Philip Rivers, who said he considered retiring this offseason, delivered a video message to Indianapolis Colts fans from what looks like an interesting environment.
The 38-year old-quarterback gave a brief thank you to Colts fans seemingly from his bathroom after officially signing a one-year deal worth $25 million.
Rivers could not be present at the Colts’ facility to be unveiled as the team’s newest quarterback because he is currently, like many of his fellow NFL players, dealing with a new reality because of the coronavirus pandemic. So he instead spoke in front of what appeared to be a blue and white shower curtain to express his gratitude in joining the Colts.
“My family is super excited to be part of the Colts family,” he said. “I know I have been an opponent for many, many years but I have also had a great deal of respect for this organization, this fan base and looking forward to a great 2020 season.”
Rivers also said on the conference call Saturday with reporters that he contemplated retirement with his family for the first time in his career. He has aspirations of coaching his kids’ high school teams when they are old enough and was ready to walk away from the NFL if the right opportunity didn’t present itself.
“It was one of those deals where we said, ‘Well, shoot, if there is nothing else out there that will be our answer,’ ” Rivers said. “We kind of said whatever God wants. If there’s nothing out there, I just don’t want to hang on to play, but if nothing’s out there, shoot, we’ll start coaching.”
Eventually he decided to reunite with head coach Frank Reich — who was the offensive coordinator with the Chargers for two seasons — and quarterbacks coach Nick Sirianni in Indianapolis.
“It just all worked out,” Rivers said. “I am just super thankful the way it worked out and excited to – again – be a part of it because we know, shoot this is the ultimate team game. And to be a part of this group and to try to help, like I said get to the top of the mountain is an exciting new challenge for me.”
Rivers was selected to eight Pro Bowls in his time with the Chargers since the famous 2004 draft-day trade when the Giants traded him to San Diego in exchange for Eli Manning. The Chargers and Rivers mutually agreed to part ways after they finished 5-11 despite Rivers throwing for 23 touchdowns and 4,615 yards.