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Philip Rivers answered the call when the Indianapolis Colts needed him most and nearly led the team to an upset win over the Seattle Seahawks, but fell just short.
The Seahawks were able to pull out an 18-16 victory on Sunday thanks to kicker Jason Myers’ six field goals. Rivers had a touchdown in his return, but couldn’t muster a more explosive offense in the second half. He gave as tough a performance as a 44-year-old player who hadn’t played in nearly five years could.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers walks the sideline during the Seahawks game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Back home in Alabama, the high school football team he coaches watched as the Colts quarterback tried to guide his team to victory. Rivers had coached St. Michael Catholic High School football before returning to the gridiron. He said he hoped he gave some inspiration to the youth.
“Maybe it will inspire or teach not to run or be afraid of what may or may not happen,” Rivers said after the game. “Hopefully I think about my sons and the ball players that I’m in charge of at school and they’ll say, ‘Crap, coach wasn’t scared.’
“There’s doubt, and it’s real. The guaranteed safe bet is go home or don’t do it, and the other one is, ‘Shoot, let’s see what happens.’ I hope in that sense that it can be positive for some young lads or young people.”
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) reacts after throwing an interception against the Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Rivers joined an exclusive club when he threw a touchdown pass to Josh Downs. He became the fifth player in NFL history to throw a TD pass at age 44 or older, joining Tom Brady, George Blanda, Steve DeBerg and Vinny Testaverde.
“It’s been 1,800 days since I’ve thrown a touchdown — or interception for that matter. So we’ve got both of those (boxes) checked,” Rivers said.
Just last month, Rivers was named one of the 26 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2026. But his eligibility will be reset because of his performance in the game.
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Now, the earliest Rivers could be a candidate is for the 2031 class.
