Indianapolis, January 4, 2026
Philip Rivers has officially announced his retirement from the NFL after a brief and challenging stint with the Indianapolis Colts. At 44 years old, Rivers rejoined the league in December to fill in for injured quarterbacks but struggled to find success, leading the team to a three-game losing streak. He expressed satisfaction with his return and now plans to focus on coaching high school football in Alabama, leaving behind a storied career marked by impressive passing stats and numerous accolades.
Indianapolis, Indiana – Philip Rivers Announces Retirement After Brief Return to NFL
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers has announced his retirement from the NFL, concluding a brief return to the league that began in December 2025. At 44, Rivers rejoined the Colts after a five-year hiatus, stepping in to replace injured quarterbacks Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. Despite his efforts, the team faced challenges, finishing the season without a playoff berth.
Return to the NFL
In December 2025, following season-ending injuries to starting quarterback Daniel Jones and backup Anthony Richardson, the Colts signed Rivers to their practice squad. Rivers, who had retired in 2021 after a 17-year career, was familiar with head coach Shane Steichen from their time together with the San Diego Chargers. This connection facilitated his swift integration into the team’s system.
Performance and Retirement
Rivers started three games for the Colts, leading the team to a 0-3 record during that span. Despite the losses, Rivers expressed no regrets about his decision to return, citing the enjoyment of playing the game and the opportunity to contribute to the team. After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Rivers announced his retirement, focusing on his coaching role at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where he had been leading the football team since his initial retirement.
Background
Philip Rivers spent 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and one season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. Over his career, he accumulated over 63,000 passing yards and 400 touchdowns, earning eight Pro Bowl selections. His leadership and competitive spirit left a lasting impact on the teams he played for and the NFL community.
Looking Ahead
With Rivers’ retirement, the Colts are now focusing on developing their young quarterbacks, including Riley Leonard, who is expected to start in the upcoming game against the Houston Texans. The team aims to build for the future, leveraging the experience gained during Rivers’ brief tenure to strengthen their quarterback position moving forward.
FAQ
Who is Philip Rivers?
Philip Rivers is a former NFL quarterback who played 17 seasons, primarily with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and one season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. He is known for his competitive nature and leadership on the field.
Why did Philip Rivers return to the NFL in 2025?
Rivers returned to the NFL in December 2025 to help the Indianapolis Colts after injuries sidelined their starting quarterbacks, Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. His familiarity with head coach Shane Steichen facilitated his swift integration into the team’s system.
How did the Colts perform during Rivers’ brief tenure?
During Rivers’ three-game stint as starting quarterback, the Colts recorded a 0-3 record, leading to their elimination from playoff contention for the season.
What is Philip Rivers’ current role after retiring from the NFL?
After retiring from the NFL, Rivers returned to his role as the head coach of the St. Michael Catholic High School football team in Fairhope, Alabama, where he had been coaching since his initial retirement in 2021.
What are the Colts’ plans for the quarterback position moving forward?
With Rivers’ retirement, the Colts are focusing on developing their young quarterbacks, including Riley Leonard, who is expected to start in the upcoming game against the Houston Texans. The team aims to build for the future, leveraging the experience gained during Rivers’ brief tenure to strengthen their quarterback position moving forward.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Player | Philip Rivers |
| Team | Indianapolis Colts |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Age at Retirement | 44 |
| Return to NFL | December 2025 |
| Games Played | 3 |
| Record During Tenure | 0-3 |
| Retirement Announcement | January 2026 |
| Current Role | Head Coach at St. Michael Catholic High School |
| Colts’ Next Game | Against the Houston Texans |
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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.
