The options in front of him: To pursue a job with another team (his preference) or call it a career.
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“I’m feeling a wide range of emotions, from sad to reflective to thankful,” he said by phone from his home in Florida. “The underlying one is thankful.”
Rivers, who was selected to eight Pro Bowls, was more than the face of the Chargers franchise but an icon in San Diego, where he stayed with his family when the club moved north. He had a custom SUV made that allowed him to study tape in back on his daily commute to and from Costa Mesa.
Philip Rivers and the Chargers have agreed to part ways, meaning the quarterback will enter free agency in March.
He and his wife, Tiffany, recently moved to Florida with their nine children, relocating to a vacation home they bought five years ago. They home-schooled the kids this year in anticipation of a move, and are in a familiar place where in recent years they have spent Easters and summers.
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“We’re hunkering down here,” said Rivers, who ultimately plans to return to the couple’s home state. “We know Alabama is the final destination at some point, but until this kind of plays out, we just felt being here was the right thing.”
Rivers, 38, is forever linked with Eli Manning, who retired last month. The Chargers made Manning the No. 1 overall pick in 2004, despite knowing the Mississippi star didn’t want to play for them. The New York Giants chose Rivers fourth, then agreed to a draft-day trade with San Diego to swap rookie quarterbacks.
Whereas Manning retired with two Super Bowl rings, Rivers made it to one AFC championship game with the Chargers, gritting through a torn knee ligament to put up a tough battle at New England before losing.
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He’s determined to keep playing.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers after a game Dec. 8, 2013, in San Diego.
(Denis Poroy / Associated Press)
“I do feel I have some emotional fire and passion still left,” he said. “I know I have the passion for the game that I think is going to last my lifetime. And I think I have the ability left to go play at a high level.”
He’s coming off a season in which he had 23 touchdown passes, nine fewer than in 2018, and 20 interceptions, which was an increase of eight. The Chargers finished 5-11 and 0-6 in the AFC West.
“Some people might disagree that I can still play,” he said. “But I would say I definitely can do it. I cleaned up a few of those other things, and if I’m playing consistently, I can still do it physically.”
There has been a changing of the guard at quarterback during the last two years, with older drop-back passers being replaced by more mobile, dual-threat talents. With an influx of college stars poised to enter the NFL, there aren’t a lot of opportunities for older players at the position.
Indianapolis is one possible landing spot for Rivers. That would put him in an indoor stadium, behind a good offensive line, and reunite him with Colts coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni, both of whom spent time with the Chargers. The Colts offense is similar, both in scheme and language, to the one the Chargers have run since 2013.
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Carolina is a possibility, with the future of Cam Newton uncertain because of a Lisfranc foot injury. Rivers played at North Carolina State.
In Florida, the quarterback situations in Tampa Bay and Miami are in flux.
“Some people might disagree that I can still play. But I would say I definitely can do it.”
— Philip Rivers
“I can say for certain that if I’m playing, it’s a two-year maximum,” Rivers said. “Whoever the suitors are, I think that would be their hope as well. Because you never know how it goes. Shoot, if we stink it up after one year, I’m probably done. If we play really good, they’ll probably want to go again.
“Certainly you want a chance to win a championship, but it’s not just about that. If you told me right now, ‘You’re going to play for two years, and you’re going to be good. But y’all will not win a Super Bowl. Will you still play?’ Heck yeah, I’ll still play.
“So it’s not like it’s a Super Bowl or nothing. But if it’s a team where it’s going to be tough sledding and they’re two years away from even having a chance, and they led the league in most sacks given up or something, then it’s, ‘I don’t think so, guys.’ ”
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Chargers Philip Rivers takes a snap against the New Orleans Saints at Qualcomm Stadium on Nov. 7, 2004. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers and were all smiles during a game against the Saints at Qualcomm Stadium on Nov. 7, 2004. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers scrambles during a Thursday Night Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Qualcomm Stadium on Oct. 8, 2006. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers celebrates a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Qualcomm Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2006. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer, Wade Phillips, and Philip Rivers look at video board after play against the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on Jan. 2, 2005. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers, left, looks on as coach Marty Schottenheimer is dunked with water after his 200th NFL win against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 31, 2006, at Qualcomm Stadium. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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A film crew spent the week at Qualcomm Stadium making a commercial for Nike starring San Diego Chargers LaDainian Tomlinson, left, along with teammates Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates on May 25, 2007. (K.C. Alfred)
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Philip Rivers and Billy Volek of the San Diego Chargers celebrate a 51-14 win against the Detroit Lions on December 16, 2007 at Qualcomm Stadium. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers and Packers Brett Favre meet after a game in Green Bay on Sept. 23, 2007. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers walks off the field after a loss against the Minnesota Vikings on a day when Adrian Peterson set the record for rushing yards on Nov. 4, 2007. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers hands off to LaDainian Tomlinson against the Jaguars on Sunday, November 18, 2007 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jacksonville. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers reacts to his 4th quarter interception to Jaguars Sammy Knight for a touchdown in Jacksonville on November 18, 2007. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers gets looked at on the trainers table against the Indianapolis Colts on October 28, 2008 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers is sacked by Junior Seau of the New England Patriots in the 1st qtr of the AFC Championship game on January 20, 2008 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers walks off after a loss in the AFC Championship game to the New England Patriots on January 20, 2008 at Gillette Stadium. