Philip Rivers opens up about returning to NFL, Colts after not playing since 2020 season

The most-discussed NFL-related story of the week involves 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers coming out of retirement to join the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad this week. 

Rivers spoke with reporters on Wednesday and admitted he wondered if he would hear from head coach Shane Steichen once starter Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. 

Philip Rivers was immediately excited at thought of re-joining Colts

"As simple as can be, a coach that I love and an organization that I really enjoyed being with," Rivers said about his return, according to Kevin Patra of the NFL's website. "[Former Colts owner Jim Irsay] believing in me in 2020 when it didn't go so good in 2019. The teammates that I was able to play with, shoot, 14 of them are still here. Training room is the same. PR guys are the same. Equipment room is the same. They wanted me. I try to keep it as simple as that."

Rivers hasn't played since he featured for the Colts during the 2020 season. However, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated noted that Steichen and Rivers "talk twice a week" about a variety of topics. The two have known each other since Steichen first began serving as a defensive assistant with the then-San Diego Chargers in 2011. Steichen was later Rivers' offensive coordinator with the Chargers. 

Why Philip Rivers wanted to give playing in the NFL one final shot

As ESPN's Stephen Holder and Jeremy Fowler mentioned, Rivers has 10 kids and a grandson. Nevertheless, Rivers suggested on Wednesday that he never fully emptied his tank before he retired. 

"A game I love to play," Rivers said. "A game I thought I was done playing, certainly. I wasn't really hanging on any hope of playing again. I kind of thought that ship had sailed, but something about it excited me. Kind of one of those deals, a door opens, and you either walk through it and find out if you can do it or run from it. I know that there's risk involved, obviously, of what may or may not happen, but the only way to find out is going for it, and I just felt almost like it was a gift, another opportunity to play and cut it loose with the guys and the game you love to play."

Indianapolis backup Anthony Richardson Sr. is out indefinitely with an orbital fracture, and QB3 Riley Leonard is dealing with a strained knee ligament. Steichen wouldn't say on Wednesday if Rivers will start when the 8-5 Colts play at the 10-3 Seattle Seahawks this coming Sunday, but the writing is on the wall. 

"We're going to find out that, too," Rivers said about whether or not he can still physically go as an active NFL quarterback. "I think so. I know it is tough. I know five years is a long time. Believe me, that weighed on me a lot, it being so long. But it is also a game I've played a long time, and stayed in over the last five years." 

Rivers has spent a portion of his retirement working as a head coach at the high school level. 

"I know high school ball is different," Rivers continued. "Staying involved in the game, and I watched the Colts and the Chargers every Sunday, about every snap, and I watch about every game there is. And I know that's not NFL-preparing to play quarterback. I know it's a far stretch from that, but it's not like I just shut football down and am trying to pick it back up."