Colts Sign Grandfather Rivers, 44, Out of Retirement

When the Colts sign grandfather Rivers, 44, out of retirement, football fans everywhere were stunned. Philip Rivers — a former NFL star, eight-time Pro Bowler, and now a grandfather — was signed to the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad after a sudden injury crisis at quarterback.

It’s a story that sounds like a movie: a retired player returns to the league years later with playoff hopes on the line. Let’s break down what’s happening, why the Colts made this move, and what it could mean for the team’s season.

Why the Colts Signed Rivers

Quarterback Injuries Leave the Team in Trouble

The Colts were hit hard by injuries:

Starter Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
Backup Riley Leonard is dealing with a knee injury.
Anthony Richardson remains sidelined.

With their quarterback depth thin, Indianapolis needed a reliable option. That’s when the Colts sign grandfather Rivers, 44, out of retirement — bringing back veteran experience in a high-pressure moment.

A Comeback Years in the Making

Rivers’ Career Before Retirement

Philip Rivers retired after the 2020 NFL season following a 17-year career.

Highlights before retirement:

8× Pro Bowl quarterback.
One season with the Colts in 2020, leading them to a playoff berth.
Majority of career with the Chargers.

After retirement, he coached at a high school in Alabama and focused on family life.

Now a Grandfather — Back in the NFL

Now age 44 and a grandfather, Rivers’ return is rare and newsworthy. If he plays, he will likely be among the oldest quarterbacks in NFL history to take a snap.

The Colts hope his experience and leadership can help steady the offense and boost their playoff chances in the final weeks of the season.

How This Affects the Colts’ Playoff Hopes

Indianapolis’ Current Season Status

The Colts entered December with an 8-5 record and still in playoff contention, but recent losses and injuries have put pressure on the team.

Bringing Rivers in:

Adds veteran leadership
Provides a trusted quarterback presence
Helps navigate late-season pressure

Could Rivers Actually Start a Game?

There’s speculation he could even start a game, especially if rookie quarterbacks are unavailable. Reports suggest that, depending on injuries and performance, Rivers might be active as early as the next week.

This dramatic scenario is shaping up as one of the biggest stories of the 2025 NFL season.

Fans and Critics React

Positive Reactions

Many fans cheer the decision, saying Rivers’ experience could:

Calm a shaky offense
Help develop young players
Bring a winning mentality to the team

Criticisms and Concerns

Not all reactions are positive:

Some worry about Rivers’ age and physical readiness.
Others question whether a retired grandfather can handle NFL game speed.
A few pointed out his Hall of Fame eligibility could be delayed if he takes even one snap.

Still, the story has captured the imagination of football fans around the world.

What This Means for the NFL

The Colts sign grandfather Rivers, 44, out of retirement move could have wider implications:

Rewriting expectations about age in professional sports
Showing how NFL teams adapt during injury crises
Highlighting the value of veteran leadership

No matter what happens on the field, this comeback adds a memorable chapter to NFL history.

The Colts signed Philip Rivers to the practice squad due to injuries.
Rivers, now 44, retired in 2021 and became a grandfather.
He could play again and help Indy’s playoff race.
The story has sparked worldwide fan interest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did the Colts sign Rivers out of retirement?

The Colts needed experienced quarterback depth due to serious injuries to their current QBs.

2. How old is Philip Rivers now?

Rivers is 44 years old, making his comeback unusual for NFL quarterbacks.

3. Has Rivers played in the NFL recently?

No — his last NFL game was in the 2020 season.

4. Will Rivers definitely play in a game?

Not yet confirmed, but he could play depending on injuries and team needs.

5. Does this affect his Hall of Fame?

If he plays a game, his Hall of Fame eligibility could be delayed.

6. Did Rivers retire before this season?

Yes, he retired after the 2020 season and later coached high school football.

7. What position does Rivers play?

He is a quarterback, known for leadership and experience.

The NFL world is buzzing now that the Colts sign grandfather Rivers, 44, out of retirement. What seemed impossible weeks ago is now reality — a legendary quarterback may help a team chase the playoffs once again.

👉 Follow this season closely — subscribe for updates, bookmark this page, and keep track of Rivers’ journey back to the NFL!

Colts Sign Grandfather Rivers, 44, Out of Retirement