When was the last time Philip Rivers played in the NFL? Retired QB could return to the Colts in Week 15
The Indianapolis side have turned to their former player, now a coach, for help in the crisis.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in desperation? While it sounds like a question on a NSFW subreddit, it’s one the Indianapolis Colts are currently asking themselves. It’s exactly why they’ve turned to a college coach to help them through their injury struggles.
In a dramatic twist to the 2025 NFL season, the Indianapolis Colts are reportedly reaching out to Philip Rivers, the 44-year-old former star quarterback, potentially ending his years-long retirement.
Facing a spate of injuries at the quarterback position, including a season-ending Achilles tear to Daniel Jones, the Colts are said to be planning a workout with Rivers, who has spent the past few seasons coaching high school football in Alabama.
Philip Rivers 1st series after not touching a ball for 4 years: pic.twitter.com/KftD1oDpK7
— Colts Coverage (@Colts_Coverage) December 9, 2025
Meanwhile, backup Riley Leonard is also battling a knee issue, and former first-round pick Anthony Richardson remains sidelined with a broken orbital bone. Veteran Brett Rypien sits on the practice squad, but the Colts appear to be searching for more stability and experience.
Rivers last took the field during the 2020 season, his only campaign with Indianapolis after 16 productive years with the Los Angeles Chargers. At that time, he threw for 4,169 yards and 24 touchdowns, managing a solid season as the Colts made the playoffs. Whether he can reach that level again is unlikely, but his experience on the field would make him a solid option to have around the place amid this time of crisis.
Moreover, and potentially crucially, he has familiarity with the team’s coaching infrastructure: current Colts head coach Shane Steichen previously worked with Rivers during their overlapping time at the Chargers, a connection that reportedly played a role in the club’s decision to at least test him out.
The #Colts are planning to bring potential Hall of Fame QB Philip Rivers into their facility Tuesday to work out to see if he may join their practice squad, per me & @MikeGarafolo.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2025
This is real. Daniel Jones’ season is over, Riley Leonard will start, but Rivers may be an option. pic.twitter.com/H3tQW2R3s7
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Now, despite five years away from playing, his name still carries weight. Rivers ranks among the all-time NFL leaders with more than 63,000 passing yards and 421 touchdowns. It remains to be seen whether or not these numbers can provide a material impact to the crumbling Colts.
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