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By now, you’ve likely seen just about every story there is to read about 44-year-old Philip Rivers returning to the NFL on days’ notice to save the Indianapolis Colts.
Rivers, who “retired” in 2020, returned to an NFL field on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks and, all things considered, didn’t look too bad!
Afterward, Rivers explained his decision to make an improbably comeback.
“I’m excited to be a teammate again,” he said. There’s some teammates in their locker room that were here in 2020 — last time we were in the postseason. So, for an opportunity to join arm-in-arm with them and go after it again — I’m not here to be a hero by any means. I’m here to be one of the guys and we know all it’s going to take. It’s tough to win here, but we’re going to give it our best shot.”
But what if there were another motive…
Philip Rivers Just Extended His NFL Insurance For Five More Years
In 2006, the NFL Players Association came to agreement with the league that stated players who are on a roster for three seasons receive health insurance for five seasons after retirement.
During those five years, retired players can obtain health and dental insurance for two adults and any qualifying children. Rivers was set to lose those privileges in August.
However, by returning to the NFL, Rivers now extends that coverage for five more years from the time he last plays.
Now, you might be thinking, “Why does a man who made over $200 million in his career need to worry about health insurance?”
Good question!
Normally, that would be a valid point. But not for Rivers!
He and his wife Tiffany have a jaw-dropping 10 children, ranging from ages 23 two 2. His oldest, Halle, is still eligible for health insurance through the NFL for another three years.
So yes, Rivers may well love playing football and enjoy the opportunity to play in the NFL again. But it appears he’s also a pretty shrewd businessman.