Quarterback Philip Rivers of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 18, 2020. /CFP
Philip Rivers, one of the most enduring quarterbacks in the history of National Football League (NFL), announced his retirement on Wednesday, putting an end to his 17-year-long career.
Rivers explained in a statement that he chose January 20 to release the decision because it's Roman Catholic Church's feast day for St. Sebastian, who's often referred to as the patron saint for athletes.
"Every year, January 20th is a special and emotional day. It is St. Sebastian's Feast day, the day I played in the AFC championship without an ACL, and now the day that after 17 seasons, I'm announcing my retirement from the National Football League. Thank you God for allowing me to live out my childhood dream of playing quarterback in the NFL," said Rivers.
Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass the ball in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, December 29, 2019. /CFP
In the NFL Draft in 2004, the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers had the first-overall pick and they wanted to select Eli Manning from the University of Mississippi. However, after the future two-time Super Bowl winner made it clear that he would never play for the Chargers, the team reached a deal with the New York Giants. Manning was sent to the Giants in exchange for Rivers and future picks that turned into Shawne Merriman and Nate Kaeding. Both made Pro Bowl later.
Though he never played Super Bowl, Rivers has been a top player since he became the starting quarterback of the Chargers in 2006. He's eight-time Pro-Bowler, NFL completion percentage leader in 2013, passing yards leader in 2010 and passing touchdowns leader in 2008.
Unlike most quarterbacks who throw the football overhead, Rivers has been well-known for his "shot-put throwing motion." However, that did not keep him from ranking fifth in league history with 63,440 passing yards, behind only Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. Rivers also has the fifth-most 421 touchdown passes following Brady, Brees, Manning and Favre.
Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, September 8, 2019. /CFP
"What a tremendous career. What a special person. Philip was a true original and did it his way, and his way was a heck of a lot of fun to watch. He was the heart and soul of the Chargers organization for so many years and, as I've said before, we cannot thank Philip enough for laying it on the line each and every play with us. He will be remembered as the consummate professional, the ultimate gamer and one of the greatest Chargers – as well as one of the dadgum best quarterbacks – to ever play the game. Congratulations, Philip, on a career for the ages!" said Dean Spanos, Chargers owner and chairman of the board in a statement.
"Thank you, Philip," posted the Indianapolis Colts where Rivers finished the last season of his career.
"I am grateful to the Chargers for 16 seasons, and the Colts for the 17th season, Thank you to all my coaches that helped me grow as a player and person. Thanks to the support staff. I appreciate the opposing defenses making it challenging physically and mentally every week. ... I also enjoyed the banter. I appreciate the referees for putting up with all my fussing. I think I was right most of the time dadgummit!" said Rivers in his statement.
The 39-year-old accepted the head-coaching job at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. He will coach his sons there, just like his father coached him.
"I can sit here and say, 'I can still throw it. I love to play.' But that's always going to be there. I'm excited to go coach high school football," Rivers told the San Diego Union-Tribune.