Philip Rivers might have had an ulterior motive play a factor in signing with the Colts to return to the NFL

A reason why Philip Rivers might have returned to the NFL to sign with the Colts might have just been revealed.

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Colts QB Philip Rivers speaking with head coach Shane Steichen
Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Many were shocked by the Indianapolis Colts’ decision to sign 44-year-old QB Philip Rivers. In my opinion, it was even more shocking that Rivers agreed to do it himself.

His first start was a gutsy showing, but the Colts were unable to come away with the win in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. Rivers’ return to the NFL means he has to wait five more years to have a chance to be named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Returning to the league does have a significant benefit for Rivers and his family, though.

Philip Rivers reset his NFL health insurance by coming out of retirement

Rivers may have to wait till 2031 to have a shot at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but his return to the NFL extended his health insurance benefit from the NFL another five years. This would be a significant benefit for any person, but the fact that the insurance extends to include Rivers’ household increases its value. 

In addition to Rivers and his wife, this health coverage also extends to cover the couple’s 10 children. Before returning to the NFL, Rivers’ contract was set to expire at the end of this year. Now, he and his family will get to add five more years of coverage from 2026 to 2031. This information provides one of the reasons why Rivers might have made the choice that many of us believed was insane. 

His relationship with multiple Colts players who were his teammates in 2020, as well as his friendship and brotherhood with head coach Shane Steichen, clearly played a role. He also spoke about the impact he believes his return to the NFL will have on his children and his high school football players.

At the end of the day, only Rivers knows the primary reason he is back in the NFL; all that matters is he is, and he is set to start again in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers.