“Why not get Tom Brady?” “Ruined Hall of Fame chances”: NFL fans react as Colts sign Philip Rivers ahead of Week 15 game vs. Seahawks

Philip Rivers is returning to football five years after the eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback last stepped on an NFL field.

Rivers last played in 2020 with Indianapolis. Daniel Jones is the Colts starter who tore his Achilles tendon in Week 14 against Jacksonville, ending his campaign. He joined the team in the offseason on a one-year, $14 million deal.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Rivers signed with Indianapolis' practice squad. Fans reacted to it on X.

"He just ruined his hall of fame chances," one fan wrote.

𝒃🏀

@HiddenNBA

@AdamSchefter He just ruined his hall of fame chances 😭😭😭

"Why not get Tom Brady?" a fan said.

"Literal grandfather Phillip Rivers leading the Colts in 2025," another fan wrote.

Here are more reactions.

"This is actually hilarious. As a colts fan, I’m all aboard let’s see how bad this is," one fan commented.

"He was home with his 10 kids for a few years and said na I gotta get back to work," another fan wrote.

"Bro has to wait another 5 years to be in the HOF and he’s not even guaranteed to start," a fan tweeted.

The Colts will face the Seahawks on Sunday for their Week 15 game.

Shane Steichen connection brought Philip Rivers back to Indianapolis

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Philip Rivers has history with Colts coach Shane Steichen, making the signing logical despite the risks. Steichen was the offensive coordinator in Los Angeles when Rivers played for the Chargers.

The quarterback threw 24 touchdowns against 11 picks for Indianapolis in 2020, with a 68% completion rate. The Colts went 11-5 and reached the playoffs before Buffalo eliminated them in the wild-card round.

Indianapolis is scrambling at the position after Daniel Jones went down on Sunday versus Jacksonville. Backup quarterback Riley Leonard hurt his knee in the same game and might not play in Week 15 against Seattle. Anthony Richardson remains on injured reserve due to the orbital fracture he sustained in October. Brett Rypien is the only other quarterback on the practice squad.

The Colts (8-5) started 7-1 but have lost four of their last five games. Jacksonville (9-4) leads the AFC South.

Rivers' return will affect his Hall of Fame chances. He is a semifinalist for the Class of 2026, but playing again would push his eligibility back five years.