Philip Rivers’ Retirement U-turn Explains NFL Comeback Award Snub

Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers has made headlines recently due to his surprising decision to come out of retirement at the age of 44. Rivers joined the Indianapolis Colts during the turbulent 2025 NFL season, stepping in after both starting quarterback Daniel Jones and backup Anthony Richardson suffered injuries.

Philip Rivers’ Comeback Attempt

Rivers last played in the NFL in 2020 before retiring. His return to the Colts was marked by high expectations, especially after the team’s impressive 8-1 start under Jones. Unfortunately, injuries quickly derailed their season, leading to Rivers taking the field once again.

Despite his efforts, Rivers concluded the season with a 0-3 record as a starter. The Colts ultimately finished the season at 8-9, failing to secure a playoff berth.

NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award Criteria

Rivers was not nominated for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. This omission highlights the strict criteria set by the Associated Press, which emphasizes overcoming injury or illness. According to the AP, the award is intended to honor players who demonstrate resilience after missing time due to such challenges.

• Aidan Hutchinson – Defensive end, Detroit Lions, suffered a significant leg injury in October 2024.
• Stefon Diggs – Wide receiver, New England Patriots, tore his ACL in Week 8 last season.
• Dak Prescott – Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys, endured a hamstring injury in Week 9 of 2024.
• Trevor Lawrence – Quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars, underwent shoulder surgery after a season-ending injury.
• Christian McCaffrey – Running back, San Francisco 49ers, is the frontrunner after returning from multiple injuries.

Fan Reactions and Campaigns

Although Rivers failed to receive a nomination, many fans took to social media to express their disappointment. Many argued that his remarkable comeback at 44 should have earned him recognition regardless of his record.

One fan wrote, “If Philip Rivers isn’t the @NFL comeback player of the year, then something is wrong.” Others echoed support, questioning his eligibility for the award given the circumstances of his return.

Statistics of Finalists

As the NFL season progresses, Rivers’ return story remains a reminder of the unpredictability of sports, and the ongoing debate about accolades and recognition within the league continues to fuel discussions among fans and analysts alike.