Philip Rivers announces retirement as member of Chargers after 17-year NFL career
The news was announced in an emotional video posted to the Chargers' social media accounts.
"Thankful for those 16 years and entrusting me to be the quarterback," Rivers said during the video. "I certainly never took it for granted. Never took it for granted, getting to suit up and lead the Chargers for shoot, 240 something games in a row."
Rivers spent 16 of his 17 seasons with the Bolts, before playing with the Indianapolis Colts in his final season in 2020.
The majority of his career came while the team was still located in San Diego and played their games at Qualcomm Stadium, both of which earned shoutouts from Rivers during the video.
His official retirement contract was delivered by four of his beloved offensive linemen — Nick Hardwick, Jeromey Clary, Marcus McNeill and Kris Dielman — who protected him during nearly all of his games with the Chargers.
Rivers still holds an extensive list of franchise records for the Chargers, including games played (228), wins (123), passing yards (59,271) and passing touchdowns (397). He helped the Bolts to six playoff appearances, was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, led the NFL in passing yards in 2010 and was the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2013.
The New York Giants actually selected Rivers with the No. 4 pick in the 2004 NFL Draft out of NC State, but the infamous Eli Manning decision wound up in a trade that sent him to San Diego along with the draft picks that eventually became kicker Nate Kaeding and linebacker Shawne Merriman.
Rivers then spent the first two seasons behind eventual Hall of Famer Drew Brees, who left the team in free agency in 2006. He wound up leading the Bolts to the playoffs and four straight AFC West titles after that, teamed up with the likes of Hall of Fame players in LaDainian Tomlison and Antonio Gates and a stellar defense, though they never advanced past the AFC Championship game.
Rivers finishes his NFL career sixth all-time in passing yards (63,440) and touchdown passes (421). He is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026.
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