Philip Rivers called it a career on Wednesday after 17 seasons -- 16 with the Los Angeles Chargers and one with the Indianapolis Colts.
Though the quarterback never made it to a Super Bowl, he ranks fifth in NFL history with 63,440 passing yards, behind only Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. His 421 career touchdown passes also rank fifth in league history, and he could be bound for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in five years.
Former competitors such as Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, retired New York Giants QB Eli Manning (who was traded for Rivers in 2004) and Houston Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt, among others, got onto social media to pay tribute to Rivers as he transitions to coaching high school football:
Congrats to Philip on an outstanding career. It was fun to watch my fellow Qb from 2004 draft class compete these past 17 years. Enjoy the next phase. https://t.co/RIYici7ZPN
β Eli Manning (@EliManning) January 20, 2021
Philip, what a career! An amazing competitor, winner & family man. It's been fun to compete against u & watch u do your thing for so many years.
β BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) January 20, 2021
I know countless kids have been inspired by u & will benefit from your coaching & football knowledge in the future. God bless! - Ben. pic.twitter.com/KsZ7L5TjaR
Philip, congrats on a Hall of Fame career! Thanks for your example as a QB, a team leader, a Dad, and a man of faith. So fun to watch
β Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) January 20, 2021
one of a kind. true original π pic.twitter.com/QdsNGzQgwk
β Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) January 20, 2021
I'll never forget lining up for a play and Phil pointing to one of our linebackers and telling him he was lined up wrong based off the blitz we were about to run and being 100% correct about it haha.
β JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 20, 2021
One of the smartest I've ever played against and a hell of a competitor. https://t.co/1AZxyvDafu
Congrats to that boy rivers gone miss the competition and trash talking .
β Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) January 20, 2021
Congrats to my guy Phil! You had a great career bro and I'm glad I got the opportunity to be your teammate. Enjoy retirement bro! pic.twitter.com/VUXAI0rqwA
β Darren Sproles (@DarrenSproles) January 20, 2021
One of the best competitors and teammates I've ever been around...congrats on a great run 17 pic.twitter.com/OqIIFMnOzY
β Eddie Royal (@EddieRoyalWR) January 20, 2021
Congrats stud. Insane career. Thankful for everything you have done for me in my career. You were a true inspiration. Enjoy retirement stud! https://t.co/uWYPOZVJrX
β Hunter Henry (@Hunter_Henry84) January 20, 2021
Congrats To my former Teammate Phillip Rivers on a hell of career bro. We came so close to bringing San Diego a championship with your leadership and drive. You made practice and the games fun with how competitive you were. Enjoy retirement bro. Time to relax and enjoy the family
β ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) January 20, 2021
Thank you, Philip. pic.twitter.com/znBe1x8TJP
β Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 20, 2021
Daggum, thank you for being a great leader and teacher. Gonna miss you uncle Philπ€ https://t.co/8JZnJMnrtg
β MPJ (@MikePitt_Jr) January 20, 2021
Dadgum, did we have some good battles over the years.
β Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 20, 2021
Best of luck in retirement, Philip! pic.twitter.com/239memXnix
Easily. https://t.co/WFz4JXadW7
β Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) January 20, 2021
Congrats on a great career Philip! Lol pic.twitter.com/py4I6I64hm
β Terrance Knighton (@MisterRoast98) January 20, 2021
Congratulations on a great career to my brother Phil, you'll go down as one of the best. I'll be at your HOF speech β‘οΈβ‘οΈβ‘οΈ pic.twitter.com/1Fx0ymgZer
β Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) January 20, 2021
Thank You 17 ! https://t.co/ttvEwuToVr
β Marlon Mack (@Marlon_Mack25) January 20, 2021
Congrats hawce! Almost a little emotional seeing it actually happening. Sad ur done playing but way more excited for u to see this side of the nfl! With u being one of the best husbands,dads,and friends i know this will be the perfect decision. Ur the best brother! Love u https://t.co/iMgqocFMPZ
β danny woodhead (@danny__woodhead) January 20, 2021