The Indianapolis Colts needed someone like quarterback Philip Rivers late in the 2025 season. He isn't at 44 years old going to put up the kind of production that the previous starter, Daniel Jones, was. Rivers doesn't have the arm strength or running ability to do that. He might have something more, though.
That is the faith in himself and the team that great things might still happen even when no one expects them to. Indianapolis was a banged-up team against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, and Indy had no real business even making the game close. That would have been underestimating Rivers, however.
Indianapolis did lose, but only 18-16, and had a lead with less than a minute left. After starting 7-1, is making the playoffs going to be difficult for the Colts? Yes, but not yet impossible. Rivers still has belief, and as long as he stays upright for the Colts, fans should, too.
Quarterback Philip Rivers delivers the message all Indianapolis Colts fans need to hear after tough Week 15 loss
Speaking after the game, the quarterback delivered the perfect message for his team and Colts fans. Not just about football, but life. The key is to be aware of one's life and not be afraid to stand up for the good parts of it.
In addressing his return to the sport, Rivers confirmed he understood he was a big storyline for the NFL. That wasn't why he came back, though. He did so to try to help the Colts win games. He also didn't want to be afraid to take a risk that he would get injured or be a failure.
Rivers said, "Maybe (his return) will inspire or teach not to run or be scared of what may or may not happen."
Indianapolis Colts and Philip Rivers still do not know what may or may not happen the rest of the season. Only three games remain in the regular season, and Indy likely needs to win every one to make the postseason. The offense won't be explosive, but it might be efficient with Rivers. That might be enough.
Indianapolis is currently third in the AFC South and needs a little help getting to the postseason, but it can help itself with three straight victories to finish the season. Even if the team falls short, though, no one can argue that the Colts gave up. Philip Rivers is proof of that, and that speaks volumes about the organization.