Philip Rivers’ three-game run with the Indianapolis Colts came to an end after the team was eliminated following last week’s results. The LA Chargers legend showed that he still had it and could at least manage an offense to an admirable degree. But Indianapolis’ defense and special teams plummeted to end the year despite Rivers’ efforts.
On Up & Adams with Kay Adams, Rivers talked extensively about his comeback and what’s next for him in life as he returns to high school coaching. His college prospect son, Gunner Rivers, will be entering his senior year of high school. His other teenage son, Peter Rivers, will be starting high school. Rivers mentioned both of them playing together next season on his St. Michael Catholic football team.
Rivers was also asked about his rooting interest in the playoffs. While it may seem obvious on the surface that No. 17 would root for the Chargers with the Colts now eliminated, it does go a little deeper than that. Rivers has relationships with both Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Broncos quarterback Bo Nix from working with them prior to the 2024 NFL Draft. Adams asked if he would be rooting for Maye or the Chargers going forward.
“I’m pulling for the Chargers,” Rivers said. “I’m definitely pulling for the Chargers.”
“I do pull for quarterbacks,” Rivers admitted. “You pull for those guys that you got to meet. Bo (Nix) and Drake (Maye) will be easy to pull for. But I’ll be pulling for the Chargers like crazy.”
Philip Rivers re-establishes his allegiance with the Chargers
Rivers also backed Riley Leonard in the same capacity. Leonard will start the Colts' season finale as Rivers’ time as the starter ends. He also worked with Leonard briefly prior to the 2025 NFL Draft.
Rivers admitted that he felt it was only fair to return the favor and support Leonard in any way he needed after “44-year-old Rivers showed up” to take the starting job. “He’s been unreal.” Rivers said of Leonard’s work ethic.
Chargers fans may not love hearing that Rivers is “pulling” for Nix or Maye based on his time working with them. But without a doubt, Rivers is still repping for the powder blue and Justin Herbert first for however long the Bolts’ 2025–26 playoff run goes.
Prior to getting to the playoffs, the Chargers still have one more game to take care of as Trey Lance starts against the Denver Broncos. But Rivers’ support for the Chargers will come in handy once LA gets their playoff run going. It’s hard to believe the regular season went by that quickly.