With the Indianapolis Colts’ season in crisis, the team called on Philip Rivers to come out of retirement.
Rivers last played in the NFL for Indianapolis in 2020 and had recently officially retired as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the veteran quarterback clearly believes he still has something left in the tank and can help try to save the Colts’ season.
While many are eager to see how Rivers performs after five years away from the game, the fact that he is even playing again is impressive. A potential future Hall of Famer, Rivers would become one of the oldest players to take a snap in the NFL if he suits up for Indianapolis.
So, how does Rivers’ age compare to his peers? Here’s a breakdown.
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How old is Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is 44 years old, which would make him the oldest player in the NFL if he takes a snap. He instantly becomes one of the most interesting players in the league as he attempts to find success more than 20 years after being drafted.
Philip Rivers' age vs. Teammates
It's no surprise that Rivers is the oldest player on the Colts' roster, but the margin by which that is true is jarring. Here's a look at how Rivers' age compares to his teammates.
Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard, QBs
Richardson, who would be starting if he was healthy, is just 23 years-old and almost half of Rivers' age. Similarly, Leonard is also 23-years-old, making both players the same age as Rivers' oldest kid, Halle.
Sauce Gardner, CB
The Colts' big trade acquisition, Gardner is still only 24-years-old and has a bright future in the NFL. However, since he was drafted in 2022, he has never played in the league while Rivers was active.
Jonathan Taylor, RB
Taylor was one of the current Colts who played with Rivers in 2020, when the running back was just a 21-year-old rookie. Now 26, he is an established star in the league and will be crucial down the stretch in helping Rivers.
Luke Rhodes, LS
The oldest player on the Colts before Rivers signed was long-snapper Luke Rhodes, who turned 33 years-old on Dec. 2. That means Rivers takes the mark of oldest player on the team by 11 years.
Philip Rivers' age vs. Coaches
Rivers was a high school coach while he was retired, and he is certainly old enough to be a coach in the NFL if he wanted. In fact, Rivers could look at the Colts' coaches as more of his peers than his bosses.
Shane Steichen, HC
Steichen is 40 years-old and a whole four-years younger than Rivers. However, the two have experience working together, as Steichen was a Chargers offensive assistant from 2014 to 2020, and they developed a strong relationship from that experience.
Jim Bob Cooter, OC
The Colts offensive coordinator is also younger that Rivers, as he is 41 years-old for the 2025 season. Therefore, both of Indianapolis' top offensive coaches are younger than Rivers.
Cam Turner, QB Coach
Rivers' position coach is even younger than his head coach, with Turner entering this season at 38 years-old. Turner first joined the Colts in 2023 and never worked with Rivers prior to this year.
Lou Anarumo, DC
One coach who is older than Rivers is defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. The veteran coach is 59 years-old and has coached against Rivers in the past.
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Philip Rivers' age vs. Starting QBs
The quarterback position is typically for the younger players, but a few veterans have been able to stick around in the league. Here's how a few starting QB's compare to Rivers' age.
Aaron Rodgers, Steelers
Rodgers turned 42 years-old earlier this month and was the oldest player in the NFL until Rivers decided to come out of retirement.
Matthew Stafford, Rams
The 37-year-old Stafford is having an MVP-caliber season and proving that older quarterbacks can still play at a high level. However, he is still seven-years younger than Rivers.
Kirk Cousins, Falcons
Another veteran quarterback, Cousins is also 37 years-old and nearing the end of his career. When he was drafted in 2012, Rivers had already been in the league for seven seasons and an established star at the quarterback position.
Justin Herbert, Chargers
Herbert replaced Rivers as the Chargers' starting quarterback in 2020, but he is still just 27 years-old during his sixth NFL season.
J.J. McCarthy, Vikings and Jaxson Dart, Giants
The two youngest starting quarterbacks in the NFL are McCarthy and Dart, who are both 22-years-old and exactly half of Rivers' age. Both players were just a year old when Rivers was drafted in 2004.