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Philip Rivers Let It All Out During Emotional Press Conference After Final NFL Game [VIDEO]

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Philip Rivers press conference.
Philip Rivers (Photo via X)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers might have played his final NFL game on Sunday. The Colts couldn’t move past the Jacksonville Jaguars (23-17) in Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season after the Houston Texans’ victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday killed their playoff chances.

Rivers returned to the field after five years, and his performances proved that he still had it. At 44, he won’t likely return to the field again, but the eight-time Pro Bowler became one of the biggest stories of the season. With Shane Steichen set to make a decision on who will start against the Houston Texans in Week 18, Rivers reflected on his short 2025 journey.

An emotional Philip Rivers thanked the Colts for the opportunity to play the game he loves so much again.

“If it’s the last one, it’s the last one,” Rivers said. “I thought the last one was walking off the field in Buffalo (in January 2021). We’re walking up that tunnel and I was fine with it. And that one had tears, and those few days after it — and I was at peace with that being the last one.

“So certainly, if it is, I got three bonus games that I never saw coming and couldn’t be more thankful that I got the opportunity.”

Philip Rivers Was Mad At Referees During Colts-Jaguars Duel

Dec 14, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) walks to the locker room following a loss against the Seattle Seahawks Colts at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Before he opened up on his return to the field, Philip Rivers was seen going in on referees during Sunday’s game. He showed his competitive fire again in the third quarter. He completed an 18-yard pass to wide receiver Josh Down. When the Colts were ready to snap the ball for the next play, the referees granted Jaguars head coach Liam Coen a challenge.

Rivers clearly didn’t appreciate the call.

Downs praised Rivers for keeping it up against three good opponents despite coming off a five-year “hiatus.”

“He played at a good level against three really good teams,” Downs said. “I appreciate him a lot. He’s a great dude, he’s very competitive, really smart and he’s a great guy. … It’s incredible that he came off the couch and played after five years. I don’t think anybody would do that except him.”

The Colts could start Riley Leonard in Week 18 with nothing left to play for.

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