’ NFL career includes over 63,000 passing yards and 421 touchdowns, ranking among the league’s all-time leaders in these categories.
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
