Colts QB Philip Rivers Retires from NFL

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers in September. Photo by Romeo Guzman/CSM/Shutterstock (10775737k)

Despite the chatter about his possible return in 2021, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers decided he’d had enough. Rivers released a statement on Wednesday in which he announced his retirement from the NFL.

Rivers walks away from professional football at the age of 39 and after playing 17 years in the pros.

According to Rivers’ statement, he wanted to wait until January 20th to share his decision because it’s a “special and emotional day” for him.

“It is St. Sebastian’s Feast day, the day I played in the AFC championship without an ACL, and now the day that after 17 seasons, I’m announcing my retirement from the National Football League,” Rivers wrote. “Thank you God for allowing me to live out my childhood dream of playing quarterback in the NFL.”

Rivers then went on to thank his family, teammates, fans, coaches, and organizations he played for, among others.

“As my playing career comes to an end , the next chapter begins,” he added.

Philip Rivers spent the first 16 years of his career with the LA Chargers, where he established himself as one of the most productive QBs in the league. During his time with the organization, he made eight Pro Bowls while leading the Chargers to six divisional titles and one AFC Championship appearance.

After his contract with the Chargers expired last year, Rivers decided to come to Indianapolis and sign with the Colts. He ended up delivering a productive season in which he threw for 4,169 yards and 24 touchdowns.

With Rivers under center, the Colts went 11-5 and got to the playoffs, where they lost in a close game to Buffalo Bills.

Despite retiring, Rivers will stay as close to football as it gets. He will become a head coach for St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, a job he took last year.