Philip Rivers is a retired American football quarterback known for his 17-season career in the NFL, primarily with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. Drafted fourth overall in 2004 by the New York Giants, he was immediately traded to the Chargers. Rivers played 16 seasons with the Chargers and finished his career with the Indianapolis Colts. After retiring from professional football, he became the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in 2021.
1969: Chargers' Thanksgiving Game
In 1969, the Chargers played a game on Thanksgiving, marking a historical event for the team.
December 8, 1981: Birth of Philip Rivers
Philip Michael Rivers was born on December 8, 1981, in Decatur, Alabama.
1981: Dan Fouts Sets Chargers Touchdown Record
In 1981, Dan Fouts established a franchise record for the San Diego Chargers with 33 touchdown passes in a single season, a record that would later be broken by Philip Rivers.
1982: Dan Fouts Sets Chargers Passing Yards Record
Dan Fouts set a San Diego Chargers franchise record for passing yards in a single game in 1982 with 444 yards, a record later broken by Philip Rivers.
1983: 1983 NFL Draft
The 1983 NFL Draft, known for producing Hall of Fame quarterbacks John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino, is often compared to the 2004 draft class that included Rivers, Manning, and Roethlisberger.
1984: Chargers' First Winless Season in the Division Since 1984
In 2015, the Chargers went winless against their divisional opponents for the first time since 1984, highlighting their struggles within their own division.
1994: Playoff Success and Gutsy Performance
In 2007, Rivers led the Chargers to their first two playoff victories since 1994. His courageous performance in the AFC Championship Game, playing with a torn ACL, earned him widespread praise.
1994: Philip Rivers' First Start
Philip Rivers started his first official football game in 1994 while in seventh grade.
1994: Chargers End Playoff Drought
The Chargers won their first playoff game in 1994 since Philip Rivers joined the team.
December 1999: Philip Rivers Graduates High School
Philip Rivers graduated from Athens High School in December 1999.
2000: Philip Rivers Begins College Football Career
In 2000, Philip Rivers enrolled at North Carolina State University and began his college football career under coach Chuck Amato.
2000: Successful Freshman Season for Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers had a remarkable freshman season at NC State in 2000, leading the team to an 8-4 record and setting multiple school passing records.
2001: Philip Rivers Leads ACC in Completion Percentage
During his sophomore year in 2001, Philip Rivers led the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 65.2 percent completion mark.
2001: Rivers' Marriage
Philip Rivers married his junior high school sweetheart, Tiffany, in 2001.
2002: NC State Achieves Historic Ranking
In 2002, Philip Rivers led NC State to their best start in school history, achieving a #10 ranking in the AP Poll.
2003: Philip Rivers Sets ACC Passing Records
By the end of his senior year in 2003, Philip Rivers became the most productive quarterback in ACC history, throwing for 4,491 yards and 34 touchdowns.
2003: Philip Rivers Wins ACC Player of the Year
Philip Rivers concluded his college career with a successful season in 2003, earning ACC Player of the Year and ACC Athlete of the Year.
2003: Remarkable Year Anticipated for Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers' performance in 2002 set the stage for a highly anticipated year in 2003.
2003: Chargers' Worst Record Since 2003
The Chargers finished the 2015 season with a 4-12 record, marking their worst performance since 2003. This result highlighted the team's struggles and the need for improvement.
2003: Chargers' Last Losing Season Before 2012
The year 2003 marked the Chargers' previous losing season before their 7-9 record in 2012, highlighting the team's relative success during Philip Rivers' tenure.
August 2004: Rivers Signs with the San Diego Chargers
In August 2004, Philip Rivers signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract with the San Diego Chargers. He started the season as the third-string quarterback behind Drew Brees and Doug Flutie.
2004: 2004 NFL Draft
The 2004 NFL Draft saw Philip Rivers drafted alongside Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, marking the beginning of their successful NFL careers.
2004: Philip Rivers Drafted into the NFL
In 2004, Philip Rivers was selected fourth overall in the NFL draft by the New York Giants, who then traded him to the San Diego Chargers.
2004: Success of the 2004 Draft Class
The performances of Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, both from the 2004 draft class, set a high bar for Rivers as he took over as the Chargers' starting quarterback.
