Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is retiring from the NFL after 17 seasons.
Rivers told Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune on Tuesday night that he made his decision to retire, which was certainly on the table after his 2020 season with the Colts. The news was confirmed by Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star.
“It’s just time,” Rivers told the Union-Tribune. “It’s just right.”
During his press conference to end the season, Rivers wasn’t quite sure whether he was going to come back for another year. The Colts wanted to give him time to make his decision while they evaluate their own path.
This season, Rivers completed 68% of his passes for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Rivers spent the previous 16 seasons with the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers.
It seems Rivers will be going on to coach high school football in Alabama, which was expected given the report during the 2020 offseason.
“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 had a great run and even though he never got to the Super Bowl, his numbers suggest he should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He will be eligible for the first time in 2027.