Philip Rivers has formally put a bow on his 17-year NFL profession.
The quarterback signed a one-day contract to retire a Charger on Monday, and he relived his terrific profession in an emotional video launched by the group.
“I’m Philip Rivers, quarterback, and I’m retiring a Charger,” he started.
Rivers hasn’t suited up for an NFL sport since enjoying for the Colts 2020, however he had by no means formally introduced his retirement.
“I think gratitude, really, is the first thing that comes to mind. There were so many highlights and fun Sundays. So many. But what I miss and what I’m most appreciative and thankful for, are those relationships,” Rivers stated. “The things that were behind the scenes. What you lived every day. It’s the days at Murphy Canyon, on the practice field. You miss those moments.”
Rivers performed 16 of his 17 NFL seasons with the Chargers, together with 13 years whereas the franchise was nonetheless positioned in San Diego.
“I picture riding down that hill into Qualcomm [Stadium]. And you just go, man, shoot, they’re fired up today,” Rivers stated, his voice cracking with emotion. “And seeing the flags and seeing the smoke going from the grills and stuff. That just never got old.”
Rivers was an eight-time Professional-Bowler, and he handed for no less than 20 touchdowns in every of his final 15 years within the NFL.
“Just growing up in the yard playing the game, I just loved to play. Loved to compete. And so that part never left me,” Rivers stated. “There are some clips that I’ll look at and just shake my head, and then some I go, ‘Dang, that was a lot of fun.’”
Rivers went on to reference a few of his favourite wins, together with the Chargers’ 23-17 playoff win in 2009, plus thrilling victories over the Bengals in 2006, over the Broncos in 2013 and over the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in 2018.
He then started praising a few of his stalwart offensive lineman from over time when 4 of them – Jeromey Clary, Marcus McNeill, Nick Hardwick and Kris Dielman – shocked him mid-video in a heartwarming second.
“I’m thankful for those 16 years and for entrusting me to be the quarterback, and I certainly never took it for granted,” Rivers concluded. “Never took it for granted, getting to suit up and lead the Chargers for, shoot, two hundred and forty something games in a row.”
