Philip Rivers has made an aggressive, career-defining choice. The veteran Chargers quarterback formalized his stunning NFL comeback this week. He signed a deal to join the practice squad with the Indianapolis Colts. This agreement marks his first league presence since his 2020 Colts season. Ultimately, the decision directly impacts his Hall of Fame eligibility.
Rivers is currently a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist for the Class of 2026. Players must be retired for five years to gain eligibility. However, joining the active roster would reset his five-year Hall of Fame eligibility clock. Rivers last played in the 2021 playoff loss vs. Buffalo. Therefore, a stint on the active roster would delay Canton until the Class of 2031.
The 44-year-old NFL player addressed these giant stakes. He gave his reasons during his introductory press conference Wednesday. Rivers disclosed that he only considered his NFL return about 48 hours ago. Consequently, the possibility of an eligibility delay was not a concern. “The extension of that time… is not a factor in my decision,” he strongly declared. This sentiment perfectly explains Why Philip Rivers delayed Hall of Fame eligibility.
The senior quarterback carries elite NFL career milestones. Rivers’ career passing yards rank 7th all-time with 63,440. He sits 6th all-time in the passing touchdown leaderboard with 421. In fact, he is one spot ahead of Dolphins great Dan Marino. Rivers needs only 649 yards to surpass Ben Roethlisberger. Furthermore, Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford also feature prominently in the NFL quarterback rankings.
Shane Steichen, who was on the Chargers coaching staff with Rivers, lauded the move. The Colts coach praised the quarterback’s intense obsession with the game. Rivers’ return provides valuable veteran leadership to the team. Thus, the focus shifts to this Sunday’s Seattle showdown. The Hall of Fame Selection Committee will soon trim the list down to Modern-era player finalists. Despite this, Rivers remains solely focused on his return to the field. The highly valuable Colts quarterback situation in 2025 required his experience. The present is a thrilling chapter in Rivers’ football legacy.
