NFL provides former Chargers QB Philip Rivers the first step toward getting what he deserves for his legendary career

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Nick Roesch | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 3:34 PM ET

There are plenty of all-time great Los Angeles Chargers players, but quarterback Philip Rivers has an argument as the very best in franchise history.

Rivers was selected fourth overall by the New York Giants in the 2004 NFL Draft, but was immediately traded to the Chargers for QB Eli Manning, who Los Angeles (then San Diego) selected with the first overall pick.

Rivers rode the bench for the majority of his first two NFL seasons behind then starting QB Drew Brees. The Chargers elected not to re-sign Brees after the conclusion of the 2005 season, paving the way for Rivers to take over in 2006.

Rivers took the bull by the horns, quickly developing into one of the elite QBs in the NFL. Fast forward 20 years later, and Rivers is on the verge of receiving the ultimate football honor.

Philip Rivers nominated for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Committee has released its list of 128 Modern-Era Players who have been nominated for the class of 2026. Among those are 13 who are in their first year of eligibility, which includes Rivers. A player must have last played at least five full seasons ago to be eligible for nomination.

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Rivers' final NFL season was a one-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. He is by far the Chargers' all-time leader in passing yards (59,271) and passing touchdowns (397). Rivers ranks seventh in NFL history in passing yards with 63,440 and sixth in passing TDs with 421.

Those statistics top numerous Hall of Fame QBs, such as Dan Marino, Joe Montana, and John Elway just to name a few. Where Rivers could run into some trouble in ultimately making the Hall of Fame is wins. He won plenty of regular season games with 134, ranking ninth all-time, but won just five of 12 career postseason games.

The furthest Rivers ever made it in the playoffs was the 2007 AFC Championship Game, which the Chargers lost 21-12 to the New England Patriots. Not winning a Super Bowl, or even making it to one, could hurt his case.

Never winning NFL MVP could also be a negative for Rivers' Hall of Fame bid. It will be interesting to see how it unfolds, as he must receive at least 80 percent support from the Selection Committee to make it through.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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