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Fans of the San Diego Chargers hold up a sign for Philip Rivers for MVP against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers walks to his room after practice at The Pennyhill Park Hotel and The Spa about an hour outside of London on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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The Chargers and quarterback Philip Rivers take the field before a game against the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers argues a safety in the 2nd qtr against Atlanta Falcons at Qualcomm Stadium on Nov. 30, 2008. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers’ Philip Rivers passes in 3rd qtr in a playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Qualcomm Stadium on Jan. 3, 2009. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers and coach Norv Turner look on during a 35-24 playoff loss at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on Sunday, January 11, 2009. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Nick Hardwick and Philip Rivers walk to the field against the Cardinals in Glendale on Aug. 20, 2009. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was sacked by Cardinals Karlos Dansby in Glendale on Aug. 20, 2009. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers runs as Ravens Ray Lewis trials at Qualcomm Stadium on Sept. 20, 2009. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Charger’s Philip Rivers drops back to pass in the 2nd quarter against the Broncos on Oct. 19, 2009. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers talks with Jacob Hester after his punt block for a touchdown in the 4th quarter against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 25, 2009. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers celebrates after a victory over the Bengals at Qualcomm Stadium on Dec. 20, 2009. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers waits to be introduced before a game against the Jets game at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers waits to take the field before a game against the Miami Dolphins on Oct, 2, 2011. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers and Packer Aaron Rodgers meet after the Packers beat the Chargers on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers couldn’t convert a 4th down play on the final drive against the Browns in Cleveland on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012. The Browns won 7-6. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers and Nick Hardwick celebrate a call for a touchdown by Vincent Brown that was reviewed against the Texans at Qualcomm Stadium on Sept. 9, 2013. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and his son Gunner meet the ESPN crew of Trent Dilfer, Steve Young and Suzy Kolber after a Monday Night Football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 19-9 on Oct. 14, 2011. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers gathers with his team before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Qualcomm Stadium on Dec. 1, 2013 (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is introduced before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 at Qualcomm Stadium on Dec. 29, 2013. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers celebrates after beating the Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 at Qualcomm Stadium on Dec. 29, 2013. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers calls a play against the Cardinals in Glendale on Sept. 8, 2014. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers is introduced before a game against the Seahawks at Qualcomm Stadium on Sept. 14, 2014. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers runs the ball in the 2nd quarter against Seattle at Qualcomm Stadium on Sept. 14, 2014. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers grimaces after getting hit by Raiders Khalil Mack in the 4th quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on Nov. 16, 2014. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers is announced before a game against the Patriots at Qualcomm Stadium on Dec. 7, 2014. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers argues a call against the Broncos on Dec. 14, 2014. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Eric Weddle and Philip Rivers celebrate win over 49ers in Santa Clara on Dec. 20, 2014. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers speaks about center Nick Hardwick, who announced his retirement after 11 seasons playing for the team on Feb. 3. 2014. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers is interviewed by Chargers former center Nick Hardwick during a game against the Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium on August 13, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers listens to the national anthem before the Bengals game in Cincinnati on Sept. 20, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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A Chargers fan holds up a Philip Rivers head during the Bengals game in Cincinnati on Sept. 20, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers walks to the field before a game against the Green Bay Packers on 10/18/15 (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers flips his helmet at the end of a 27-20 loss to the Packers in Green Bay on Oct. 18, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers is surrounded by Ravens during a game in Baltimore on Nov. 1, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers stands in disbelief after D.J. Fluker was called for illegally being downfield forcing an Antonio Gates touchdown to be called back in the 4th quarter. Linesman Marc Hittner looks on during the Monday Night Football game on Nov. 9. 2015 (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers lays on the ground after getting hit on a 4th down play on their final drive as Bears Pernell McPhee looks down on him during a Monday Night Football game on Nov. 9, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers runs out of bounds as Chiefs Jaye Howard tries to defend in the 2nd quarter on Nov. 22, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers throws to Ladarius Green against Jacksonville in the 4th quarter on Nov. 29, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers and Broncos Von Miller get into it during the final moments of the 4th quarter on Dec. 6, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers warms up in the rain before a game against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 9, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers jersey is covered in grass stains after being sacked five times by the Chiefs. The Chargers loss 10-3. on Dec. 9, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers and Joe Barksdale walk off the field after a 10-3 loss to the Chiefs on Dec. 9, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers salutes the fans after a 30-14 win over Miami at Qualcomm Stadium on Dec. 20, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers hugs fan Renan Pozo after a 30-14 win over Miami on Dec. 20, 2015. