Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Philip Rivers' NFL Comeback Includes Genius Off-Field Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 4:30 PM ET

After coming out of retirement on Dec. 11, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers will make his second start in a row against the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football.”

The 44-year-old almost pulled out a storybook win in his NFL return against the Seattle Seahawks, but the Colts ultimately fell short in the 18-16 loss. Rivers completed 18-of-27 passes for one touchdown and one interception.

"This isn't about me," Rivers said after the loss in Seattle. "We got a team that's scrapping like crazy to try to stay alive and get in the postseason. So obviously, we're all disappointed.”

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field.Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

His first game since the 2020 season did not have the sports movie ending to steal the headlines, but Rivers’ NFL comeback did include a genius move off the field that flew more under the radar.

During the first five years of retirement, eligible NFL players receive health insurance through the league. It includes health and dental coverage for two adults and all qualifying children.

This policy is especially notable for the Colts QB and his wife, Tiffany Rivers, who have 10 kids with a wild age range from 2 to 23. According to The Athletic’s Jordy Fee-Platt, Rivers was set to lose his coverage in August 2026. Now the five-year clock will reset at his next retirement.

Rivers’ oldest child, 23-year-old Halle, will only be eligible for the NFL’s insurance until her 26th birthday. Halle also has her own child, but Rivers’ grandson does not fall under the league’s policy. For his wife and their other nine children, Rivers can save a big sum of money over the next half decade.

44-year-old grandfather Philip Rivers will get the prorated minimum of $278,889 for four-regular season games with the Colts

Rivers also restores his league-provided health insurance that would have expired five years after his last game - resetting for five more years pic.twitter.com/Y6ZoJ5CqjN
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 18, 2025

Although he will only bring in $278,888 via his pro-rated minimum contract with the Colts this year, Rivers would not have trouble paying out of pocket if his NFL health insurance coverage went away. The longtime Los Angeles Chargers quarterback made more than $244 million in career earnings through NFL contracts in his first 17 seasons.

The Colts-49ers game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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