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Time of India
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Philip Rivers officially retires with Chargers after glorious 16 years
Philip Rivers has officially retired as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers - the franchise where he spent 16 of his 17 seasons - nearly five years after his last NFL appearance. Although he played his final year with the Indianapolis Colts , Rivers chose to conclude his career with the team that defined it. The announcement came through an emotional tribute video shared by the Chargers on X Monday evening, honoring his legacy and long-standing impact on the organization. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Cybersecurity Technology Others Data Science Finance Management Public Policy MCA others Healthcare PGDM Product Management MBA Design Thinking Project Management Operations Management Leadership Data Analytics Digital Marketing Degree healthcare Artificial Intelligence Data Science CXO Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months MIT xPRO CERT-MIT xPRO PGC in Cybersecurity Starts on undefined Get Details "I'm thankful for those 16 years and for [them] entrusting me to be their quarterback," Rivers said in a video that accompanied the retirement announcement. "I certainly never took it for granted. I never took it for granted getting to suit up and lead the Chargers for, shoot, 240-something games in a row." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo — chargers (@chargers) Selected No. 4 overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, Rivers was part of one of the most iconic quarterback draft classes in NFL history - a group that also featured Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger. Live Events A fiery competitor known for his passionate - yet profanity-free - trash talk and fearless play, Rivers earned eight Pro Bowl selections and a Comeback Player of the Year award during his time with the franchise. He exits as the Chargers' all-time leader in wins (123), passing yards (59,271), passing touchdowns (397), fourth-quarter comebacks (27), and game-winning drives (32). Rivers led the team to six playoff appearances and four double-digit win seasons, with his closest brush with a Super Bowl coming in the 2007 AFC Championship Game. Despite falling short of a title, his leadership and consistency gave the Chargers their identity through both highs and lows. He remained the face of the franchise through its relocation from San Diego to Los Angeles in 2017, guiding the team through the transition with three more seasons under center. In 2020, he and the Chargers amicably parted ways, leading him to finish his playing days with the Indianapolis Colts. After one final season in Indianapolis, Rivers retired from the game. Now, nearly five years later, he has officially come full circle by ceremonially retiring as a Charger - a fitting close to a legacy built on loyalty, resilience, and heart.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Philip Rivers retires as a Charger, signs one-day contract to close legendary NFL chapter
After five-year wait, Philip Rivers retires as a Charger (Imagn Images) Philip Rivers' remarkable NFL journey has reached its poetic conclusion—right where it all began. After 17 seasons of leadership, grit, and unmatched consistency, the iconic quarterback has signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. While his retirement from the league came years ago, Rivers' final farewell has now been etched in the Chargers' legacy, closing the chapter with a tribute that honors his unforgettable contributions. Philip Rivers comes full circle, officially retires as a Charger Rivers spent 16 of his 17 NFL seasons with the Chargers, compiling a record that easily ranks him among the greatest players in franchise history. Drafted fourth overall by the New York Giants in 2004 and promptly traded for Eli Manning, Rivers quickly proved why the Chargers made that bold move. From 2004 to 2019, he led the Bolts to six playoff appearances and made eight Pro Bowl selections—earning the admiration of fans and peers alike. Though the elusive Super Bowl appearance never came, Rivers' career was defined by excellence and passion. He retired with 59,271 passing yards, 397 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 64.7 percent. He still holds franchise records in all major passing categories. But for Rivers, the numbers only tell part of the story. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo 'It's really, in the past handful of years, been my desire [to retire] as a Charger. It was more so the timing,' Rivers shared in an emotional video posted by the Chargers. 