Ex-NFL Star warns Philip Rivers on what’s ahead in his Colts comeback

Quarterback Philip Rivers, now 44 and newly a grandfather, is poised for a rare return to action after five years in retirement. And one Hall of Fame quarterback who has played into his 40s himself is weighing in.

Warren Moon, the former pass-throwing great who starred in the NFL and CFL and played into his late 40s, shared his thoughts this week on Rivers’ prospects as the Indianapolis Colts prepare for a crucial late-season game.

“You’re not sure how his body will react”: Warren Moon weighs in on Philip Rivers’ return

Moon told TMZ Sports that he’s “alarmed” by the physical uncertainty of Rivers’ comeback. His concern isn’t about Rivers’ arm or football IQ, as those are well proven, but about the physical demands every day that come with being an NFL quarterback.

“Even though he’s been around the game, coached it and knows the playbook, you don’t know how his body is going to react to getting out there every day,” Moon said. Rivers has been practicing with the Colts after injuries to Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard forced Indianapolis into a desperate quarterback situation.

Moon’s advice is to lean on the run and stay out of long-down situations, particularly long third downs. He pointed to the Colts’ strong running back in Jonathan Taylor and emphasized the need for a physical offensive line to protect Rivers from extended pressure.

“If he has to go into third-and-8, third-and-9, those longer yardage plays, he might have to hold the football longer than he’s used to,” Moon explained. “Does he still have those fast-twitch muscles to move and get the ball out quickly? That’s the big question.”

Moon isn’t just any former player. He holds a place among the NFL’s all-time great quarterbacks and logged playing time into his mid-40s, much like Rivers is attempting, giving him a rare perspective on the physical toll of elite football later in life.

Rivers, of course, has long been respected for his durability and intelligence. In his final active season in 2020, he threw for more than 4,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. But the NFL has continued to evolve since then, speeding up and becoming even more demanding on quarterbacks, especially those who rely more on anticipation and pocket presence than on mobility.

Despite the unknowns, Rivers insists he’s ready, and teammates describe him as mentally sharp and physically prepared. But Moon’s comments highlight the very real challenges Rivers could face as he attempts to keep Indianapolis’ playoff hopes alive.

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