Philip Rivers makes stance clear on NFL future after shocking un-retirement

Philip Rivers’ fairytale return to the NFL will end this weekend.

The Colts quarterback told Kay Adams on “Up & Adams” earlier this week that he will consider himself officially finished as a pro following Indianapolis’ tilt with the Texans on Sunday.

“I am,” he said of finishing his career. “I am.”

The 44-year-old explained he actually intended on being fully retired following the 2020 season, but the Colts’ unique situation was just too perfect for him to pass up.

He added that there’s simply no way another one like it comes around again.

“I said to someone if — I just made up a team, I don’t mean the Chicago Bears or the Minnesota Vikings, but had someone like that called, there’s no chance,” Rivers said.

“Because [Indianapolis] was a place I had been, a team I was familiar with. The offense was exactly the same. The coach (Shane Steichen) I knew. It was all those things. Our football season was over. It was all those things just made it kind of the perfect storm.”

Philip Rivers started three games for the Colts this season. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rivers said his main priority now is his head coaching role at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama.

Two of his sons will be on next season’s team, and he won’t miss out on that to be under center in the NFL again.

“I’m back to the sideline,” Rivers said. “This was a fun, three-week blurb that nobody saw coming, including myself. And that’ll be it.”

Rivers joined the Colts in Week 15 following injuries to quarterbacks Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard.

He made his first start against the Seahawks, and then suited up twice more in the following weeks against the Niners and Jaguars.

Philip Rivers came out of retirement to join the Colts in Week 15. AP

He totaled 58 completions for 544 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions in the three games.

Rivers is expected to be a backup in the Colts’ finale this weekend, as Leonard has been named the starter with Indy officially eliminated from the postseason.