Watch: Chargers Philip Rivers Releases Retirement Video

BREAKING: Philip Rivers Announces Retirement In Touching Video

Philip Rivers originally joined the Chargers as a first-round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Famously selected by the New York Giants, the team traded Rivers to San Diego after fellow rookie Eli Manning refused to play for the team. Starting his career behind Drew Brees, Rivers earned the full-time starting job in 2006 and immediately made a name for himself. Guiding the team to a 14-2 record, the quarterback finished his first season completing 61.7% of his passes for 3,388 yards, 22 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

While he never matched the greatness of all-time talents like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, Rivers remained a perennial top 5-7 quarterback throughout his peak. He led the league in touchdowns once, yardage once, and made eight Pro Bowls throughout his career while winning Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2013. His best season likely came in 2010 when he completed 66% of his passes for a league-best 4,710 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.

After a disappointing 2019 where he started to show his age, the Chargers moved on from Rivers and pushed forward with then-rookie Justin Herbert. Rivers landed with the Colts, guiding the team to an 11-5 record while completing 68% of his passes for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. This was good enough for a playoff spot, although the Colts ultimately fell to Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round.

Philip Rivers enters retirement as one of the best quarterbacks of his generation. While he never made a Super Bowl or won an MVP, he was one of the league’s more consistent quarterbacks for almost two decades.