2005: Brees Departs, Rivers Steps Up
Following Drew Brees' departure from the Chargers in 2005, Rivers was named the starting quarterback heading into the 2006 season.
2005: Rivers' First NFL Action
Rivers saw his first regular season action in 2005, filling in for an injured Drew Brees during the Chargers' final game of the season.
September 11, 2006: Rivers' First NFL Start
Rivers started his first NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on September 11, 2006, leading the Chargers to a 27-0 victory.
November 12, 2006: Comeback Victory Against the Bengals
Rivers orchestrated a remarkable comeback victory against the Cincinnati Bengals on November 12, 2006, overcoming a 28-7 halftime deficit to win 49-41.
2006: High Expectations for Rivers
Expectations were high for Rivers in 2006 due to the Chargers' talented offense and the success of his 2004 draft classmates, Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger.
2006: Historic Comebacks and Playoff Run
In 2006, Rivers led the Chargers to back-to-back road victories after trailing by 17+ points, an NFL first. His impressive performances earned him a Pro Bowl selection, and he led the Chargers to a 14-2 season and the AFC West title.
2006: Philip Rivers Becomes Chargers' Starting Quarterback
Philip Rivers became the Chargers' starting quarterback in 2006, a role he held for 14 seasons.
2006: Rivers' Potential Recognized
Rivers' strong completion percentage in college led Football Outsiders to project him as a future NFL star. Sports Illustrated ranked him as the second-best quarterback under 25 after just five NFL starts.
November 2007: Philip Rivers' Lowest Monthly Passer Rating Since 2007
In November 2007, Philip Rivers experienced his lowest monthly passer rating, indicating a period of struggle during that specific month. This detail provides insight into the fluctuations in his performance throughout his career.
2007: Chargers' Resurgence under Turner
Under new head coach Norv Turner, the Chargers rebounded from a 1-3 start in 2007 to finish the season 11-5, securing their second consecutive AFC West title.
2007: Chargers Reach AFC Championship Game
In 2007, Philip Rivers led the Chargers to the AFC Championship game.
2007: Pro Bowl Selection
Rivers was selected to the 2007 Pro Bowl, recognizing his outstanding performance during the 2006 NFL season.
2007: AFC Championship Game Performance
Rivers played the entire 2007 AFC Championship Game with a torn ACL, showcasing his toughness and determination.
December 28, 2008: Rivers Sets Chargers Touchdown Record
On December 28, 2008, Philip Rivers set a new franchise record for touchdown passes in a season with the San Diego Chargers, surpassing Dan Fouts' previous record of 33 touchdowns set in 1981.
2008: Philip Rivers Ties Career-High Passer Rating
In 2008, Philip Rivers achieved a career-high passer rating of 105.5, showcasing his exceptional performance as a quarterback. This accomplishment highlights his skill and impact on the field during that season.
January 3, 2009: Chargers Secure Wild Card Victory Over Colts
The San Diego Chargers, led by Philip Rivers, triumphed over the Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card Round on January 3, 2009. Rivers orchestrated a crucial drive in the closing minutes, setting up a game-tying field goal that forced overtime. The Chargers secured the victory in overtime with a touchdown, advancing to the AFC Divisional Playoff.
August 24, 2009: Rivers Signs Contract Extension with Chargers
Philip Rivers committed to a six-year contract extension with the San Diego Chargers on August 24, 2009, worth $92 million, including $38 million in guaranteed money.
2010: Rivers Receives NFL Alumni Player of the Year Award
Philip Rivers was honored with the NFL Alumni Player of the Year Award in 2010, surpassing Tom Brady, who was unanimously recognized as the Associated Press Most Valuable Player that same year.
2010: Establishment of the Rivers of Hope Foundation
Philip Rivers and his wife established the Rivers of Hope Foundation in 2010. The organization aimed to support foster children.
2010: Rivers' Remarkable Passing Statistics
During the 2010 season, Philip Rivers showcased impressive passing statistics. He completed 63.7 percent of his passes, throwing for 2,455 yards, 136 touchdowns, and only 58 interceptions. His passer rating stood as the highest in league history at the time, coupled with an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio. Notably, he never threw more than two interceptions in a game, a feat that extended throughout his seven playoff appearances.
