Former NFL quarterback and current St. Michael Catholic head football coach Philip Rivers was named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 last week, advancing in his first year of eligibility.

Rivers is one of 26 Modern-Era semifinalists chosen from an initial list of 128 nominees. He is one of three quarterbacks still in contention, joining fellow first-year candidate Drew Brees and 2025 semifinalist Eli Manning.

An eight-time Pro Bowler, Rivers spent 16 seasons with the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers before finishing his career with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. He retired ranked sixth in NFL history in passing touchdowns (421) and seventh in passing yards (63,440) and remains the Chargers' all-time leader in every major passing category. He led the franchise to 12 playoff games and an appearance in the 2007 AFC Championship.

In his current life on the Eastern Shore as the head coach of the St. Michael Cardinals, Rivers has a 42-16 coaching record (6-3 in the playoffs). He led the Cardinals to a program best 13-1 record this season before falling to Jackson in the semifinals for the second year in a row. Earlier this season, the former NFL gunslinger said it's honor to be a nominee next to the likes of Manning and Brees.

The list of semifinalists will be cut to 15 Modern-Era finalists in January. From there, between four and eight individuals — including Modern-Era players, a coach, a contributor and senior finalists — will be selected for enshrinement.

The Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 will be inducted next August in Canton.