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Philip Rivers’ return to the NFL has many former quarterbacks over 40 wondering if they could go back and perform at a similarly high level.
If anything, they should at least take note of what Rivers did in the first half for the Indianapolis Colts against the San Francisco 49ers.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes as San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Keion White (56) applies pressure during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 semifinalist turned in a vintage first-half performance against the 49ers, delighting NFL fans who watched the game Monday night.
He started the night to the cheers of Colts fans at Lucas Oil Stadium – his family was also in attendance. The Colts went nine plays, 72 yards and Rivers found receiver Alec Pierce for a 20-yard touchdown. Indianapolis took a 7-0 lead.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
San Francisco scored on back-to-back drives thanks to Brock Purdy’s hookup with Demarcus Robinson, special teams forcing a turnover, then Purdy throwing a touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey. When Rivers got the ball, he ran down the field again.
The Colts scored on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Rivers to Pierce to end a 12-play, 66-yard drive. The game was tied with plenty of time left in the first half.
Indianapolis trailed 24-17 at halftime. But the focus was on Rivers.
He was 14 of 21 with 175 passing yards and two touchdown passes. The last time he threw multiple touchdown passes in the regular season was on December 20, 2020, against the Houston Texans.
Rivers returned to the Colts last week at the age of 44. He had a solid performance against the Seattle Seahawks for someone who hadn’t thrown a ball in almost five years.
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Now the Colts’ playoff hopes rest on his shoulders.
