Retirement not in sight for Chargers QB Philip Rivers

Is Los Angeles Chargers QB Philip Rivers nearing retirement? The veteran doesn’t think so.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was drafted in 2004. Two years later, Rivers became the Chargers’ starting quarterback.

He hasn’t missed a game since.

Now 35 years old, Rivers is on the backend of his career; but that doesn’t mean retirement’s in sight. Rivers recently spoke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter about his future.

“I don’t want hang on at the end and just be a guy that’s hanging on,” Rivers said on Schefter’s Know Them From Adam podcast. “But if I still feel like I can help a team and I enjoy it the way I do and more importantly, if the team feels that I can help them. … I don’t see myself shutting it down any time real soon.”

Not only does he feel rejuvenated, but Rivers, who’s been a member of the San Diego Chargers for 13 years, said the move to Los Angeles doesn’t affect his future football plans.

“I’m thankful to be a part of this organization and while it’s hard for so many people, I’m excited about the challenge and the newness and the unknown that’s going to come with being in a new community and playing in a new stadium,” he said.

Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) signals before the snap during the first half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Rivers, who was selected to the Pro Bowl last season, passed for 4,000-plus yards (4,386 to be exact) for the fourth consecutive season and threw 30-plus touchdowns (33 to be exact) for the third time in four years. Unfortunately, Rivers finished with a career-high and league-leading 21 interceptions. He said his primary goal this upcoming season is to cut down the turnovers.

Despite finishing with back-to-back losing seasons, Rivers’ Chargers are on the rise. For years the Chargers have failed to surround Rivers with quality talent. It also didn’t help that half the team would land on injured reserve every season.

But heading into 2017, many analysts see the Bolts as playoff contenders. It’ll be a tough road ahead with a rookie head coach, rough schedule and new venue, but they have several playmakers on offense and defense. Not only that, but the team’s weakest link, the offensive line, has potentially been upgraded.

For Rivers and the Chargers, the time is now.