INDIANAPOLIS -- Philip Rivers is officially a Colt.
The team announced Saturday that Rivers, who played 16-seasons with the Chargers, has signed a contract with Indianapolis.
"Philip is one of the most decorated quarterbacks in the NFL and we are fortunate to add an experienced player of his caliber to our organization,” said Colts General Manager Chris Ballard. “His familiarity with our coaching staff and offensive system in addition to his experience were attractive qualities during our evaluation process. Philip is a fierce competitor and his veteran leadership will be crucial in the continued development of our young roster.”
Rivers is 38 and was an unrestricted free agent after being cut loose by the Chargers where he was named to the Pro Bowl eight times.
The Chargers were 5-11 in Rivers' final season in southern California. His touchdown passes declined, but he still passed for more than 4,600 yards, a significant upgrade from Jacoby Brissett who struggled during the second half of the season after a strong start.
With the signing of Rivers, Brissett's future with the Colts is very much in question. As for backup quarterback Bryan Hoyer, his status is clear. The Colts released Hoyer Saturday.
Rivers is durable. He was the Charger's starter from 2006 to 2019 and did not miss a start during those 14-seasons. His streak of 224 consecutive regular-season starts is currently tops in the NFL.
Rivers has completed 4,908-of-7,591 passes (64.7 percent) for 59,271 yards with 397 touchdowns and 198 interceptions for a 95.1 passer rating.
In quotes provided by the Colts, Rivers expressed excitment about coming to Indianapolis. "I can’t wait to get up there when the time is right and it works out. It was certainly different. I have been with one organization for 16 years and certainly thankful to the Spanos family and that organization for my time there. Our time was done there. Our time was done, our family – it was time."
"We moved back here in Northwest Florida where we’ve had a home now for a handful of years. Just kind of have had a lot of family time and just kind of enjoyed that and that wait and see – wait and see what happens. I was still excited about playing and hoping to get another opportunity to continue my career and certainly thankful that it’s going to be with the Colts.”
Rivers played college ball at North Carolina State and was originally selected by the New York Giants in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft before being traded to the Chargers.
Rivers is 5-6 in playoff games. In 2007 he took the Chargers to the AFC Championship game where they lost to the Patriots 13-6.
