Jan. 20 (UPI) --Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers has announced that he will retire after 17 seasons in the NFL.
- Rivers joins the Colts following a 2019 campaign in which he did some things well (66% C%, 7.8 YPA) but struggled elsewhere (20 INTs, 48.6 QBR). Rivers hasn't finished a season better than eighth.
- Colts' Philip Rivers leaning away from retirement in 2021: 'I hope there is a Year 2 in Indianapolis' The eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback wants to run it back in Indy.
Philip Rivers will be the football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Ala., pending his retirement from the NFL - whenever that happens. The news was announced at a 10 a.m.
Rivers told the San Diego Union-Tribune about his decision to retire late Tuesday night.
'It's just time,' Rivers said. 'It's just right.'
The 39-year-old quarterback completed 68% of his throws for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 16 starts this season. He led the Colts to an 11-5 record before they lost to the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the playoffs.
Rivers spent the first 16 years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers. He signed a one-year, $25 million contract last off-season with the Colts.
Rivers ranks No. 5 all-time in passing yards and touchdown passes. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection also is the Chargers' franchise leader in passing yards and touchdown passes.
He started 240 consecutive games to end his career, the second-longest streak for a quarterback in NFL history. Hall of Famer Brett Favre started 297 consecutive games.
Rivers will take over as the head football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Ala., after his retirement becomes official. He announced last May that he would assume that role after his NFL career.
'I can sit here and say, 'I can still throw it. I love to play,' ' Rivers said. 'But that's always going to be there. I'm excited to go coach high school football.'
Rivers -- the 2013 Comeback Player of the Year -- ends his career with a 134-106 record as a starter. He went 5-7 in the playoffs and never appeared in a Super Bowl. He led the NFL with 34 touchdown passes in 2008 and led the league in interceptions in 2014 and 2016.
This week in the National Football League
The Indianapolis Colts have some big decisions to make this offseason but one may not be bigger than what comes at the quarterback position and the situation with Philip Rivers.
The veteran may want to come back for another season to lead the Colts. There are reports its either returning to Indy or calling it a career this offseason.
If head coach Frank Reich could have his way, and if Rivers wants to come back, the duo would be working together again during the 2021 season.
Rivers was incredibly efficient during the 2020 season, which is a bit surprising given he had no offseason to work with his new team. He finished the regular season with a 68% completion rate, 4,169 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Philip Rivers Wife
He also showed out in the playoffs despite the nail-biting loss against the Bills. He completed 58.7% of his passes for 309 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Re-signing Rivers to another deal would give the Colts another shot at making a playoff run while adding more pieces around him. It would also give the Colts a chance to still draft a young quarterback if they feel so inclined.
Philip Rivers Stats
They still have Jacob Eason working his way up the depth chart but his presence shouldn’t stop Indy from taking another quarterback early in the draft if they want to.
Philip Rivers Kids
Rivers showed that while he maybe limited mobility-wise, he’s an incredible field general and can carry an offense if needed.
Philip Rivers Retire
Don’t be surprised if Reich gets his wish in getting Rivers back for another season.