2011: Rivers Concludes Season with Strong Performance
Despite the challenges of the 2011 season, Philip Rivers finished on a high note, leading the San Diego Chargers to a victory over the Oakland Raiders, effectively ending their playoff hopes. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection.
2011: Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award Finalist
In 2011, Philip Rivers was named one of three finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. This recognition stemmed from his significant contributions to the Rivers of Hope Foundation.
2011: Rivers' Struggles and Speculation
Philip Rivers faced a challenging 2011 season marked by inconsistent performances, leading to speculation about potential undisclosed injuries and distractions. His struggles were exemplified by a critical fumble during a potential game-winning drive and losses to divisional rivals.
2011: Canepa Compares Rivers to Fouts
At the start of the 2011 season, Nick Canepa, a writer for the San Diego Union-Tribune, sparked a debate by claiming Philip Rivers was a "better quarterback" than Dan Fouts, a Hall of Fame quarterback. Canepa highlighted Rivers' ability to effectively distribute the ball to a wide range of receivers, even amidst injuries, and his superior win-loss record as a starter.
2012: Rivers Ranked on NFL Top 100
In 2012, Philip Rivers secured the 61st position on the NFL Top 100 Players list, as determined by his peers.
2012: Closure of the Rivers of Hope Foundation
The Rivers of Hope Foundation, overseen by Philip Rivers and his wife, ceased operations in 2012 after raising over $1,000,000 for foster children.
2012: Philip Rivers' 100th Consecutive Start and Career Milestones
In 2012, Philip Rivers achieved his 100th career start and 100th consecutive start in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He also became the seventh fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 25,000 career yards. However, the Chargers finished with a losing record for the first time in Rivers' career, leading to coaching and management changes.
2012: Endorsement of Rick Santorum
During the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries, Philip Rivers publicly endorsed former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum.
2013: Philip Rivers' Comeback Season
Philip Rivers had a comeback season in 2013, adapting to a new coaching staff and offensive system. He set an NFL record for completion percentage and surpassed 30,000 career passing yards. Rivers was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl and led the Chargers to a playoff berth.
2013: Chargers' Playoff Appearance
The Chargers made it to the playoffs in 2013, marking a significant achievement for the team.
May 17, 2014: Honorary Doctorate and Commencement Address
Philip Rivers received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and delivered the commencement address at The Catholic University of America's 125th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 17, 2014.
June 5, 2014: Stephen Rivers Transfers to Vanderbilt
Philip Rivers's younger brother, Stephen, transferred to Vanderbilt University on June 5, 2014, after playing college football at LSU. Although eligible immediately, he later moved to Northwestern State University for the 2015 season.
2014: Support for Ronald McDonald House Charities
In 2014, Philip Rivers participated in a campaign supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego.
2014: Philip Rivers' Sixth 4,000-Yard Passing Season and MVP Award
In 2014, Philip Rivers surpassed 4,000 passing yards for the sixth time in his career, demonstrating his consistent excellence as a passer. He was also named the Chargers' MVP for his contributions to the team.
2014: Philip Rivers Named Comeback Player of the Year
Philip Rivers was recognized for his outstanding performance in 2014 with the Comeback Player of the Year award from both the Associated Press (AP) and the Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA). He led the Chargers to the playoffs, showcasing his resilience and skill after a challenging previous season.
2014: Chargers' Winning Season
The Chargers had a winning season in 2014, indicating a successful period for the team.
August 15, 2015: Philip Rivers Signs Contract Extension with Chargers
On August 15, 2015, Philip Rivers secured his future with the Chargers by signing a four-year, $84 million contract extension. This deal reflected the team's confidence in his abilities and their commitment to keeping him as their franchise quarterback.
2015: Stephen Rivers Plays for Northwestern State
Stephen Rivers, Philip Rivers's brother, played for Northwestern State University in 2015 after transferring from Vanderbilt.
2015: Philip Rivers Ranked 43rd on NFL Top 100 Players
Philip Rivers was ranked 43rd on the NFL Top 100 Players list in 2015, a testament to his standing among his peers as one of the league's best players during that season. This recognition highlights his impact and influence within the NFL.
