Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers has been the talk of the NFL since coming out of retirement to join the Indianapolis Colts earlier this week. Rivers is 44 years old hasn’t played in the league since 2020, so people are extremely interested to see how he’ll look after a half-decade away from professional football.
Rivers’ return is especially significant for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as it means that Rodgers, 42, will no longer be the oldest player in the league.
Aaron Rodgers happy that he's no longer the oldest player in the NFL
At practice on Thursday ahead of Pittsburgh’s crucial Week 15 matchup with the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football, Rodgers reacted to Rivers’ return and expressed joy that he is no longer the old man of the league.
“I’m not the oldest guy in the league [now],” Rodgers said. “Love that.”
It’s funny that Rodgers immediately went to the age thing, but you can’t blame him for being happy about no longer being the league’s resident geriatric.
On a more serious note though, Rodgers also expressed admiration for Phillips’ football acumen and his ability to return to the game at his advanced age.
“It’s pretty incredible though, because he’s been out for I believe four full seasons, plus this season. … I’ve been a fan of his forever. I’ve known him a little bit over the years,” Rodgers said. “I just love the way that he competes and plays. Again, not the most gifted player, but cerebral as all get out, hilarious trash-talker and I wish him nothing but the best. I’ve been a fan of his for a while and I hope he goes out, and just like riding a bike, he can jump right back into the saddle and I expect him to.”
Rodgers played against Rivers five times over the course of his career, and the games featured some memorable moments. Rodgers also passed Rivers on the NFL's all-time touchdown passing list a few years back.
There's a chance that Rodgers and Rivers could end up meeting in the playoffs this season, as both teams are currently in the thick of the playoff picture in the AFC.