Philip Rivers Is Back in the NFL. The Question Is, What Can the Colts Really Expect?

By: Sreeja Nallamala

Philip Rivers. AP

Philip Rivers walking back onto an NFL field in 2025 felt a little surreal, almost like someone hit rewind on a football movie. At 44 years old and nearly five years removed from his last snap, the Colts brought him out of retirement, hoping for one last spark. They were slipping out of the playoff race, injuries were piling up, and they needed someone who could steady the offense and get everyone in the right place. If nothing else, Rivers’ experience and leadership made him worth the gamble.

Rivers spent 16 seasons with the Chargers, becoming the face of the franchise in San Diego and later Los Angeles. He finished his career ranked among the league’s all-time leaders in passing yards and touchdowns, earned eight Pro Bowl selections, and was known for his durability, competitiveness, and constant on-field communication. After leaving the Chargers, he spent the 2020 season with the Colts, leading them to an 11–5 record and a playoff appearance before retiring and shifting his focus to family and coaching high school football.

His return did not end in a Hollywood upset. The Colts lost a close one to the Seattle Seahawks, but Rivers held his own. He threw for 120 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, and he kept Indianapolis in position to win until the final seconds. His arm strength is not what it used to be, but he brought the same fire, the same trash talk, and the same grit that defined his entire career.

More than anything, Rivers reminded everyone why he was such a beloved competitor. Even after the loss, he talked about wanting to set an example for his players at the high school where he coaches. To him, coming back was about showing what courage looks like even when the outcome is uncertain. That perspective is part of what has always made him easy to root for.

From a football standpoint, Rivers did not look overwhelmed. He made smart adjustments at the line, worked well with Alec Pierce, and handled the offense with confidence. Head coach Shane Steichen said watching Rivers operate again brought back memories from their years together with the Chargers. The communication, the command, the way he energized the sideline, it all came back instantly.

But the Colts are being honest with themselves, too. This comeback is not a Cinderella run waiting to happen. Rivers cannot push the ball down the field like he used to, which means defenses are going to tighten up on the receivers and make life harder on the run game.

Philip Rivers throws the football as RB Jonathan Taylor blocks defenders. NBC News.

Without the vertical threat, the offense loses that spark it had earlier in the season.

The other reality is the schedule. Indianapolis is still chasing the Texans for the final AFC playoff spot, and the remaining opponents are no joke. They still have to face the 49ers, the Jaguars, and another matchup with Houston. Those defenses are among the best in the league, and the Colts’ losing streak has put them in a tough hole to climb out of.

The roster around Rivers is also far from full strength. The offensive tackles are banged up, two starting corners were out last week, and the team has not been playing clean, complementary football. Even if Rivers plays efficiently, he cannot fix everything on his own. At this stage of his career, he is more of a stabilizer than a savior.

Rivers is expected to remain the Colts’ starting quarterback for the rest of the season. With limited options at the position and a roster still dealing with injuries, Indianapolis plans to lean on his experience over the final three games.

So what can the Colts realistically expect? Probably not a postseason comeback. What they can get, though, is a sense of finish. Rivers gives them leadership, calm under pressure, and the ability to keep games competitive even when things look rough. There is value in that, especially for a team trying to keep the season from spiraling.

If nothing else, watching Rivers take the field again is a moment fans will remember. It is not about chasing a ring anymore. It is about a veteran quarterback giving whatever he has left because he still loves the game and believes he can help his team.

For the Colts, this journey may not lead to the postseason, but Rivers’ return adds a spark to a season that desperately needed one. And for a few more Sundays, football gets to feel a little nostalgic again.

Edited by: Megan Livengood