Philip Rivers ditches Drake Maye to root against Patriots QB in favor of $6,000,000,000 AFC powerhouse in playoffs

The brief return of 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to the NFL has officially come to an end. During Thursday's episode of the "Up & Adams" show, Rivers announced that he is retiring for the second time, bringing a close to his unexpected comeback.

With the Indianapolis Colts already eliminated from playoff contention following their Week 17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Rivers also revealed which team he plans to support during this year’s postseason.

Rivers shared that while he’s a fan of rising quarterbacks Drake Maye of the New England Patriots and Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos, his playoff allegiance will firmly be with the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I’m pulling for the Chargers. I’m definitely pulling for the Chargers,” Rivers said.

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That said, Philip Rivers emphasized how impressed he is with the growth of both Maye and Nix, noting that each quarterback has taken major steps forward over the course of their successful two-year careers.

"I do pull for quarterbacks. You pull for those guys that you get to meet. Bo (Nix) and Drake (Maye), both will be easy to pull for, but I'll be pulling for the Chargers like crazy."

Rivers’ loyalty to the Chargers, recently reported to be worth $6 million by Forbes, is no surprise. During his 16-year career with the team, he earned eight Pro Bowl selections, guided the team to six postseason berths, and helped them win four division championships.

The former North Carolina star won’t start for the Colts in their Week 18 game against the Houston Texans (11-5) and is set to retire from professional football for the second time following the matchup.

The Chargers (11-5), headed to the playoffs, will travel to face the Denver Broncos (13-3) on Sunday.

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Riley Leonard will start for the Colts in Philip Rivers' place in Week 18

One of the most surprising moments of the 2025 NFL season occurred in early December, when the Indianapolis Colts brought back quarterback Philip Rivers, five years after his 2020 retirement.

The signing came as the Colts faced a quarterback injury crisis and were sliding down the AFC standings in the latter half of the season.

Rivers showed flashes during his brief return, throwing for 456 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 55 of 83 passes. Despite that, the Colts couldn’t convert the performances into wins, going 0-3 in his starts and officially missing the postseason.

He won’t play in Sunday’s finale against the Houston Texans, with rookie Riley Leonard set to start and Seth Henigan expected to back him up, according to coach Shane Steichen.

Riley Leonard, the Colts’ No. 189 pick in the 2025 draft, was brought in to strengthen a quarterback room centered on Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson Sr. With Sunday marking his first career start, the former Notre Dame quarterback will have to handle the pressure that comes with the opportunity.

Edited by nagpaltusharn25