Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending his 17-year career. Both the Chargers and the Colts thanked him on Twitter.
Rivers stated about his retirement, “Every year, January 20th is a special and emotional day,” Rivers said. “It is St. Sebastian’s Feast day, the day I played in the AFC championship without an ACL, and now the day after 17 seasons, I’m announcing my retirement from the National Football League. Thank you, God, for allowing me to live out my childhood dream of playing quarterback in the NFL.” Rivers would then add, “I am grateful to the Chargers for 16 seasons, and the Colts for the 17th season. Thank you to all my coaches that helped me grow as a player and person.”
Rivers would then thank opposing defenses, referees, the fans from San Diego, all of his teammates, and his family.
Rivers was the fourth overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the New York Giants before being traded to the San Diego Chargers for Eli Manning.
In his 17-year career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts, Rivers finishes playing 244 games with a 134-106 record, 5,277 pass completions out of 8,134 for 63,440 yards (64.9 completion average), 421 touchdowns, and 209 interceptions. Despite never appearing in a Super Bowl, Rivers’ numbers will put him in the Hall of Fame five years from now.
The Colts now focus on either drafting a quarterback or trading for one in the offseason with Rivers now retired. The Colts currently have the 21st pick in the NFL Draft and could look to move up or use that pick in a trade for either Carson Wentz or Deshaun Watson.
