Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Philip Rivers shocked the NFL world on Tuesday by signing with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad. The 44-year-old has been out of the NFL for nearly five years. With Rivers returning, that means Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (42 years old) is no longer the oldest player in the NFL.
“Well, I’m not the oldest guy in the league. Love that,” Rodgers said jokingly when asked about his reaction to Rivers returning to the Colts. “It’s pretty incredible, though. He’s been out for four full seasons, plus this season. I was laughing because a couple of buddies hit me up asking me what I would do in that situation, and I said, without missing a beat, ‘I’m retired, I’m staying retired.'”
“Big credit to Phil. I’ve been a fan of his forever. I’ve known him a little bit over the years. I just love the way he competes and plays. Again, not the most gifted player, but cerebral has all get out. Hilarious trash-talker and I wish him nothing but the best. I’ve been a fan of his for a while. I hope he goes out and just like riding a bike can jump right back in the saddle, and I expect him to.”
#Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers reacts to Philip Rivers’ return (question by @jhathhorn): pic.twitter.com/YCLxwIov6c
— Brendan Howe (@bybrendanhowe) December 11, 2025
The Colts reached out to Rivers after Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles injury in Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rivers worked out for the Colts on Tuesday and signed shortly after.
Rivers’ oldest of 10 children, 23-year-old daughter Halle, is the same age as Riley Leonard, the quarterback he could be replacing soon. Rivers would become the second grandfather to play in an NFL game, joining Brett Favre.
If Rivers is elevated to the Colts’ active roster, his Pro Football Hall of Fame eligibility clock resets. That’s a five-year wait. Rivers is one of 26 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Aaron Rodgers Reacts to Philip Rivers’ Return to Colts
