Philip Rivers, the former quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, officially announced his retirement from the NFL last month, putting an end to the speculation about a potential comeback that had been lingering for years. After spending 16 of his 17 professional seasons with the Chargers, Rivers played his last NFL game in the 2020 season with the Indianapolis Colts. Many fans were left wondering why he chose to retire at this point in his career, and Rivers has finally opened up about his decision.
In an interview with The Cold Wire, Rivers explained that the timing of his retirement was not a sudden or impulsive decision. He had been contemplating it for a while and wanted to make sure he was making the right choice for himself and his family.
“I have been playing football for over 20 years, and it has been an incredible journey. But as I approached the end of my career, I knew it was time to hang up my cleats and focus on the next chapter of my life,” Rivers said.
At 39 years old, Rivers had a successful career in the NFL, with over 63,000 passing yards and 421 touchdowns. He was a consistent and reliable player, known for his leadership skills and competitive spirit on the field. However, as he entered his late 30s, he started to feel the physical toll that the game takes on a player’s body.
“I have been blessed to have a long and healthy career, but I could feel my body starting to slow down. The injuries and aches were taking a toll, and I knew I couldn’t keep playing at the level I wanted to,” Rivers shared.
Despite the physical challenges, Rivers had a successful season with the Colts, leading them to the playoffs and proving that he still had what it takes to compete at the highest level. However, he knew that it was time to prioritize his health and well-being over his love for the game.
“I have always given my all on the field, but I also have a family that I love and want to be there for. I didn’t want to risk any long-term health issues by continuing to play. It was a tough decision, but I know it was the right one,” Rivers explained.
Rivers also mentioned that his decision was influenced by the current state of the world. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, he didn’t want to put himself and his family at risk by playing another season.
“I have seen the impact of the pandemic on the league and the players, and I didn’t want to take any chances. My family’s safety and well-being are my top priority, and I couldn’t justify putting them at risk for another season,” Rivers said.
As he looks back on his career, Rivers has no regrets and is grateful for the memories and experiences he has had in the NFL. He also expressed his gratitude towards the Chargers organization for giving him the opportunity to play for them for so many years.
“I am forever grateful to the Chargers organization and the fans for their unwavering support throughout my career. I have made lifelong friendships and memories that I will cherish forever,” Rivers said.
While Rivers may have retired from the NFL, he is not done with football just yet. He recently accepted a head coaching position at a high school in Alabama, where he will be able to continue his love for the game while also spending more time with his family.
“I am excited for this new chapter in my life and the opportunity to coach and mentor young players. Football has been a huge part of my life, and I am grateful that I can continue to be involved in the sport in a different capacity,” Rivers shared.
As he embarks on this new journey, Rivers will always be remembered as a talented and dedicated quarterback who left a lasting impact on the NFL. His retirement may have come as a surprise to some, but it was a well-thought-out decision that was made with his best interests in mind. We wish Philip Rivers all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his contributions to the game of football.
