Phillip Rivers not ruling out return

Phillip Rivers won’t rule out a return to the NFL. Earlier this year, the former Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback retired following a 17-year NFL career.

“I’m not quite there,” Rivers, 39, told the Los Angeles Times. “I’m getting back there. I wouldn’t have made weight if I had to report last week, that’s for sure. But I am getting back into the lifting and running, and shoot, I occasionally throw a ball around out here in this heat. It’s not too hard to get a good lather going.”

Philip Rivers to @latimes: “I’m not predicting I will play in December or January, for that matter. One, you’ve got to have somebody who wants you, and two, it’s got to be right.

“But I have not completely ruled that out.”https://t.co/Ry3oeLw99I

— Sam Farmer (@LATimesfarmer) August 3, 2021

While Rivers states he’s getting back into the physical side of things, he isn’t making any predictions about his return.

“I’m just going to stay ready. I want to make sure I’m very clear: I’m not predicting I will play in December or January, for that matter,” Rivers told the Los Angeles Times. “One, you’ve got to have somebody who wants you, and two, it’s got to be right.”

However, he’s leaving a little bit of hope for anyone who wants to see the quarterback play another down in the NFL.

“But I have not completely ruled that out,” Rivers told the Los Angeles Times.

Since his retirement, Rivers has continued to stay around the game of football. He’s the head football coach of St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama. 

RIvers is enjoying his new venture. When it was announced he would take the job, Rivers spoke of it being the realization of a childhood dream.

“I had two childhood dreams. One was to play in the NFL, and I’m now going into my 17th season. The other was to be a high school football coach as my dad was,” said Rivers, per AL.com’s Ben Thomas. “How blessed am I to be able to live both of those out.”

Could Phillip Rivers return to the Indianapolis Colts?

Ironically, the team most in need of Rivers may be the one he played with last season. The Indianapolis Colts are facing some interesting challenges at the quarterback position.

After trading for Carson Wentz to replace the recently retired Rivers, it was announced this week he’ll miss 5-12 weeks with a foot injury. Now, the Colts’ hopes of a playoff run hinge on their ability to replace Wentz.

In house, former Georgia and Washington quarterback Jacob Eason is an option. Right now, he’s penciled in as the starting quarterback in the preseason. After Eason, the Colts have former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger. Also, they signed former UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley this week.

While Eason may have potential, the Colts may opt for a veteran quarterback to steady the ship until Wentz returns. Another option mentioned has been a possible trade for Nick Foles, who’s worked with Colts head coach Frank Reich in the past. 

Nevertheless, Indianapolis may not call Rivers for a reunion. Still, the quarterback is staying ready, just for the off chance they do. 

Image courtesy of Wesley Hitt / Stringer via Getty Images