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Not only is Philip Rivers helping the Indianapolis Colts out of a bind in the short term, but he’s also helping the franchise’s longterm future as he looks to assist with the development of young, struggling quarterback Anthony Richardson.
At practice this week, the 44-year-old Philip Rivers was seen helping Anthony Richardson through practice drills, leading one Colts fan to declare that it’s the “most effort” they’ve seen a veteran QB put towards helping to develop Richardson.
Richardson was selected by the Colts out of the University of Florida with the 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s struggled during his NFL carer thus far, though, as he’s started in just 15 games and has completed 50.6% of his passes for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers seen putting in genuine effort to help develop young quarterback Anthony Richardson
Already the most effort I’ve seen a veteran QB put towards AR’s development honestly. pic.twitter.com/i6ur6JPnMB
— Jebediah (@itsJebediah) December 18, 2025
Philip Rivers is probably the best person in the building to help develop AR. https://t.co/xctNWdYuBX
— Colts Muse (@ColtsMusee) December 18, 2025
“I mean, he’s a vet, he’s a pro, you know, he handles his business and he knows how to ask the right questions to get information that will help him out on the field, I take that from him, I actually met with him last year a little bit just learning some football, so I know him a little bit, and he’s a great guy,” Richardson said of learning from Rivers.
In the Colts’ narrow 18-16 loss to the now 11-3 Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, Rivers — starting in his first game since January 9, 2021, a total of 1,800 days between NFL appearances — completed 18-27 passes for 120 yards for one touchdown and one interception.
Rivers’ return to the NFL certainly sparked an increased interested in the team in Indy, as viewership for the game was the most-watched Colts age in the Indianapolis market in five years.
Following Rivers’ start on Sunday, Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced on Monday that Rivers would be the starting QB for the Colts’ next game – a Monday Night Football matchup at home against the San Francisco 49ers.
The 8-6 Colts are currently trail the Houston Texans by one game for the 7th and final berth in the AFC playoffs.