After 17-year NFL veteran and current St. Michael Catholic head coach Philip Rivers broke the news Monday night with his intentions to work out for the quarterback-needy Indianapolis Colts, the team has made the move to sign the 44-year old to their practice squad. 

Rivers turned 44 yesterday, Dec. 8, when NFL Network announced his work out. According to senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Colts will evaluate how he practices Wednesday and Thursday before determining how quickly he could be available. He becomes the league’s oldest active player, edging out 42-year-old Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Riley Leonard, Fairhope High School alum and Colts rookie quarterback who started Sunday, remains day-to-day for Week 15’s matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Rivers has trained with Leonard during offseasons in Fairhope.

The last time Rivers took the field was Jan. 9, 2021, for a wild-card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. The Colts lost that game 27-24, and Rivers threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns. The last time Indianapolis made the playoffs was the 2020-21 season in which Rivers led them to an 11-5 record. 

Now reunited with Colts head coach Shane Steichen, a former Chargers assistant, Rivers joins an 8-5 team just one game behind Jacksonville in the AFC South race. Former Houston Texans defensive end and current CBS broadcaster JJ Watt reported that Rivers ran the Colts offense at St. Michael this season, speaking weekly with Steichen and breaking down film. 

Rivers was a semifinalist for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame; his return removes him from that list, and his eligibility clock will reset five years after his next retirement.

St. Michael Catholic extended its congratulations to Rivers via a statement, stating they will eagerly await his return to Cardinal football after the conclusion of the NFL season. 

“We are incredibly proud of Coach Rivers and the way he pours into our students each day,” said Principal Dr. Andrea Williamson. “His commitment to excellence, character, and teamwork has elevated our program and inspired our entire school community. We are excited to support him as he steps back onto the NFL stage.”