Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is back, and it’s a story that’s capturing the NFL’s attention. After a surprising call-up Tuesday, Rivers will be starting Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, a move that’s already generating buzz and raising questions about the Colts’ chances in a competitive AFC landscape.
The decision came after Colts head coach Shane Steichen realized starting quarterback Riley Leonard was struggling. Steichen called Fairhope, Alabama, where Rivers was coaching his son Gunner, and Rivers, after a long period of self-doubt, immediately expressed interest. “Heck yeah, I’m interested. Heck yeah,’” Steichen recalled. “Dadgummit, let’s freakin’ go.”
Rivers, 44, hadn’t played in the NFL since 2021, a decision fueled by the birth of his tenth child and a desire to spend time with his family. He initially thought his NFL career was over, but the opportunity to return to the game, and to work with Steichen again – with whom he’d spent five years with the Chargers – proved too tempting. “It’s been a whirlwind of 48 hours,” Rivers said. “But each moment that goes by, I feel more and more confident.”
The Colts, currently sitting at 8-5, are fighting for a wild card spot. They’re chasing the Texans (8-5), Bills (9-4), and Chargers (9-4), and even the AFC South-leading Jaguars (9-4). The urgency is palpable.
“I’m not here to stinking save the year or be a hero by any means,” Rivers stated. “We got to stinking run the crap out of the football and play defense and do all those things. So if that comes to be, and I’m the one that’s out there, I’m not here to try to save the day. I’m going to know where I’m limited.”
Despite the time away, Rivers believes his football intelligence remains elite. He’ll work with Steichen, and the Colts have a talented roster, including running back Jonathan Taylor and receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The team is also exploring a heavy dose of plays for Taylor, considering tight end Ty Warren, receiver Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs.
The Colts are aware of the risks. “I know there’s risk involved,” Rivers acknowledges. “The only way to find out was going for it.” If Rivers starts Sunday, it’s a must-watch situation – a player returning after nearly five years away.
Considering Rivers’ background, his return mirrors the stories of Eric Weddle and George Foreman, both of whom surprisingly returned to the field after several years away, earning rings and cementing their legacies. The NFL is watching to see if Rivers can pull off a similar story.
Fuente: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/philip-rivers-colts-them-must-213042750.html