There has been a lot of hate being flung Philip Rivers' way from certain corners of the NFL universe.
There are people who think it's wrong that this 44-year old former Chargers QB has been signed on to play with the Colts in Week 15 after not having played in the NFL in nearly five years.
Rivers' former star teammate with the Chargers, Shawne Merriman, isn't standing for it.
Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark said this on First Take this week: "I believe this is foul... I believe this is incompetent, and I also believe it is irresponsible."
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This is what Merriman posted on X in response:
Man I’m trying to mind my business but this damn platform ain’t letting me. Https://t.co/UmY0Ksjfkm
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) December 12, 2025
It feels reasonable to be on Merriman's side in this one.
Rivers hasn't played in a long time, yes. But the Colts were in dire QB straits and found a guy who would be comfortable with the offense quickly while having the composure and experience to figure out a way to stay competitive even if things aren't going particularly well.
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Indy has put together a special season, but it's at risk of falling all the way off the table.
The Rivers signing is a last-ditch effort, and if he wants to be there and the Colts want him there, there's nothing else to it.
Merriman is always going to back Rivers, there's no surprise about that.
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