Chargers quarterback, Philip Rivers, announced his retirement today. The day January 20 will now go down as his retirement day, but was also the day he played through a tough injury, 13 years ago.
After 17 seasons with the NFL (16 with the Chargers), Rivers announced his retirement to the world last week. Before we get into anything else, let’s take a moment to honor some of Rivers’ career highlights. Rivers’ final career record as a starter is 134-106. He is fifth all-time in passing yards and touchdowns with 63,440 and 421, respectively. Additionally, Rivers made the playoffs seven times and was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection. Most impressively, Rivers started 252-straight games and never missed a game with the Chargers. He even played in the 2007 AFC championship game just six days after having surgery on a torn ACL.
In honor of his retirement announcement, Bleacher Report celebrated River’s career accomplishments. Along with a throwback video clip of Rivers’s post-surgery performance, Bleacher Report wrote “Today marks 13 years since Philip Rivers played through a torn ACL against the Patriots in the AFC championship. Fitting day for a legend to go out.”
Philip Rivers ‘Can’t Wait’ To Coach High School Football
Rivers’ post-NFL plans include following in his father’s footsteps. His father coached Rivers throughout his prep career at Athens High School in Athens, Alabama. Rivers is already hired to take over as the head coach for the varsity football team at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. During an interview, Rivers shares his excitement for the new role.
“What has helped me come to this (decision) is the growing desire to coach high school football,” said Rivers. “That’s what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s been growing. I can’t wait,” he said.
Rivers admits that the end of his NFL career is bittersweet. However, he says that he simply knows it’s time to retire.
“It’s just time,” said Rivers. “I can sit here and say, ‘I can still throw it. I love to play,'” he continues. “But that’s always going to be there. I’m excited to go coach high school football,” he said.
