NFL news: Colts’ Philip Rivers has multiple touchdowns in first half vs 49ers
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Philip Rivers’ return to the NFL has many former quarterbacks over the age of 40 wondering if they could turn back the clock and perform at a similarly high level.
If anything, they should at least take note of what Rivers did in the first half for the Indianapolis Colts against the San Francisco 49ers.
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes the ball to San Francisco 49ers linebacker Keion White (56) as he applies pressure during the first half of an NFL football game on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 semifinalist delighted NFL fans watching the game on Monday night with a perfect performance in the first half against the 49ers.
He started the night with cheers from Colts fans at Lucas Oil Stadium, where he was joined by his family. The Colts took nine plays for 72 yards, and Rivers found wide receiver Alec Pierce for a 20-yard touchdown. Indianapolis took a 7-0 lead.
NFL SUSPENDS STEELERS’ DK METCALF FOR 2 GAMES AFTER FIGHT WITH LIONS FAN
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Photo/)
San Francisco scored back-to-back touchdowns thanks to Brock Purdy hooking up with Demarcus Robinson, forcing a special teams turnover and then Purdy scoring a pass to Christian McCaffrey. When Rivers got the ball back, he moved back down the field.
The Colts capped a 12-play, 66-yard drive with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Rivers to Pierce. A lot of time in the first half of the match ended in a draw.
Indianapolis trailed 24-17 at halftime. But the spotlight was on Rivers.
He was 14/21 with 175 passes and two touchdown passes. He last scored more than one goal during the regular season on December 20, 2020, against the Houston Texans.
Rivers returned to the Colts last week at age 44. For someone who hasn’t thrown a ball in nearly five years, he had a solid performance against the Seattle Seahawks.
Bundle FOX One and FOX Nation to stream the entire FOX Nation library plus live FOX News, Sports and Entertainment at the lowest price of the year. Offer ends January 4, 2026. (Fox One; Fox Nation)
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Now the Colts’ playoff hopes rest on his shoulders.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on X and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