'Gratitude is the first thing that comes to mind. Just thankful. Thankful for my time there as a Charger.' That gratitude extended to the relationships he built along the way—many of which were beautifully reflected in a heartwarming montage featuring his former offensive linemen, including Nick Hardwick and Marcus McNeill. The message was clear: Rivers wasn't just respected; he was deeply loved. Philip Rivers already sealed his legacy One of Rivers' most defining moments came during the 2007 AFC Championship Game. Facing the undefeated Patriots, Rivers played the entire game on a torn ACL. LaDainian Tomlinson was sidelined, but Rivers refused to quit. His performance became the stuff of NFL legend—not for the stats, but for the warrior spirit he brought to the field. 'There were so many highlights and fun Sundays, so many, but what I miss and am most appreciative and thankful for are those relationships,' he said in the farewell video. With his eyes now on Canton, Rivers will be eligible for Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2026. Meanwhile, his longtime teammate, Antonio Gates, will be enshrined later this summer, potentially opening the door for Rivers to join him in due time. As one of the last great gunslingers of his era, Rivers' retirement as a Charger doesn't just mark the end of a career—it celebrates the legacy of a quarterback who gave everything to his team, every Sunday. FAQs 1. When did Philip Rivers officially retire from the NFL? Philip Rivers initially retired after the 2020 season but signed a one-day contract now to retire officially as a Charger. 2. What records does Rivers hold with the Chargers? He leads the franchise in passing yards (59,271), touchdowns (397), completions, and attempts. 3. Will Philip Rivers be inducted into the Hall of Fame? He becomes eligible in 2026, and with his stats and legacy, many believe he's a strong candidate. 4. Did Philip Rivers win a super bowl? No, Rivers was never able to get the Chargers to a Super Bowl. Also Read: Taylor Swift in new Chiefs documentary? 'The Kingdom' docuseries trailer hints at Travis Kelce's girlfriend's appearance Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Fox Sports
a day ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
10 Stars With Hall-of-Fame Talent Whose Careers Were Stunted by Injuries
Most of the best players to compete in a particular sport end up in their respective league's Hall of Fame — but not all of them. Some haven't been given a bust due to lack of playoff success, while others haven't been given a bust due to injuries limiting their games played. Every sport has a grouping of great players who fall into the latter category: Here are 10 players whose career and talent had them in a HOF discussion, but injuries derailed that dream. Note: Players are mentioned in alphabetical order, by sport. NFL QB Andrew Luck Where were you on August 25, 2019, when Luck called it a career at just 29 years old? The first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Luck helped the Indianapolis Colts transition away from Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who Indy cut after a 2011 season that Manning missed due to a neck injury. On the field, it was difficult for the Colts to ask for anything more than what they got from Luck. A four-time Pro Bowler, Luck could make every throw, threw with conviction, totaled an NFL-high 40 passing touchdowns in 2014 and led the Colts to the playoffs four times. Among the playoff highlights were Luck leading the Colts to the 2014 AFC Championship Game and helping them mount a 28-point second-half comeback against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2013 AFC wild card round. Shoulder injuries limited Luck to seven games in 2015 and kept him off the field for all of 2017. Luck was named the 2018 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He then dealt with an offseason calf injury and ultimately stunned the NFL world by announcing that he was retiring just two weeks before the 2019 season, making the unplayed part of his career one of the biggest what-ifs in league history. RB Clinton Portis On a cool fall Sunday in the early 2000s, the Portis was nothing to joke about. In his 2002 rookie season with the Denver Broncos, Portis rushed for 1,508 yards and 15 touchdowns on 5.5 yards per carry, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors. Then, after just his second season, Denver sent Portis to Washington for future Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey and a 2004 second-round draft pick (RB Tatum Bell). Portis picked up where he left off in Denver, rushing for 1,200-plus yards in four of his first five seasons in Washington. The 5-foot-11 Portis was a quick and powerful force. He was among the best running backs of his generation and a respectable pass-catching back. However, injuries stymied Portis, as he was limited to eight games in 2006 due to a shoulder injury and played in a combined 13 games from 2009-10 due to head and groin injuries. Portis, who rushed for 1,200-plus yards in six seasons and double-digit touchdowns in four seasons, was seemingly on the path to Canton, but three injury-riddled seasons in a nine-year career keep him out of the Hall of Fame. QB Tony Romo There are arguably two ways to contextualize Romo's NFL career: he was a ring-less Eli Manning, or he was an injury-prone Philip Rivers. