NFL insider questions Philip Rivers' Hall of Fame candidacy amid unretirement plans to return for Colts

Philip Rivers has been in the spotlight this week amid rumors of a return to the NFL. Rivers, 44, who retired after the 2020 season, has been linked with a move to the Indianapolis Colts following Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles injury.

Amid Rivers' potential return to the league, NFL insider Peter Schrager has questioned whether the Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy will be effected.

"If Phil Rivers takes a snap -- and he might -- does that reset his HOF candidacy clock another 5 full years ?" Schrager tweeted on Monday.

Peter Schrager

@PSchrags

If Phil Rivers takes a snap -- and he might -- does that reset his HOF candidacy clock another 5 full years ?

Rivers has been named as one of 26 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. However, there is an interesting situation that could unfold.

According to NFL Network's Steve Wyche, if Rivers is signed to the Colts' active roster, his Hall of Fame eligibility clock would reset and another five-year wait would ensue.

Per NFL regulations, players eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame need to be retired for at least five years.

Rivers is an eight-time Pro Bowler. He has been serving as the coach for St. Michael Catholic high school in Alabama since 2021.

Philip Rivers played just one season with the Indianapolis Colts

NFL: Former Indianapolis Colts QB Philip Rivers - Source: Imagn

The then-San Diego Chargers took Philip Rivers with the No. 4 pick in the 2004 NFL draft. He played 16 seasons with the Chargers.

Rivers signed a one-year, $25 million contract with the Colts in March 2020. He played with them for just one season, posting 4,169 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, leading Indy to an 11-5 record.

Rivers led the Colts to the playoffs, but his team lost to the Buffalo Bills. It was also the last time Indy made the postseason.

The Colts are currently third in the AFC South with an 8-5 record. They have lost three games in a row, but are still in contention to make the playoffs.