Philip Rivers has made his return to the NFL with the Colts, and he will probably wear a number other than 17 for the first time
Philip Rivers has only ever worn the number 17 when playing football since the ninth grade, but he may be forced to break that streak in his reunion with the Colts.
The Indianapolis Colts shocked the NFL world this week by signing Philip Rivers out of retirement. The now 44-year-old QB returns to the NFL for the first time since the 2020 season, also known as the COVID season. Now the Colts look to him as a potential replacement for starter Daniel Jones, who has been placed on the IR with a torn Achilles tendon.
The team officially announced it signed the QB to its practice squad, and he will take the practice field today. While Rivers is returning to the NFL, he may have to make a significant change that he’s never experienced. Rivers’ jersey number (17) isn’t available, with Jones owning that number.
What number will Philip Rivers wear for the Colts?
Rivers has worn the No. 17 to honor his father, who wore the same number since he was in the ninth grade. He has not worn a single other jersey number in his entire football career, which includes high school, college, and the NFL.
Now his own son, who played quarterback for Rivers on his high school team this past season, was also No. 17. So, unless there is a way for the Colts to give Daniel Jones’ jersey number to Rivers now that he’s on the IR, we will see Rivers don a number that isn’t 17 for the first time in his football career.
12
The first number that comes to mind is 12, which fans always associate with Andrew Luck. Rivers was the first outside-of-the-building QB brought in to replace Luck after his retirement. So it would almost feel fitting to see him wear the No. 12 if he can’t get his 17.
10
Rivers and Eli Manning will forever be connected by the drama that unfolded on their draft day. The two were traded for each other and compared throughout their careers as a result.
It would bring a bit of comedic relief to this situation if Rivers chose to wear the same number Manning wore throughout his career with the New York Giants, who technically drafted Rivers.
16
Last but not least is 16. Unlike the other two options presented, there isn’t a specific reason to point to the number 16. It would make sense instead for a pretty simple reason.
It’s the closest number available to Rivers’ preferred choice of 17. So if he were to pick a number without much thought, I think 16 could be the choice.
Update: Colts are giving Philip Rivers the No. 17 with Daniel Jones on the IR
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