Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrated his 42nd birthday back on Dec. 2, one week before 44-year-old signal-caller Philip Rivers signed with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad.
While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Rodgers was asked about Rivers’ shocking return to the NFL.
Why Aaron Rodgers loves that Philip Rivers is back in the NFL
“Well, I’m not the oldest guy in the league — love that,” Rodgers said, as Myles Simmons shared for Pro Football Talk.
Rivers hasn’t played since he featured for the Colts during the 2020 season, but he is expected to start when 8-5 Indianapolis plays at the 10-3 Seattle Seahawks this coming Sunday. As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Colts as massive 13.5-point underdogs for that contest.
Rodgers knows how hard it is to serve as an active QB1 after turning 40. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon in September 2023, dealt with numerous physical issues last season and is currently attempting to play with a fractured left wrist.
“It’s pretty incredible, though,” Rodgers said about Rivers’ return. “He’s been out for, I believe, four full seasons, plus this part of this season. I was laughing because a couple of my buddies hit me up asking what I would do in that situation, and I said without missing a beat, ‘I’m retired, I’m staying retired.’ So, big credit to Phil.”
Aaron Rodgers is rooting for Philip Rivers
Numerous coaches and executives around the NFL are “skeptical” regarding what Rivers will be for the Colts over the final four weeks of the season. Rodgers made it known that he’ll be rooting for Rivers to succeed.
“I’ve been a fan of his forever,” Rodgers added about Rivers. “I’ve known him a little bit over the years. I’ve just loved the way that he competes, plays. Again, not the most gifted player, but cerebral as all get out. Hilarious trash talker. I wish him nothing but the best. I’ve been a fan of his for a while, and I hope he goes out and it’s just like riding a bike, and he can jump right back in the saddle — and I expect him to.”
The Steelers will enter the weekend sitting atop the AFC North standings, while the Colts are attempting to claim a wild-card playoff spot. Thus, it’s possible that Rodgers and Rivers could face each other during the upcoming postseason tournament.