Philip Rivers Officially Retires as a Los Angeles Charger, Reflecting on 17-Year NFL Career
A celebrated era in NFL history has come to a close as Philip Rivers formally announced his retirement as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. Though his last snap on the field occurred over four and a half years ago, the iconic quarterback made his intentions official through a video released by the Chargers organization.
Rivers, now 43, stated definitively, “I am Philip Rivers, quarterback, and I end my career as a Charger.” The announcement marks the end of a distinguished career that began with the San Diego Chargers in 2004, spanning 16 years before a final season with the Indianapolis Colts. His final game came in a playoff loss against the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round of the 2020 season, where he threw two final touchdown passes.
Throughout his 17-year NFL journey, Rivers participated in a total of 256 regular season and playoff games, amassing an impressive 437 touchdown passes against 219 interceptions. He even rushed for four touchdowns himself. The 2007 season saw his team reach the AFC Championship Game against the then-undefeated New England Patriots.
According to the franchise, Rivers holds over 30 Chargers records, including a remarkable streak of 224 consecutive starts as a quarterback. His career statistics include 59,271 passing yards, 397 touchdowns, 4908 completions, and 7591 passes attempted.
A Long-Awaited Decision
Rivers explained that the desire to retire as a Charger had been building for some time. “In recent years it has been my wish to retire as a Charger. It was only about the time,” he shared. Reflecting on his career, he expressed deep gratitude: “Just grateful. Grateful for my time as a charger.”
He emphasized the significant portion of his adult life spent with the Chargers organization, stating he was “extremely grateful for this, more than anything else.” Discussions regarding his official resignation had been ongoing for several years, according to a senior official with the Chargers. “At the time, he announced that he would like to retire as a charger, and of course I told him that we would be happy if that happened as soon as he was ready,” the official stated in a release from 2015.
The sentiment was mutual, with both parties understanding the timing needed to be right. “I think we both had known for several years that this day would come, but the most important thing I expressed to Philip was that I wish that the time would be suitable for him. He had to be ready to close this door.”
A Legacy of Teamwork and Gratitude
Rivers concluded with a poignant reflection on his career, stating, “We did a damn good.” Currently serving as the head coach of St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, Rivers was surprised by a touching gesture from his former offensive linemen, who accompanied the Chargers team during the recording of the announcement video.
He fondly recalled the camaraderie and relationships forged throughout his career. “When I think about what I miss the most, it is the people. My teammates… on the premises, on the training ground,” Rivers said. “You miss these moments and the exchange with people. There were so many highlights and great Sundays in the Qualcomm stage and on the go… so many play moments.”
Ultimately, Rivers views his career not just through the lens of victories, but through the growth and experiences shared with his teammates. “Our victories were fantastic. But the moments in which we have grown, the experiences we have had with our teammates… We did it damn well. They fought and worked together. These times were a real challenge, but damn it, we were able to come to work every day and play in the National Football League.” He paused, adding, “In his case for 17 years. Who can say that from themselves? Only the big ones.”
