What Philip Rivers’s Signing With Colts Means for His Hall of Fame Eligibility

The former quarterback may have to wait a bit longer for consideration for the Hall of Fame should he take another snap.

If the Colts sign Philip Rivers and he plays a snap, his Hall of Fame eligibility would be reset. | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Philip Rivers retired from the NFL after the 2020 season, and he was eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time this year. Just a couple weeks ago, the former quarterback was named a semifinalist out of the modern era players.

However, his chances of making the Hall of Fame this upcoming year could be halted if he decides to unretire and sign with the Colts. The 44-year-old took a big step in doing just that on Tuesday as he signed a deal with the Colts to join their practice squad.

So, what does this mean for his Hall of Fame eligibility?

Well, if Rivers gets signed to the Colts' active roster, his eligibility would reset, meaning he wouldn’t be able to be considered for the Hall of Fame for five more seasons. He would be nearly 50 before the Hall of Fame considers him again, if that ends up being the case. If he only stays on the practice squad his eligibility wouldn't change.

Philip Rivers is one of 26 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026. If he signs to the Colts active roster, his name will come off that list, the clock will restart, and his Hall-of-Fame candidacy will be delayed by five years. https://t.co/BJatdz3D1q

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 9, 2025

ESPN's Adam Schefter had more on Rivers's situation with the Colts:

"Before the Colts can determine how soon Philip Rivers can play, they have to see how he feels and practices Wednesday and Thursday," Schefter tweeted shortly after the news broke. "But there is this: Rivers has played in this offense his entire career, so it is expected to be more of a physical question than a mental one."

It will be interesting to see if Rivers makes the jump to the active roster or just remains on the practice squad and helps the team's other quarterbacks from there.

The Colts travel to Seattle this Sunday to face the Seahawks.

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