Philip Rivers: Grateful for Career if This Season is the Last
Philip Rivers recently reflected on his NFL career as he made what could be his final start with the Indianapolis Colts. The quarterback’s third start of the season came during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with the Colts already eliminated from playoff contention. This follows a loss that sealed their fate when the Houston Texans triumphed over the Los Angeles Chargers the previous day.
Rivers’ Career Reflections
Despite the disappointing circumstances, Rivers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play again. He stated, “If it’s the last one, it’s the last one,” emphasizing his acceptance of the possibility that this could mark the end of his professional career. He recalled his previous emotional farewell after a game in Buffalo in January 2021 and the peace he felt with that ending.
Performance Overview
- Completion rate: 17-of-30
- Total passing yards: 147
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 1
In his earlier games this season, Rivers demonstrated notable performance. Over his first two starts, he completed 41-of-62 passes for 397 yards, contributing three touchdowns against two interceptions. Despite these individual achievements, the Colts suffered defeats in all three games.
Colts’ Season Summary
Notably, the Colts began the season with a promising 7-1 record. However, their inability to secure a playoff spot has placed them among the rare teams since the AFL-NFL merger to miss the postseason after such a strong start.
Looking ahead, it’s uncertain whether Rivers will start again in Week 18. The Colts may choose to utilize rookie quarterback Riley Leonard or activate Anthony Richardson from injured reserve. Rivers has committed to prioritizing the team’s needs moving forward.
As the season concludes, Rivers cherishes the unexpected opportunity to play three additional games that he had not anticipated, expressing deep gratitude for the experiences gained throughout his career.
