Philip Rivers shocked the NFL, going from high school football coach to Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback after nearly five years out of the league. But it’s worth asking: was he really the best retired former Colts QB they could’ve called, with a former No. 1 overall pick and current Stanford general manager potentially waiting on the other end of the line?
Andrew Luck Shares His Take on Potential Return to Indianapolis
Andrew Luck, 36, who abruptly retired before the 2019 season and joined his alma mater last year, has remained mostly out of the professional spotlight. Although the Colts were in a bind, with injuries to Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson, and Riley Leonard leaving them depleted at quarterback on a roster otherwise built to compete, the franchise was desperate for someone to help them survive the season.
If the goal in a quarterback search was to find a high level of familiarity and football IQ, one might expect the first call to go to the franchise’s former golden boy, rather than the sudden comeback of a 44-year-old veteran grandfather.
“How many times did the Colts call you, and how many times did you say no?” Luck was asked last week on “The Jim Rome Show.”
“Zero,” Luck responded. “I had zero chances to say no.”
Unsurprisingly, Luck wouldn’t have remotely considered it anyway. Even given the chance, he wasn’t stepping away from Stanford football.
“No, thank you,” Luck said when prompted on what he would have told Indianapolis had he gotten a call. “I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
Rivers, a future Hall of Famer, played for the Colts in 2020 before stepping away from the game entirely, only to return for a Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks in the close of 2025.
Even though Indianapolis held a lead within the final minute, against all odds, the Seahawks drove for a game-winning field goal with 18 seconds remaining, handing the Colts an 18-16 loss.
The veteran quarterback completed 18-of-27 throws for 120 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The fact that he was sacked just once serves as more evidence that Rivers can still contribute to the team.
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The Colts will now play the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 16. A loss would eliminate them from playoff contention, and Rivers will be required to build on his performance against the Seahawks to give his team a chance against the 49ers.
According to PFSN’s Defense Impact metric, San Francisco has the 24th-ranked defense in the league, so it will be intriguing to see whether Rivers can exploit the injured unit.
Luck on Philip Rivers’ Unexpected NFL Comeback
If nothing else, the Colts’ defeat still proved one thing. Rivers wasn’t the wildest choice for a short-term emergency solution after all.
“It’s incredible,” Luck added, echoing what many of us felt watching Rivers seize what was widely considered an absurd opportunity. “I do stand in awe of Philip.”
Luck even admitted Rivers was a hero of his growing up, praising not only the arm talent he still possesses in his forties, but also the leadership and overall impact Rivers brings to any locker room he graces.
“For him to still go out there and be able to sling it like he does, and not just sling it, but with the authenticity and leadership, and positive affect he does bring, that certainly jumps through the TV screen or tiny little phone, or whatever you’re watching on,” Luck said. “I wonder how many ‘dadgummits’ he let out during the game.”
Rivers is likely quite grateful for both Luck’s unwillingness to entertain such a thought, as well as the Colts’ understanding that avenue would’ve been a waste of time regardless. As the father of 10, whose coverage was previously set to expire in August 2026, Rivers now receives NFL health insurance benefits for his family for an additional five years.
However, his focus will now be on leading the Colts in a must-win game against the 49ers. According to PFSN’s NFL Playoff Predictor, before their Week 16 clash against San Francisco, Indianapolis has a 9.20% chance of making the postseason and a 1.20% chance of winning the AFC South.
