With Philip Rivers coming out of retirement to sign with the Indianapolis Colts, how does this alter his Hall of Fame candidacy?
Philip Rivers Hall of Fame Questions
Philip Rivers is one of 26 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026. If he signs to the Colts active roster, his name will come off that list, the clock will restart, and his Hall-of-Fame candidacy will be delayed by five years. https://t.co/BJatdz3D1q
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 9, 2025
The Colts are calling in an old friend to play quarterback.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Indianapolis is signing Rivers to the practice squad in a move that will turn heads in NFL circles. Rivers, 44, worked out for the Colts on Monday night, leading to his signing on Tuesday.
The Colts are desperate for quarterback depth. Daniel Jones will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 14. Riley Leonard, Jones’ backup, is dealing with a knee injury and could miss Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Anthony Richardson is still on injured reserve, and Brett Rypien remains on the Colts’ practice squad.
Rivers is a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This marks Rivers’ first year of eligibility. If Rivers remains on the practice squad without being elevated, his Hall of Fame status won’t change.
If Rivers is elevated to the active roster, it pushes back his Hall of Fame candidacy by five years.
Judging by his willingness to unretire and play for the Colts, Rivers does not care about his Hall of Fame eligibility clock.
Can Philip Rivers Still Play?
Fun Fact learned in production meetings:
Philip Rivers ran the same offense as the Colts for his son Gunnar’s HS team this season.
He and Shane Steichen spoke weekly about it, discussing plays and even film.
So familiarity with the scheme should be no problem whatsoever.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 9, 2025
The one-million-dollar question: Can a 44-year-old still play after sitting on the sidelines for five years?
Rivers last played in the NFL during the 2020 COVID season. Rivers played 16 regular-season games for the Colts, leading Indianapolis to an 11-5 record. The Colts made the AFC playoffs that season as a wild card, losing to the Buffalo Bills in the opening round.
Rivers still looked the part of a starting quarterback in the NFL, throwing for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
In the playoff loss to the Bills, Rivers impressed with 309 yards and two touchdowns.
Looking at the Colts’ roster, Rivers might be more than an insurance policy. There is a strong chance Rivers sees action as early as Sunday, especially if Leonard can’t play.
Per ESPN, Rivers and Steichen are close friends, dating back to their six seasons spent together with the Chargers. The duo remains in close contact and discusses football on a “weekly basis.”
ESPN also reports that Rivers had an “impressive” workout. His throwing ability is there, but he reportedly needs to work on his conditioning.
All eyes will now be on the Colts’ injury report as Sunday’s game against the Seahawks rapidly approaches.
