The Colts’ 23-17 loss to the Jaguars in Week 17 of 2025 may have been Philip Rivers’ final game, as reports indicate the veteran will be rested for the season finale against the Texans.
This was one of the season’s most memorable stories, as they brought back veteran QB Rivers after Daniel Jones suffered a serious Achilles injury. While the team missed the playoffs, Rivers’ play left him happy and emotional in what may have been his final game.
Philip Rivers Does Not Intend to Stay with the Indianapolis Colts in 2026
During a press conference after the Week 17 loss to the Jaguars in 2025 (via WISH-TV News), Rivers did not hide his excitement at returning from retirement to lead the Colts’ offense.
Following this, the franchise remained highly competitive in games against the Seattle Seahawks and 49ers during his 2025 return, with his unexpected comeback being a key factor in this success.
The Colts have yet to decide who will start at quarterback in Week 18 of the 2025 season, with the strongest possibility pointing to rookie Riley Leonard getting another opportunity amid the ongoing eye issues that continue to affect Anthony Richardson Sr.
Before Rivers returned in 2025, his last NFL game was in January 2021 in a Wild Card round loss to the Buffalo Bills. Now, it seems he has played his last game of the 2025 season, or possibly the last game of his career. The veteran expressed his feelings.
“If this was the last one, shoot, again, I told the guys I wouldn’t have any regrets about coming back, and I don’t. Other than us not winning, it’s been an absolute blast for three weeks. If I go back and say, ‘Alright you know everything that’s gonna happen, what are you gonna do? I’d do it all again. It’s been absolutely awesome.”, said Rivers.
WATCH: Philip Rivers chokes up talking about having possibly played his last game.
“It’s been an absolute blast… I’d do it all again.” pic.twitter.com/3zqtWGLA4Y
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) December 28, 2025
He then added, “I thought the last one was walking off the field in Buffalo, walking out that tunnel, and I was fine with that. I was at peace with that being the last one. If it is, I got three bonus games that I never saw coming, and I couldn’t be more thankful that I got the opportunity.”
Rivers’ Performance in the NFL in 2025 Was Surprising
In Week 17 of 2025, Rivers completed 17 of 30 passes for 147 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, failing to complete any deep passes (all attempts over 25 yards were incomplete).
Still, in his three games as a 2025 starter, he racked up 544 yards, 63% passing accuracy, 4 TDs, and 3 interceptions, which is a surprisingly positive and very solid performance for a veteran.
The veteran also made it clear that he will support any decision the Colts make regarding the quarterback position next week and assured that 2025 is his last season, with no plans to extend his return into 2026.
Indianapolis ranks No. 3 in the PFSN Offense Impact metric with a B+ grade. But the team was unable to salvage a season that started with a promising 7-1 record. The call-up of one of the most important athletes in the NFL in the 21st century proved to be the right decision for their 2025 campaign.
