Phillip Rivers Calls it a Career
Philip Rivers made it clear: his NFL journey ends where it truly began, with the Chargers. Though he last played in 2020 with the Colts, Rivers publicly confirmed on Monday what fans long assumed, announcing in a heartfelt team video, 'I'm retiring a Charger.'
Rivers spent 16 years as the face of the Chargers franchise, from San Diego to Los Angeles, holding every major passing record in team history. His 137 career wins rank 10th among all NFL quarterbacks and second-most among those never to win a Super Bowl.
In the emotional announcement, Rivers emphasized his gratitude. 'What I miss, and what I'm most thankful for, are the relationships,' he said, reflecting on a career defined as much by connection as by competition.
The video was posted on the Chargers' social media page.
"There's no one like Phil."
Like many would expect, the responses were swift and emotionally charged.
"As a NFL fan its hard to find a player to root for that has the same passion and intensity for the game of football as Phil," said one fan.
This fan brought the emotion: "WE LOVE this so much! Forever 17!
Major respect here: "256 Baby."
San Diego love from this fan: "My QB. So much memories Phillip. Thank you. A true San Diego Charger."
"1 of my fave players in any sport ever. rabid competitor. underrated & should be a 1st ballot Hall of Famer. a legend just for being the only football player EVER to play a game with a torn ACL. & a simple, great dude who was easy to root for. thx for everything Philip Rivers," mentioned by this commenter.
More love: "Forever my quarterback."
The Chargers later in the day sent out a message about their former quarterback.
"The gosh darn best."
Rivers threw for 63,440 yards and 421 touchdowns, ranking sixth in NFL history in both categories. He sits alongside legends like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Ben Roethlisberger, each with a Super Bowl ring, a distinction that eluded him.
Known for his clean but fiery trash talk, Rivers stood out in an era of brash quarterbacks. 'Some clips I look at and just shake my head. But some, I think, dang, that was fun,' he said. 'It's like being in the backyard.'
One of his most iconic moments came in the 2007 AFC Championship Game. Despite tearing his ACL the week before, Rivers played the full game against the Patriots. The Chargers lost, but Rivers' toughness became legend.
The team's president, John Spanos, highlighted Rivers' legacy: 'He's one of the most important players in this franchise's history. It's what he did on and off the field, how he carried himself, and the success we had while he was here.'
Rivers entered the league in the famed 2004 NFL Draft. Originally selected by the New York Giants, he was traded on draft day for No. 1 pick Eli Manning. While Manning won two Super Bowls with the Giants, Rivers went on to have a Hall-of-Fame-caliber run with the Chargers.
He began as Drew Brees' backup but took over as the starter in 2006 and never missed another game. He started 252 straight, including playoffs — a streak only rivaled by legends of the game.
'Sixteen years. I never took that for granted,' Rivers said. 'They trusted me to be the quarterback. I'm forever thankful.'
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
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