NC State Legend Philip Rivers is Trending Towards Starting for the Colts on Sunday

NC State legendary Quarterback Philip Rivers is trending to start for the Colts on Sunday against the Seahawks!

Sounds like Philip Rivers is tracking to start Sunday at Seattle: https://t.co/ObsaMahJzY

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 11, 2025

The Colts are in need of stability at the Quarterback position with 4 games left in the regular season. Starter Daniel Jones tore his achilles, and backup Riley Leonard’s health has been questionable. Leonard has been dealing with a strained knee ligament.

Indy is 8-5, trailing Jacksonville by one game in the AFC South.

The recent timeline is wild. On November 28th, Rivers and St. Michael lost 44-23 to Jackson in the Alabama Class 4A High School Football Semifinals. The next day, Rivers, and his Gunner, who is a 4-Star 2027 Quarterback prospect, were in attendance for the Wolfpack’s 42-19 victory over UNC. On Monday, Philip threw for the Colts. On Tuesday, Indianapolis signed Rivers to their Practice Squad.

After Jones’ injury, Leonard was excited about the prospect of starting his first NFL game as a rookie.

Riley Leonard on the opportunity to start:

“Something we’ve been talking about in bible study is a Greek term. It’s called Kairos versus Kronos. So Kairos is Gods timing and Kronos is when we think our timing should happen. Who am I to question God and his timing for my life?” pic.twitter.com/4SSNLmeAXs

— SleeperColts (@SleeperColts) December 8, 2025

Obviously, the Colts were looking for more stability, or they wouldn’t have signed Rivers, who turned 44 on Monday. Leonard is taking it all in stride.

#Colts QB Riley Leonard, asked if he was frustrated by Philip Rivers’ return because Rivers might start over him:

“I’m only a rookie, but I’ve learned in this business — don’t have an opinion on it. Just excited to be my best. … He’s obviously a good friend, a mentor of mine.” pic.twitter.com/vj1Hn04S5D

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 10, 2025

Rivers hasn’t played football in five seasons. He’s been the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, since the 2021 season. Gunner, Philip’s son, currently plays quarterback for Rivers at St. Michael.

After playing his first 16 seasons with the Chargers, Rivers played his final season in the NFL with the Colts. In 2020, the former ACC Player of the Year led Indianapolis to an 11-5 record, and a trip to the playoffs. At 39 years old, Rivers threw for 4,169 yards and 24 touchdowns in his final season.

Rivers is an eight-time Pro Bowler. He currently ranks sixth all-time in NFL career passing touchdowns, eighth in passing yards, and ninth in passes completed.

This is magical. Does Rivers have another playoff run in him at the age of 44? You can’t make this stuff up.

Rivers is a semifinalist for the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame class.

While at NC State, Rivers broke nearly all of the school’s passing records. He holds the career records in passing yards, completions and passing touchdowns. He was the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2000, and the ACC Player of the Year in 2003.