Indianapolis, January 1, 2026

Philip Rivers has confirmed his retirement from the NFL for the second time after a brief time with the Indianapolis Colts, which included three games and an 0-3 record. Having initially retired in 2021, Rivers returned when quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending injury. His performance included four touchdowns despite the team’s losses, and he reflected positively on the experience before shifting his focus to coaching high school football.

Indianapolis, IN – Philip Rivers Confirms Second NFL Retirement After Brief Colts Comeback

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers has announced his retirement from the NFL for the second time, concluding a brief three-game stint with the team. The 44-year-old veteran, who initially retired in 2021, returned to the Colts in December 2025 following an injury to starting quarterback Daniel Jones. Despite his efforts, the Colts were unable to secure a victory during his return, finishing with an 0-3 record in those games.

Details of Rivers’ Return and Performance

Rivers’ return to the NFL was prompted by Jones’ season-ending Achilles injury. The Colts signed Rivers to their practice squad on December 10, 2025, and he was activated three days later. Over the course of three games, Rivers completed 63% of his passes, accumulating 544 passing yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. Despite his individual performance, the Colts lost all three games, including a 23-17 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 28, 2025. Following this loss, head coach Shane Steichen announced that rookie quarterback Riley Leonard would start in the season finale against the Houston Texans, effectively ending Rivers’ brief comeback.

Rivers’ Reflections on His Return

After the Jaguars game, Rivers expressed no regrets about his decision to return to the NFL. He stated that despite the lack of victories, the experience had been enjoyable. His positive outlook serves as a reminder of the passion that drives many athletes to prolong their careers in competitive sports, despite the challenges of performance and outcomes.

Background on Philip Rivers’ Career

Philip Rivers was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2004 and played 17 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Chargers and later with the Indianapolis Colts. Known for his competitive nature and leadership, Rivers retired in 2021 after a successful career. In December 2025, following Jones’ injury, the Colts reached out to Rivers, demonstrating the team’s need for experience and leadership on the field. Despite the team’s struggles during this period, Rivers’ return highlighted his enduring passion for the game.

Looking Ahead

With Rivers’ retirement, the Colts are set to move forward with Riley Leonard as their starting quarterback. Leonard, a rookie drafted in 2025, will have the opportunity to lead the team in the upcoming season. Rivers, meanwhile, plans to return to coaching high school football in Fairhope, Alabama, where he has been involved in coaching his son’s team, marking a new chapter in his career dedicated to shaping young talent.

Recent Games Involving the Indianapolis Colts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ Schema in JSON-LD Format

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Why did Philip Rivers return to the NFL in December 2025?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Rivers returned to the NFL after Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, prompting the team to sign Rivers to their practice squad."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How did Rivers perform during his brief return?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Over three games, Rivers completed 63% of his passes, throwing for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. Despite his efforts, the Colts lost all three games."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is next for Philip Rivers?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Rivers plans to return to coaching high school football in Fairhope, Alabama, where he has been involved in coaching his son's team."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Who will start as quarterback for the Colts in the season finale?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard is set to start in the Colts' season finale against the Houston Texans."
      }
    }
  ]
}

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Philip Rivers Returns to the Colts for Last Game
Jaguars and Colts Clash in High-Stakes Week 17 Matchup
Philip Rivers Leads Colts Against 49ers
Colts’ Quarterback Decisions: Luck Confirms No Contact
Colts Shift Quarterback Strategy Amid Injury Concerns
49ers and Colts Set for Crucial Monday Night Showdown
Anthony Richardson’s Injury Recovery Update
Colts’ Mock Draft Highlights Romello Height as Key Target
Colts Sign Philip Rivers Amid Quarterback Crisis
Philip Rivers Joins Indianapolis Colts Practice Squad

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.