Philip Rivers made headlines by signing with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad on his 44th birthday, marking his return to the NFL nearly five years after his retirement. The decision follows an injury to starting quarterback Daniel Jones, who suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. According to league sources, Rivers immediately became the oldest player on a current NFL roster, surpassing 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Born on December 8, 1981, Rivers enjoyed a remarkable career, spending 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and one with the Colts. Upon announcing his retirement on January 20, 2021, he stated, “It’s just time… It’s just right,” in an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune. At the time, Tom Brady was still weeks away from winning his seventh Super Bowl, a milestone that further emphasizes Rivers’ longevity.
Rivers’ Age Compared to Current NFL Coaches and Executives
Rivers’ age stands out not only among players but also compared to coaches and executives in the league. He surpasses 13 of the 32 current NFL head coaches, which is approximately 40 percent. Notably, he is older than Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who was the Chargers’ offensive coordinator during Rivers’ last season in the league.
In addition, Rivers is older than his offensive coordinator, Jim Bob Cooter, 41, and quarterbacks coach, Cam Turner, 38. Interestingly, Rivers is just nine months and 21 days younger than Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon, 45, who became the youngest owner in the NFL after taking over for her late father, Jim Irsay, in May.
Rivers also holds the distinction of being older than several general managers within the league, including five, while being only two months younger than Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Minnesota Vikings’ GM.
Connections and Comparisons with Younger Players
Despite the age gap, Rivers joins a quarterbacks room that includes Riley Leonard, who is 23 years old and has trained with Rivers in recent years. Leonard, born in September 2002, is younger than Rivers’ eldest daughter, Hallee, born in July 2001. This generational difference illustrates the evolving nature of the NFL, where the average team age hovers between 26 and 27 years.
Rivers’ draft class, which included notable names like Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, has seen many of its members retire, leaving Rivers as a veteran presence in a rapidly changing league. Interestingly, some of this year’s rookies were born after Rivers was drafted in 2004, further highlighting the contrast in experience.
Rivers is also older than several Pro Football Hall of Famers, including Calvin Johnson, who was inducted in 2021, and Patrick Willis, who received the honor in 2023. Although Rivers became eligible for the Hall of Fame for the first time this year, his potential induction could be delayed if he is added to the Colts active roster, resetting his consideration timeline to 2031.
As Rivers steps back onto the field, his unique position as both a seasoned player and a mentor to younger teammates adds a compelling layer to the Colts’ strategy this season. His experience could prove invaluable as he works to navigate the challenges of returning to professional football in an era dominated by younger talent.