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Romo joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2006 and, barring injury, was their starting quarterback for the next decade. Romo was precise, efficient and had Dallas in position to make the playoffs more often than not. Dallas was a combined 78-49 with Romo as its starter and made the playoffs four times. Of course, the Cowboys went 2-4 in those postseason games. Injuries became a persistent issue for Romo in 2010, with him playing in just six games due to a broken collarbone and then just four games in 2015 due to a collarbone fracture. He then suffered an injury to his vertebrae in the 2016 preseason and lost his starting job to Dak Prescott. Romo last appeared in an NFL game in Week 17 of the 2016 regular season. A four-time Pro Bowler, Romo is first in Cowboys history in passing yards (34,183) and passing touchdowns (248) in 156 games and posted a career 97.1 passer rating. This is a franchise that has won five Super Bowls. With better health and perhaps more wins in January, Romo, who was a finalist for the 2014 NFL MVP, would be bandied about for the Hall of Fame. DE Osi Umenyiora Umenyiora was one of the most lethal pass-rushers of his generation. Two seasons after recording 14.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2005 — and one year after missing five games due to a torn hip flexor — Umenyiora logged 13.0 sacks and five forced fumbles in a 2007 season that saw the New York Giants win Super Bowl XLII. Coming off that championship campaign, Umenyiora missed the 2008 season due to a torn meniscus. Following a respectable 2009, he posted 11.5 sacks and an NFL-high 10 forced fumbles in 2010, a season that was followed by the Giants winning Super Bowl XLVI. Granted, Umenyiora was limited to nine regular-season games due to injury. He played with the Giants through 2012 and spent the final two years of his career with the Atlanta Falcons (2013-14). Already a star, Umenyiora was on the cusp of being arguably the game's best pass-rusher before the aforementioned knee injury got in the way. At that moment, he was playing in the shadow of Hall of Famer Michael Strahan. Then, when Umenyiora returned, he was still in the same position group as two-time Pro Bowler Justin Tuck and later Jason Pierre-Paul, who posted 16.5 sacks in 2011; his star power became a secondary talking point. Umenyiora's NFL career had its highs and lows, but he's one of the best pass rushers in the history of a franchise known for getting to the quarterback. If not for 2008, would Umenyiora have a bust next to Strahan in Canton? MLB 1B Ryan Howard In the late 2000s, there was no National League player more intimidating in the batter's box than Howard. Holding down first base, Howard had overwhelming power from the left side of the plate for the Philadelphia Phillies. He led MLB with 58 home runs in both 2006, a season which saw him win NL MVP, and 2008, and he led the NL in RBIs three times (2006, 2008 and 2009). Howard, a three-time All-Star, was an integral part of Philadelphia's 2008 World Series championship team. Then, the 2011 playoffs happened. In Game 5 of Philadelphia's wild-card round matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals, Howard tore his Achilles tendon on what was the final play of the season for the Phillies. He returned in July of the ensuing year, but played in just 80 games in 2013. While Howard, who's second in Phillies history with 382 home runs over 13 seasons, remained Philadelphia's first baseman through 2016 and was a fine enough hitter, the elite version of the former star never returned. OF Andruw Jones If you were to make a starting lineup of the best players not in Cooperstown, Jones should be starting in center field. Jones, a five-time All-Star, earned 10 consecutive Gold Gloves playing center from 1998-2007 with the Atlanta Braves. He was an electric hitter from the right side, hitting for both power and contact, swiping bags early in his career and consistently serving as a star player for Atlanta. In 2005, Jones led the league with 51 home runs and the NL with 128 RBIs. Jones, who's first in Braves history with a 26.6 defensive WAR, was one of the elite outfielders in baseball for a decade. Then, he left the Braves for the Los Angeles Dodgers after the 2007 season and was limited to 75 games in 2008 due to a persistent knee injury. Changing teams three more times in the following years, Jones kept suffering injury mishaps, became a rotation outfielder and never recovered his Atlanta form. Jones was a Hall of Fame talent, and if he had even two more seasons of elite play, he would likely be in the Hall of Fame in recognition of that. LHP Cliff Lee "Marty, I'm scared" is what teams would murmur among themselves when it was announced