Colts’ Philip Rivers hopes to inspire youth with gritty play
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Philip Rivers answered the call when the Indianapolis Colts needed it most and nearly led the team to an upset victory over the Seattle Seahawks, but came up just short.
The Seahawks were able to pull off an 18-16 victory on Sunday thanks to six field goals from Jason Myers. Rivers scored a goal on his return but was unable to mount any more explosive attacks in the second half. He put in as brave a performance as a 44-year-old player who hasn’t played for almost five years can show.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers walks on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
At home in Alabama, the high school football team he was coaching was watching the Colts’ quarterback try to lead his team to victory. Rivers played in St. Louis before returning to the field. He was coaching football at St. Michael Catholic High School. He said he hopes he can be an inspiration to young people.
“Maybe it will inspire or teach you not to run or be afraid of things that may or may not happen,” Rivers said after the game. “I hope when I think about my sons and the ball players I was responsible for at school, they say, ‘Damn, coach wasn’t afraid.’
“There’s doubt and it’s real. The guaranteed safe bet is to go home or not to go home, the other is ‘Shoot it and see what happens.’ “Hopefully it can be positive for some young boys or teenagers in that sense.”
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) reacts after throwing an interception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Rivers joined an exclusive club by scoring a 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 threw a touchdown pass or an interception for that matter. So we checked both boxes,” Rivers said.
Just last month, Rivers was named one of 26 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2026 class. However, due to his appearance in the game, his eligibility will be reset.
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Now, the earliest Rivers could be a candidate is the 2031 class.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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