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers Philip Rivers looks on during a game against the Broncos on Jan. 3, 2106. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers prepares to ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster with fans at Belmont Park in Mission Beach during the Chargers’ Thank You San Diego Day on May 25, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Antonio Gates and Philip Rivers (17) joke during mini camp in San Diego on June 14, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargere quarterback Philip Rivers looks on with his sons during a Chargers training camp practice on August 15, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Melvin Gordon celebrates a 2nd quarter touchdown with Philip Rivers against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 11, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers walks out to the field at Qualcomm. Stadium before a game against the Jaguars. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers fumbles as Colts Erik Walden hits him in the 2nd quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers walks off after a 26-22 loss to the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers walks off the field after Travis Benjamin fumbled in the 4th quarter against the Saints at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday Oct. 2, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers takes a knee on the field after a 34-31 loss to the Raiders in Oakland on Oct. 9, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers reacts to throwing an interception to Saints B.W. Webb in the 4th quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on Oct. 2, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers looks on in the final moments of the Broncos game in San Diego on Oct. 13, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers celebrates a 33-30 overtime victory with Melvin Ingram against the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers celebrates with fans after a 33-30 overtime victory against the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. Photo by K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers looks on after Broncos Bradley Roby intercepted a pass for a touchdown in the 2nd quarter in Denver on Oct. 30, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium on Nov. 6, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Fans cheer on San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers after a win against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium on Nov. 6, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers waits to be introduced before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Qualcomm Stadium on Dec. 4, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers Philip Rivers and the offense line up for a play against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium on Dec. 18, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers takes the field before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2016. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Philip Rivers, quarterback of the Los Angeles Chargers walks away after speaking to the media on the first day of off-season workouts in San Diego on Monday, April 3, 2017. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Fan Debbie Burke cheers on Philip Rivers as he warms up before the Los Angeles Chargers played the Miami Dolphins at the StubHub Center on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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A fan holds a sign with the head of Los Angeles Chargers Philip Rivers during a game against the Miami Dolphins at the StubHub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers warms up against the Oakland Raiders at the Stubhub Center in Carson on Dec. 31, 2017. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers escapes the rush of Kansas City Chiefs Justin Houston in the 3rd quarter at the StubHub Center in Carson on Sept. 9, 2018. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers prays with Kansas City Chiefs players after a game at the StubHub Center in Carson on Sept. 9, 2018. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers runs a play against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 23, 2018. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Los Angeles Chargers Philip Rivers leaves the field after the Denver Broncos beat the Chargers 23-22 at the StubHub Center in Carson on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers takes the field before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the StubHub Center in Carson on Dec. 9, 2018. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Los Angeles Chargers Philip Rivers argues a call against Keenan Allen in the 1st quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in Carson on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018. (K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Los Angeles Chargers Philip Rivers after he threw a touchdown pass to Keenan Allen against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2nd quarter in Carson on Sept. 8, 2019. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Los Angeles Chargers Philip Rivers throws to Keenan Allen as Houston Texans J.J. Watt approaches in the 2nd quarter in Carson on Sept. 22, 2019. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Los Angeles Chargers Philip Rivers is tripped up by Houston Texans Bradley Roby in the 4th quarter in Carson on Sept. 22, 2019. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Los Angeles Chargers Philip Rivers takes the field before a game against the Green Bay Packers in Carson on Nov. 3, 2019. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Los Angeles Chargers Philip Rivers takes a snap against the Green Bay Packers in Carson on Nov. 3, 2019. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers walks off the field after a 24-17 loss to the Oakland Raiders in Carson on Dec. 22, 2019. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Rivers doesn’t envision working in television if he’s not playing, at least not right away. His son Gunner will be in sixth grade next year and Rivers wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and be a high school football coach in Alabama.
“I think I’ll stick to the plan of games on Friday nights, grading the tape on Saturday morning, mow a little grass and be with the boys,” Rivers said. “That’s what I’ve seen us doing for so long.”
But for now, he’s not ready to hang up his shoulder pads.
“As a family, we’ve kind of hashed through all of the possibilities over the last month,” he said. “I think it all circles back to, God willing, there’s a lot of coaching years left down the road. But you can’t turn back the clock and go play again.”
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his “long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football,” Sam Farmer has covered the NFL for 25 seasons. A graduate of Occidental College, he’s a two-time winner of California Sportswriter of the Year and first place for beat writing by Associated Press Sports Editors.