that Lee would be the starting pitcher of the opposing team — and with good reason. After a rocky first four years as an MLB starter – including a 6.29 ERA in 2007 – Lee became as unhittable as any pitcher in the sport. In 2008, Lee won the American League Cy Young Award in Cleveland, posting a 2.54 ERA and winning 22 games. Lee was traded in back-to-back seasons, going from Cleveland to Philadelphia in 2009 and from the Seattle Mariners to the Texas Rangers in 2010 before signing back with the Phillies for the 2011 season. Through that entire stretch, Lee made hitters look silly with his off-speed arsenal, inducing weak contact and pitching deep into games. Across 11 career postseason starts, Lee posted a 2.52 ERA, an 0.93 WHIP and 89 strikeouts in 82 innings pitched, which included three complete games. After two more high-quality seasons with the Phillies, the four-time All-Star suffered an elbow injury in 2014 that ultimately ended his career. Another case of apparent Hall of Fame talent, but the innings pitched just weren't there. RHP Stephen Strasburg Selected by Washington with the first overall pick in 2009, Strasburg overcame injuries and lived up to the hype. Strasburg set an MLB record with 14 strikeouts across seven innings in his first MLB start and continued to dazzle before needing Tommy John surgery later in his 2010 debut season. The right-hander returned to the hill in September 2011 and went on to be one of the best starting pitchers of the decade. Posting strikeouts at a high rate, pitching deep into games and finding success with his four-seamer and curveball, Strasburg posted a combined 3.21 ERA and 1.09 WHIP from 2012-19. In the final year of that span, Strasburg helped Washington win the 2019 World Series, earning World Series MVP honors. Over his career, Strasburg was sensational in the postseason, recording a 1.46 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 71 strikeouts in 55.1 innings pitched over nine career postseason appearances/eight starts. Unfortunately for him, his body broke down after signing a seven-year, $245 million contract with Washington following the 2019 World Series. Strasburg suffered hand and shoulder injuries in the following years, making just eight starts from 2020-22 before officially retiring in 2024. Furthermore, the three-time All-Star made 30 starts in just three seasons, making for one of the most bizarre careers for an elite player in MLB history. NBA G Brandon Roy After a solid four-year college career at Washington, Roy was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the sixth-overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, and he hit the ground running, earning 2006-07 NBA Rookie of the Year honors. Roy became a balanced, high-level scorer, averaging a combined 22.1 points per game from the 2008-09 season to the 2009-10 season. Moreover, Roy was an All-Star in each of the three seasons following his rookie campaign. He was one of the best guards in the NBA and a burgeoning star, if not one already. In the 2009 postseason, Roy averaged 26.7 points per game, while shooting 45.9/47.1/87.0. Then, Roy suffered a torn meniscus late in the 2009-10 season but returned and played with the injury in the playoffs. The following season (2010-11), Roy was limited to 47 games due to more knee issues. It became so critical that Roy retired after the season. He attempted an NBA return in the 2012-13 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but Roy only played in five games due to his knee. F/C Amar'e Stoudemire Stoudemire was Blake Griffin before Blake Griffin was Blake Griffin. Selected straight out of high school by the Phoenix Suns with the ninth-overall pick in 2002, Stoudemire won NBA Rookie of the Year honors and quickly became a force to be reckoned with. The 6-foot-10 Stoudemire flew up and down the floor, finished at the rim over any and everybody and developed a reliable mid-range jumper. In just his third season, Stoudemire averaged 26.0 points per game. He got sidetracked the following season with a knee injury that kept the big man off the floor for all but three games. Stoudemire returned to form, though, in the 2006-07 season, reverting to the formidable scorer he was pre-injury. Outside a 2009 eye injury that cut his season short after 53 games, Stoudemire stayed healthy through the end of his time with the Suns (2009-10) and helped the New York Knicks make the playoffs in the 2010-11 season. However, Stoudemire suffered a back injury in the 2010-11 postseason and missed time with another the ensuing season. What's more, he appeared in just 29 games in the 2012-13 season due to a knee injury and was moved to the bench. He was able to play the bulk of the next three seasons, but mostly as a reserve. Stoudemire was a five-time All-NBA honoree and one of the best big men of his generation. If only he had a few more All-Star seasons. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Boston Globe
