Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is officially concluding an illustrious professional career after 17 seasons in the league. As the news broke, the NFL world's reactions are slowly trickling into appreciation towards the veteran gunslinger for his contributions to the league and the game of football at large.
The Colts organization expressed their gratitude for Philip Rivers with a post on their Twitter page despite only spending one year with the team. The veteran playmaker recently led the Colts to an 11-5 record along with a postseason berth in the 2020 NFL season.
Thank you, Philip. pic.twitter.com/znBe1x8TJP
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 20, 2021
Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman congratulated Rivers for a great career in the league and is already looking forward to his induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The two players found themselves on the same side for six seasons from 2005 to 2010.
Congratulations on a great career to my brother Phil, you’ll go down as one of the best. I’ll be at your HOF speech ⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/1Fx0ymgZer
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) January 20, 2021
Former Chargers running back Danny Woodhead showed love to his former teammate as well and gave him well-wishes moving forward. Both Rivers and Woodhead played together in the team's offense from 2013 to 2016.
Congrats hawce! Almost a little emotional seeing it actually happening. Sad ur done playing but way more excited for u to see this side of the nfl! With u being one of the best husbands,dads,and friends i know this will be the perfect decision. Ur the best brother! Love u https://t.co/iMgqocFMPZ
— danny woodhead (@danny__woodhead) January 20, 2021
Another former Chargers player in safety Darrell Stuckey II went beyond Rivers as a teammate and highlighted how he was as a person off the field. The former Pro Bowler spent the entirety of his brief football career playing alongside Rivers from 2010 to 2016.
Congrats #17⚡️
It was a blessing to be lead by you on the field and to follow you off and see the man that was a son, a brother, a father, and a husband before he was a teammate. As impressed as you were as a player it was more amazing seeing the partnership of you and Tiffany… https://t.co/RSirsRy4Pf— Darrell Stuckey II (@DarrellStuckey) January 20, 2021
Aside from his former teammates, Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt also gave praises to Rivers after matching up on opposite sides for the past decade.
I’ll never forget lining up for a play and Phil pointing to one of our linebackers and telling him he was lined up wrong based off the blitz we were about to run and being 100% correct about it haha.
One of the smartest I’ve ever played against and a hell of a competitor. https://t.co/1AZxyvDafu
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 20, 2021
Another opponent in former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky only had good words to say for Rivers. Both gunslingers found themselves on opposite sides from 2005 to 2017. Eli Manning, who came out of the 2004 draft class alongside Rivers, also paid his respects.
Absolutely loved every single thing about Philip Rivers and his game. The leadership and toughness were at the absolute highest. Best QB I ever saw throwing with defenders right in his face. Love that dude-HOFer!!!!!👏👏👏
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 20, 2021
Congrats to Philip on an outstanding career. It was fun to watch my fellow Qb from 2004 draft class compete these past 17 years. Enjoy the next phase. https://t.co/RIYici7ZPN
— Eli Manning (@EliManning) January 20, 2021
The outpour of support from his former teammates and opponents only speaks volumes of Philip Rivers' impact on the league and its players. The 39-year-old will continue to effectuate the game of football as he is set to serve as the head coach of St. Michael Catholic High School football team in his home state of Alabama.