After 5-year retirement, Rivers welcomes challenges of a return

The Hall of Fame semifinalist steps up for the Colts while allaying family’s fears.

- By Sam FARMER

PHILIP RIVERS, now 44 and a grandfather, could play Sunday in Seattle.

(JEFFREY T. BARNES Associated Press)

Philip Rivers never has been quick on his feet, but he can make quick decisions. That’s what made him such an outstanding NFL quarterback, and it’s part of the reason he’s a Hall of Fame semifinalist.

So it’s not surprising that even at 44 and a grandfather, he didn’t linger long when the Indianapolis Colts called to take his temperature on coming back to play quarterback for them.

Rivers was at home in Alabama on Sunday night when he got a call from Colts coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard. They had just lost starting quarterback Daniel Jones to a torn Achilles tendon, and rookie backup Riley Leonard suffered an undisclosed knee injury in relief.

“We said, ‘What do you think?’” Steichen said Wednesday of phoning Rivers, the Chargers great who finished his career with the Colts. “He said, ‘Heck yeah, I’m interested. Heck yeah.’ So he slept on it and then we called him back Monday morning and he see said, ‘I need to get up there and throw in that building. Start moving around.’”

The quarterback, five years removed from his last game, threw at the Colts’ facility Monday and Tuesday, then went back to his hotel to think it over. When Steichen and Ballard called again, Rivers — in true Philip Rivers style — said, “Daggummit, let’s freaking go.”

Said Steichen, Rivers’ onetime quarterbacks coach and later offensive coordinator with the Chargers: “He’s one of the most passionate players I’ve ever been around. The obsession for the game is off the charts.”