The NFL will witness a remarkable comeback as Philip Rivers is set to start for the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. At 44 years old, Rivers returns to professional football after a nearly five-year retirement, stepping in as the Colts face significant challenges with their quarterback lineup.
Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and a Hall of Fame semifinalist, last played in the league during the 2020 season. Following his retirement, he transitioned to coaching at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where he guided his son, a four-star quarterback recruit. The Colts reached out to Rivers after their starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, sustained a season-ending torn Achilles tendon, and rookie backup Riley Leonard suffered a knee injury.
With the Colts facing a tough matchup against the Seahawks, who currently hold a 10-3 record, the team’s quarterback strategy remains uncertain. Leonard was a full participant in practice this past Thursday, and the Colts also promoted Brett Rypien from the practice squad. However, Rivers’ addition to the active roster is a significant move that could alter the dynamics of the game.
Rivers’ return also has implications for his Hall of Fame eligibility, as he must remain retired for a minimum of five years to qualify. Despite this, Rivers has expressed that the prospect of being inducted is not a primary concern for him. “It’s a real honor to be mentioned with those other 25 guys, certainly,” he stated regarding his semifinalist status. “But I’m not holding my breath on that.”
Steve DeBerg’s Remarkable Parallel
Rivers is not the first quarterback to attempt a comeback at this age. In 1998, Steve DeBerg returned to the NFL at 44, signing with the Atlanta Falcons after a five-year break. DeBerg had a successful run, leading the team to a 7-1 record as a starter. His experience mirrors Rivers’ situation in that both players were driven by a sense of unfinished business in football.
After initially retiring in 1993, DeBerg spent time coaching quarterbacks before realizing he still had the skills to compete at a high level. He reached out to his former coach, Dan Reeves, to discuss a possible return, which resulted in a surprising opportunity to play. DeBerg recalled, “Are you out of your … mind?” as Reeves reacted to DeBerg’s intentions. Ultimately, he proved his worth, significantly contributing to the Falcons’ success that season.
Rivers’ Skill Set and Future Prospects
As Rivers prepares to take the field, DeBerg believes he has the tools necessary to succeed. “Rivers has an amazing ability to throw the football,” he commented. “He’s got a really high football IQ. He’s stayed in the game mentally, and he never was a runner.” DeBerg noted that the Colts have a solid team structure, which could provide Rivers with a supportive environment to thrive.
With expectations high and the Colts in a playoff race, Rivers’ performance could not only impact the outcome of the game against the Seahawks but also reshape perceptions of veteran players returning to the NFL. As the football world turns its attention to this unusual scenario, both Rivers and DeBerg demonstrate the enduring spirit of competition in professional sports.
