Almost five years after his last NFL game, quarterback Philip Rivers is on the verge of an unexpected comeback – and as a grandpa himself, he doesn’t really know how good he still is at the age of 44. “I know there’s a risk that something will happen or something won’t happen. But the only way to find out is to try it,” said Rivers, who has been a grandfather for just over a year. The Indianapolis Colts’ injury woes and his connection to head coach Shane Steichen could catapult him straight onto the field on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Quarterback Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon last weekend, and his replacement Riley Leonard was also injured in the 19:36 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Anthony Richardson has been out all season because of a broken bone – so Rivers’ phone rang on Monday. On Wednesday, the Colts made it official that the veteran had signed a contract for the practice squad. He can easily be called up to the game day squad for the duel with the Seahawks.
Rivers does not know his current weight
Rivers doesn’t even know how much he weighs at the moment, as he revealed in his first conversation with reporters. “It’s definitely not the same as when I ended my career,” he said. “But: I’ve never outrun anyone.” Rivers most recently worked as a high school football coach.
During his 17 years in the NFL, Rivers only played for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers – where he already worked with Steichen – and the Colts. He has more than 400 touchdown passes in his career. In 2013 he was named NFL Comeback Player of the Season.
The Colts haven’t won since beating the Atlanta Falcons in their visit to Berlin, but still have playoff hopes. Rivers should help achieve this goal.
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