Philip Rivers has officially announced his retirement from the NFL, a significant moment for the former quarterback who has not played since the 2020 season. In a social media post, he stated, "I'm Philip Rivers, quarterback, and I'm retiring a Charger," emphasizing his desire to retire with the team most closely associated with his career despite finishing his last season with the Indianapolis Colts.

The announcement has been anticipated for some time. According to Chargers president of football operations, John Spanos, discussions regarding Rivers' retirement have occurred over the past several years. Spanos mentioned, "We had a really good conversation and there was a lot of gratitude expressed back and forth, from me personally and on the team's behalf for everything he's meant to us and all our fans as well as from him for what the Chargers mean to him." Rivers had indicated a desire to retire as a Charger, and Spanos expressed that the organization was keen on honoring that wish whenever Rivers felt prepared to close the chapter on his illustrious career.

The retirement announcement included a video showcasing Rivers' most notable moments during his tenure with the Chargers, supplemented by reflections from some of his former offensive linemen, including Nick Hardwick, Kris Dielman, Marcus McNeill, and Jeromey Clary, who contributed to the surprise moment. Rivers, who is currently the head football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, is hailed as one of the top quarterbacks in NFL history. Drafted fourth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, Rivers solidified his status as a full-time starter in his third season, leading the Chargers to a remarkable 14-2 record as a Pro Bowler. Over his career, Rivers achieved eight Pro Bowl selections, completed 224 consecutive starts, and captured four consecutive AFC West division titles during his initial four seasons as a starter. He led the NFL in passing touchdowns with 34 in 2008 and in passing yards with 4,710 in 2010. Upon completing his time with the Chargers, Rivers accumulated 59,271 passing yards, 397 passing touchdowns, and 198 interceptions, making him the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions. His performance places him eighth in NFL history for completions, sixth for yards, and sixth for passing touchdowns, solidifying his legacy as a potential Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.