Footballs on a football field
Footballs on a football field Paolo Aldrighetti/Unsplash

Philip Rivers has officially retired from professional football after 17 seasons in the NFL. The 43-year-old quarterback signed a one-day ceremonial contract with the Los Angeles Chargers in July 2025 to end his career with the franchise where he spent 16 seasons. The move, announced via a personal video and team statement, marks the formal end of a prolific era in Chargers history and closes the final chapter of one of the league's most consistent signal callers.

Rivers Signs One-Day Contract to Retire as a Charger

The Chargers confirmed that Rivers returned to the team in an official capacity to retire as one of their own. According to the organisation, both Rivers and the franchise had discussed the gesture for years, and the timing was mutually agreed upon.

'I'm Philip Rivers, quarterback, and I'm retiring as a Charger', Rivers said in a recorded message.

Chargers President John Spanos added that the team always hoped to give Rivers a proper farewell when the moment was right.

Career Stats Cement Rivers Among All-Time Greats

Rivers retires with one of the most accomplished careers in NFL history. He finishes his 17-year run with 63,440 passing yards and 421 touchdowns, ranking fifth all-time in both categories. His career passer rating stands at 95.2, and he completed 5,277 passes over 252 games.

Philip Rivers career stats
Philip Rivers career stats Chargers.com

Rivers was selected to eight Pro Bowls and led the NFL in passing yards in 2010. He also topped the league in completion percentage in 2013 and held a streak of 240 consecutive regular season starts, the second-longest for a quarterback in NFL history. He played 16 seasons for the Chargers and one final season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020.

Life at Home: Who Are Philip Rivers' 10 Children?

Beyond the field, Rivers is known for his commitment to his large family. Married to his high school sweetheart Tiffany, the couple has 10 children: Halle (23), Caroline (18), Grace (17), Gunner (15), Sarah (14), Peter (13), Rebecca (11), Clare (9), Anna (6) and Andrew (1).

Rivers has frequently spoken about prioritising his family and faith throughout his career. Even during his playing days, he was known to return home after away games to coach his children's sports or attend family events. He has long maintained that his life values have always ranked as 'faith, family, then football'.

Post-NFL Career: Coaching and Faith-Based Living in Alabama

Since his initial retirement in 2021, Rivers has been serving as the head football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. The role reflects both his passion for football and his desire to guide younger athletes in a faith-centred environment.

Rivers relocated his family to Alabama shortly after his final NFL season and has been actively involved in the school's athletic development.

Retirement Marks Quiet Yet Purposeful Exit

While many former players announce retirement with large ceremonies, Rivers opted for a quiet departure, consistent with his reserved nature. The symbolic act of signing a one-day contract with the Chargers was meant to close the loop on his storied NFL career with the team where he built his legacy.

The Chargers expressed their gratitude, calling him one of the most significant figures in the club's history, and fans have celebrated the move as a fitting farewell for their longtime leader.