A week ago, Philip Rivers was coaching St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope and was a semifinalist for the 2026 Hall of Fame. But one call on a Sunday changed everything. The next moment, he was standing in front of his trophy case at home. 

Until the Indianapolis Colts called Rivers, returning to the NFL wasn’t even in his rearview window. Though he said ‘yes’ to unretiring, there was a doubt in his mind after all; he hasn’t returned to the gridiron since 2021. He took from it a lesson he wants to pass on to his children: even if the whole world second-guesses you, you don’t have to live in fear or doubt.

“Rivers told @JayGlazer that part of the reason he wanted to come back was to teach his kids not to live afraid or in doubt,” Ari Meirov shared on X. 

His next move? He took off a pair of cleats from his trophy case since he didn’t have any other pair. Besides the support from his wife, his kids, especially the younger ones, were particularly excited about his return (and nervous as well). His six-year-old daughter, Anna, even asked him around four months ago: 

“Dad, why don’t you play anymore?” he shared, to which he replied, “God, I’m sorry. The best you’re going to get is me coaching on the sideline.”

But now, they’ll be accompanying Tiffany and their elder siblings in the booth when Rivers steps on the field in Week 15. The future Hall of Famer has revealed various reasons that went into his decision to unretire; however, injury analyst Jeff Mueller seems to believe the real reason is something else, or rather, a genius one. 

“Philip Rivers’ children qualify as ‘eligible dependents,’” Mueller posted on X. “[They] are covered through the NFL Player Insurance Plan based on the rules via NFLPA and CBA. Medical, Dental, and Vision. Likely anywhere from $4,500-5,500 per month for 10 kids. Holy smokes, genius move.”

In simpler words, Mueller believes the eight-time Pro Bowler unretired to avail the insurance benefits provided by the NFLPA and CBA. The insurance plan provides players with complete family coverage, which is also at no cost. For a large family like Rivers’, it’s a monthly relief of $4,500-$5,500. Seems like a stretch?

With an estimated net worth of $100 million, covering his kids’ (even if 10) healthcare shouldn’t be an issue. But then, why else would he return despite injury risks? He seems to have an explanation. 

Philip Rivers embracing risky Colts return at 44

Since he signed with the Colts in the practice squad and later shifted to the active roster to start Week 15, there have been multiple theories. Indianapolis sources even reveal that the 44-year-old has mobility issues and might risk physical injury. Yet, the opportunity made sense to Rivers. 

“Something about it excited me,” Rivers admitted in Wednesday’s press conference. “Just kind of one of those deals – a door opens and you can either walk through and find out if you can do it or run from it. I know that there’s risk involved, obviously, in what may or may not happen. But the only way to find out is to go for it.”

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Another thing was his familiarity with head coach Shane Steichen. He worked closely with Rivers for four years (2016 to 2020) with the Los Angeles Chargers as quarterback coach. Even Steichen believes the newly retired signal-caller picked up right where he left off five years ago. His performance in three practice sessions brought confidence, not just in Steichen’s eyes but in the entire locker room. That’s something the Colts are betting on.