5 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Bill Belichick responds to Robert Kraft's ‘big risk' comments, says he was ‘warned' about Patriots
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'And we did OK,' Kraft added, a joking reference to the unprecedented six Super Bowl wins and 17 division titles. (The actual date of the Belichick trade fell in Jan. 2000, not 1999). Advertisement On Wednesday, 'As I told Robert multiple times through the years, I took a big risk by taking the New England Patriots head coaching job,' Belichick told Van Natta Jr. 'I already had an opportunity to be the head coach of the New York Jets, but the ownership situation was unstable.' Advertisement Belichick claimed that he had been cautioned about taking the Patriots' head coaching role in early 2000 by other coaches. 'I had been warned by multiple previous Patriots coaches, as well as other members of other NFL organizations and the media, that the New England job was going to come with many internal obstacles,' said Belichick. 'I made it clear that we would have to change the way the team was managed to regain the previously attained success.' In his first season, Belichick's Patriots went 5-11. But in 2001, thanks also to the unforeseen rise of Tom Brady, New England made an unexpected run to (and won) the Super Bowl. After that, the Patriots went almost two decades without a losing season. Belichick finished an astounding 266-121 (.687) in the regular season as the team's head coach, and engineered nine Super Bowl appearances. 'I appreciated Robert giving me the opportunity to make those changes and build a program that was consistent with my vision for a championship team,' Belichick noted. Belichick went 36-44 (.450) during his Browns tenure, which had been his only other NFL head coaching role prior to the Patriots. And Kraft's memory of the criticism that the move elicited is Still, Belichick helped direct the Patriots' defense in a Super Bowl run under Bill Parcells in the 1996 season, and had gone on to help Parcells turn the Jets around prior to leaving New York. 'The Jets were a solid team after three years of rebuilding under Bill Parcells, which included an AFC Championship Game appearance in [January] 1999,' Belichick added in his response to ESPN. 'Meanwhile, the Patriots Organization had dismantled their 1996 AFC Championship team and became one of the worst in the AFC. It didn't help that they were $10 million over the cap heading into my first season as Head Coach in 2000.' Advertisement Yet Belichick sought an escape from New York, with Kraft eventually paying the price that Parcells (then working as Jets general manager) demanded. The trade has since been regarded as As for what he specifically thinks Kraft meant by calling his hiring a 'big risk,' Belichick responded to Van Natta Jr. with characteristic economy. 'You'll have to ask Robert.' Hayden Bird can be reached at
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Desperate' Bills Commended For Roster Upgrades Toward Super Bowl Chase
'Desperate' Bills Commended For Roster Upgrades Toward Super Bowl Chase originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Buffalo Bills were outclassed during the AFC Championship Game last season, especially on the defensive side of the ball. It was the big reason why the team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs ... again. Since that loss, though, Buffalo has done a great deal in an effort to upgrade and improve the unit once and for all ... in a chase for the Super Bowl. The moves made have been largely celebrated. Free agents like Joey Bosa, Larry Ogunjobi, and Michael Hoecht were just a few of the new arrivals needed to bolster the entire unit. (Though the early suspensions of the latter two cast a shadow here.) The team also used six of its nine draft picks as a way to solve some of their bigger defensive holes as well. Pro Football Focus writer Dalton Wasserman, in particular, praised the Bills for addressing their defensive needs in the draft. "The Bills desperately needed cornerback help after they earned the second-lowest team PFF coverage grade in the NFL last season," Wasserman said. "Their Super Bowl hopes have been repeatedly dashed by an inability to make defensive stops in big moments. They used this year's draft to alleviate that problem." "Desperate''? That's a bit much. Josh Allen is the face of the franchise and that won't be changing anytime soon. Indeed, we believe as long as that goes unchanged, Buffalo is a contender. But if the Bills want to win a Super Bowl? Yes, their defense must become more of a reason for the team to win ... creating a seesaw effect in which there is offensive and defensive balance for the opponent to deal with. That balanced concept is the model the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles both followed over the last few years. It seems that Buffalo is adopting that mindset as well. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
