Philip Rivers retiring from NFL after 17 seasons: 'It's just time'

After 17 seasons, Philip Rivers is calling it a career. 

The former Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts quarterback has announced his retirement from the NFL, telling The San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee, "It's just time."

Rivers led the Colts to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth this season. The 39-year-old completed 68% of his passes for 4,169 yards and 24 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. His final game in the NFL was a 27-24 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC wild-card round. 

2020 marked the seventh time in River's career that he made it to the postseason. However, he never made it to a Super Bowl.

The eight-time Pro Bowler finishes fifth all-time with 63,440 passing yards and 421 touchdowns. 

Rivers will now begin coaching high school football, agreeing to become head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama. He was an all-state quarterback for his father Steve Rivers at Athens High School in Alabama before playing at N.C. State and moving on to the NFL.

"What has helped me come to this (decision) is the growing desire to coach high school football," he said. "That's what I've always wanted to do. It's been growing. I can't wait."

Colts head coach Frank Reich wanted Rivers to return in 2021. Instead, the franchise has a lot of questions to answer at quarterback. Jacoby Brissett is set to become a free agent, making rookie Jacob Eason the only QB the Colts have under contract for next season.