2015: Philip Rivers Sets Career Highs in Passing Yards and Completions
Philip Rivers concluded the 2015 season with career-high and franchise records for pass completions (437) and passing yards (4,792). These achievements solidified his place in Chargers history and demonstrated his exceptional passing abilities.
October 13, 2016: Philip Rivers Becomes Chargers' All-Time Passing Yards Leader
On October 13, 2016, Philip Rivers etched his name into Chargers history by surpassing Dan Fouts to become the franchise's all-time passing yards leader. This achievement solidified his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks to wear a Chargers uniform.
2016: Philip Rivers Declines Pro Bowl Invitation
Despite being selected as an alternate for the 2016 Pro Bowl, Philip Rivers opted to decline the invitation due to personal reasons. This decision showcased his commitment to his personal life and priorities outside of football.
December 19, 2017: Rivers Selected for Pro Bowl
On December 19, 2017, Philip Rivers was chosen to play in his seventh Pro Bowl, alongside teammate Keenan Allen.
2017: Philip Rivers Ranked 73rd on NFL Top 100 Players
In 2017, Philip Rivers was ranked 73rd on the NFL Top 100 Players list, reflecting his continued presence among the league's elite quarterbacks. Despite his team's struggles, his individual talent and impact were still recognized by his peers.
September 9, 2018: Rivers' Impressive Season Opener
On September 9, 2018, Philip Rivers threw for 424 yards and three touchdowns in the Chargers' season opener. It was the most passing yards he had in a season opener in his career.
2018: NFL Top 100 Players Ranking
In 2018, Philip Rivers was ranked 56th on the NFL Top 100 Players list, as voted by his peers.
2019: Rivers' Ranking Among NFL Players
Philip Rivers secured the 17th spot on the NFL Top 100 Players list in 2019, based on votes from fellow players.
2019: Rivers' Season Performance and Chargers' Record
Philip Rivers concluded the 2019 NFL season with 4,615 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and a league-high 20 interceptions, contributing to the Chargers' 5-11 record.
2019: Rivers' Performance and Chargers' Close Losses
In 2019, Philip Rivers had a season of highs and lows, with strong individual performances but numerous narrow losses for the Chargers.
2019: Philip Rivers' Tenure as Chargers' Quarterback Ends
After 14 seasons, Philip Rivers' time as the Chargers' starting quarterback ended in 2019.
February 10, 2020: Rivers Enters Free Agency
On February 10, 2020, Philip Rivers and the Chargers mutually decided to part ways, making Rivers a free agent.
March 21, 2020: Rivers Signs with Indianapolis Colts
On March 21, 2020, Philip Rivers signed a one-year, $25 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, marking the start of a new chapter in his NFL career.
September 13, 2020: Rivers' Debut with the Colts
Philip Rivers played his first game as the Colts' quarterback on September 13, 2020, marking his debut with the new team.
2020: Rivers' Passing Milestones and Injury
During the 2020 NFL season, Philip Rivers achieved significant passing milestones, surpassing Dan Marino on the all-time lists for passing yards and touchdowns, but also battled a plantar plate injury.
2020: Philip Rivers Reaches Playoffs with Colts
In 2020, Philip Rivers reached the playoffs for the seventh time in his career, this time with the Indianapolis Colts.
January 20, 2021: Rivers Announces Retirement
Philip Rivers announced his retirement from the NFL on January 20, 2021, after 17 seasons. He expressed his intention to retire as a Charger and pursue his passion for coaching.
August 26, 2021: First Win as High School Football Coach
Philip Rivers secured his first victory as a high school football head coach on August 26, 2021. He led the St. Michael Catholic Cardinals to a resounding 49-0 win, following in the footsteps of his father, who inspired his coaching career.
2021: Philip Rivers Begins Coaching Career
Philip Rivers began his coaching career in 2021, becoming the head football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School.
2023: Gunner Rivers as Starting Quarterback
Philip Rivers's oldest son, Gunner, took on the role of starting quarterback for St. Michael Catholic in the 2023 season.