Posted on Jan 05

Rivers makes brief return to Colts, helping team amid QB injuries before resuming high school coaching

Posted Jan 5, 2026

Philip Rivers, the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback, has come out of retirement to assist the team amid a quarterback crisis, while also returning to his role as head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama.

Why it matters: Rivers' unexpected return highlights the ongoing challenges faced by NFL teams dealing with injuries and roster depth issues, particularly at the quarterback position. His brief stint with the Colts underscores the urgency of filling gaps in the lineup during critical stretches of the season.

The Colts have struggled with quarterback injuries, prompting head coach Shane Steichen to reach out to Rivers after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending injury.
Rivers, who is now 44 years old, initially retired nearly five seasons ago but demonstrated his commitment to the game by stepping back onto the field.

What’s new: Rivers played three games for the Colts, albeit without a win, going 0-3 as a starter.

Although his performance didn't yield victories, his experience provided valuable mentorship for younger players on the roster.
Rivers' arrival was celebrated within the organization, as noted by Steichen: “That experience with Philip being here, I think, was great for everybody involved.”

Yes, but: Rivers’ return to the NFL raises questions about the physical demands of the league and whether he can sustain a long-term impact.

While Rivers expressed an openness to coaching at the NFL level, he remains focused on his high school coaching responsibilities and family commitments.
"There's nothing concrete to that... I think if this past month has taught me is you're open, obviously, to anything," Rivers stated, indicating that his future in football could evolve.

What to watch: As Rivers balances dual roles, his effectiveness in mentoring both high school athletes and professional players will be under scrutiny.

His son, Gunner Rivers, is a senior quarterback recruit at St. Michael Catholic High School, which may lead to interesting dynamics between father and son as they navigate their respective football careers.

The bottom line: Rivers’ brief return to the NFL serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of professional sports and the ever-present need for adaptability among players and teams alike.

The Colts, facing uncertainty at the quarterback position, found a temporary solution in Rivers, even as he grapples with his own transition back into the sport.
As he returns to high school football, his experience at the professional level could greatly influence the next generation of quarterbacks, including his own son.

Rivers makes brief return to Colts, helping team amid QB injuries before resuming high school coaching

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 5, 2026

The Colts have struggled with quarterback injuries, prompting head coach Shane Steichen to reach out to Rivers after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending injury.

Rivers, who is now 44 years old, initially retired nearly five seasons ago but demonstrated his commitment to the game by stepping back onto the field.

What’s new: Rivers played three games for the Colts, albeit without a win, going 0-3 as a starter.

Although his performance didn't yield victories, his experience provided valuable mentorship for younger players on the roster.

Rivers' arrival was celebrated within the organization, as noted by Steichen: “That experience with Philip being here, I think, was great for everybody involved.”

Yes, but: Rivers’ return to the NFL raises questions about the physical demands of the league and whether he can sustain a long-term impact.

While Rivers expressed an openness to coaching at the NFL level, he remains focused on his high school coaching responsibilities and family commitments.

"There's nothing concrete to that... I think if this past month has taught me is you're open, obviously, to anything," Rivers stated, indicating that his future in football could evolve.

What to watch: As Rivers balances dual roles, his effectiveness in mentoring both high school athletes and professional players will be under scrutiny.

His son, Gunner Rivers, is a senior quarterback recruit at St. Michael Catholic High School, which may lead to interesting dynamics between father and son as they navigate their respective football careers.

The bottom line: Rivers’ brief return to the NFL serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of professional sports and the ever-present need for adaptability among players and teams alike.

The Colts, facing uncertainty at the quarterback position, found a temporary solution in Rivers, even as he grapples with his own transition back into the sport.

As he returns to high school football, his experience at the professional level could greatly influence the next generation of quarterbacks, including his own son.