NFL Fans Can’t Believe Philip Rivers Is Actually Going to Be Out There on Sunday

A comeback absolutely no one had on their bingo cards two weeks ago is set to come true on Sunday.

Philip Rivers is set to make his first start in nearly five years against the Seahawks on Sunday. / Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Well folks, it’s really happening.

Philip Rivers, at 44 years old and nearly five years removed from his last NFL snap, is set to be back under center for the Colts this weekend when they face off against the Seahawks in Seattle.

Rivers, a literal grandfather, has been back with the Colts for less than a week, but given his established relationship with coach Shane Steichen, appears to have as good a handle on the offense as one could hope for in such a short study period.

On one hand, Rivers’s return is already a legendary comeback story, and could prove to be even more impressive if he’s able to sling it a little bit. On the other, it’s a potentially terrifying development—Rivers has not taken an NFL hit in five years, and is set to go against a Seahawks defense that is averaging 3.2 sacks per game, good for fourth in the league.

However you look at it, it’s probably the most fascinating, “What the heck is going to happen here?” must-watch game since the Broncos had to take the field without a quarterback during the COVID-19-impacted 2020 season.

Across the internet, fans and media shared their amazement at what we’re about to see on Sunday.

This is really incredible! https://t.co/V7rrDCWLwX

— Tracy Wolfson (@tracywolfson) December 13, 2025

It's probably gonna go really poorly but... what if it doesn't! https://t.co/wBd2fsDgLn

— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) December 13, 2025

Absolutely amazing story and one that has the potential to be one of the best sports stories of the year. https://t.co/y7mmCuOdO0

— Judy Battista (@judybattista) December 13, 2025

This gonna be must-see TV, at least early in the game. Could end up like Max Brosmer’s start in Seattle or be one of the stories of the year. https://t.co/TMNaPQALwr

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) December 13, 2025

I'll say it again, the chances this works and Indy gets to the playoffs is less than 1%

Which is higher than anyone else the #Colts could have started at QB this weekend.

Either way, what a story. https://t.co/lh2r8iArPY

— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) December 13, 2025

This is going to be the most watched game in NFL history. https://t.co/RuVxbuHVwt

— Jason Harmon (@_jason_777) December 13, 2025

Sunday’s game between the Colts and Seahawks kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS. We will be watching.

---

FREE NEWSLETTER. SI BTN Newsletter. Start off your day with SI:CYMI. dark

More NFL on Sports Illustrated

feed