Troy Aikman dismisses 44-year-old and potential Hall of Famer’s unlikely NFL comeback

Dec 9, 2025 - 02:45

The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback situation has taken yet another turn.

With Daniel Jones lost for the season to a torn Achilles and Riley Leonard sidelined by a knee injury, the Colts may surprisingly look to retired NFL great Philip Rivers as an emergency option.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 18: Philip Rivers #17 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates his teams 31-27 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) — Rivers has been retired for nearly five whole years

Indianapolis is set to work out Rivers on Tuesday.

The former Colts quarterback, who last played in 2020, has not committed to returning, and the team has not yet made a decision on signing him, according to ESPN.

At the ripe age of 44, no one knows whether Rivers is anywhere near football condition, as he has spent his retirement coaching high school football for the St. Michael Catholic Cardinals.

However, if he reunites and signs with the Colts, it wouldn’t take Rivers long to pick up the offense.

He knows the Colts’ system inside and out and already has built-in chemistry with Shane Steichen, dating back to their time together with the Chargers, long before Rivers’ one-year stint in Indianapolis.

The Colts believe Rivers’ knowledge of the system could help them stay in the playoff hunt as injuries continue to take a toll across the roster.

One man who doesn’t believe in Rivers making a comeback, is Hall of Famer Troy Aikman.

Ahead of Monday Night Football between the Chargers and Eagles, Aikman shared his thoughts on the news of Rivers making a potential return.

“I love Philip Rivers as much as anybody,” Aikman began.

“I can’t imagine being out of the game five years and coming back at 44-years-old. I can’t imagine that happening.”

Aikman doesn’t think Rivers can make a comeback to the NFL[/caption]

Former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers attends the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the NC State Wolfpack — Rivers would need to quickly work himself back into shape if the Colts sign him

The Colts’ potential move to bring back Rivers underscores just how dire their quarterback situation has become.

Jones was having a breakout season in his first year in Indianapolis, but a lingering stress fracture in his left fibula had hampered his performance in recent games.

On Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones suffered a non-contact tear of his right Achilles, ending his season.

Leonard had finished the game and was expected to serve as the Colts’ quarterback for the remainder of the season.

However, on Monday morning, Steichen said the sixth-round rookie reported an unspecified knee issue to the team’s medical staff and is now considered week-to-week.

And with former fourth-overall pick Anthony Richardson Sr. on injured reserve, it’s clear that general manager Chris Ballard and the Colts are desperate.

Just how desperate are they?

Here comes Rivers.

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