Philip Rivers Makes NFL Comeback at 44, Set to Start for Colts

Quarterback Philip Rivers is set to make his return to the NFL, starting for the Indianapolis Colts against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. At 44 years old, Rivers, who has been out of the league since retiring after the 2020 season, joins the Colts’ 53-man roster amid injuries to their starting and backup quarterbacks.

Rivers, a veteran of the sport and an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, had been coaching football at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, prior to this unexpected comeback. His son, a four-star quarterback recruit, also played a role in Rivers’ decision to return. The Colts reached out to him following the season-ending injury to Daniel Jones, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon, and the knee injury of rookie backup Riley Leonard.

In adding Rivers to their active roster, the Colts have reset the quarterback’s Hall of Fame eligibility clock. A player must be retired for at least five years to be considered for induction. Rivers remarked on this development, stating, “It’s a real honor to be mentioned with those other 25 guys, certainly,” referring to his status as a Hall of Fame semifinalist. He emphasized that Hall of Fame considerations did not influence his decision to return.

The narrative of an aging quarterback making a comeback is not new to the NFL. Steve DeBerg did something similar in 1998, returning to play at age 44 for the Atlanta Falcons after a five-year absence. Remarkably, DeBerg went on to lead the Falcons to a 7-1 record as a starter that season.

DeBerg’s own journey back to the field began when he realized his throwing skills had not diminished while coaching his son. When he reached out to former coach Dan Reeves about a tryout with the Falcons, Reeves was taken aback. “Are you out of your … mind?” he asked DeBerg, who assured him he was serious about returning as a player.

DeBerg ultimately signed a contract with the Falcons, where he displayed his experience as a longtime player and coach. “I thought I’d be the most valuable third-stringer in history,” he recalled. His unexpected success culminated in the Falcons finishing the regular season with a 14-2 record and reaching the Super Bowl.

Now, as Rivers prepares to take the field, DeBerg sees potential for success. He noted Rivers’ remarkable ability to throw the football and his high football IQ. “He’s stayed in the game mentally, and he never was a runner,” DeBerg remarked. “They’ve got a really nice team,” he added, referring to the Colts’ overall talent.

The Colts currently sit in a competitive position, vying for a playoff spot. With the Seahawks holding a record of 10-3 and in contention for the top seed in the NFC, the importance of Rivers’ performance cannot be overstated.

As the football world watches this remarkable comeback, both Rivers and DeBerg serve as examples of resilience in the sport. The stakes are high as the Colts turn to the seasoned quarterback to navigate the challenges ahead.