Wikipedia

Philip Rivers

This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 19 August 2024.

Philip Michael Rivers (born December 8, 1981) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons, primarily with the Chargers franchise. He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack and was selected fourth overall in the 2004 NFL draft by the New York Giants, who traded him to the San Diego Chargers during the draft. Rivers was a member of the Chargers for 16 seasons and played his final season for the Indianapolis Colts. Since 2021, he has served as the head football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School.

Philip Rivers
refer to caption
Rivers with the Chargers in 2017
No. 17
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1981-12-08) December 8, 1981 (age 42)
Decatur, Alabama, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:228 lb (103 kg)
Career information
High school:Athens
(Athens, Alabama)
College:NC State (2000–2003)
NFL draft:2004 / round: 1 / pick: 4
Career history
As a player:
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Passing attempts:8,134
Passing completions:5,277
Completion percentage:64.9%
TD–INT:421–209
Passing yards:63,440
Passer rating:95.2
Stats at Pro Football Reference

After spending his first two seasons as a backup, Rivers served as the Chargers' starting quarterback from 2006 to 2019. During his tenure, he was named to eight Pro Bowls while leading the team to six postseason appearances and four division titles. Rivers also helped the franchise win their first playoff game since 1994 and reach the AFC Championship Game in the 2007 season. With the Colts in 2020, he reached the playoffs a seventh time. He was less successful in the postseason and never made a Super Bowl appearance.

Rivers retired fifth all-time in passing yards and touchdowns, both of which are the highest-ranking among quarterbacks without Super Bowl appearances. He is also second all-time in consecutive regular season starts by a quarterback, having started every regular season game between 2006 and 2020. Rivers is considered among the greatest quarterbacks to have never played in a Super Bowl.[1][2]

Early life

edit

Rivers was born in Decatur, Alabama, where his father, Steve, was the head coach of Decatur High's football team and his mother, Joan, was a teacher.[3] As part of a fifth-grade project, he had to make a poster about his dreams and aspirations. On the poster, he pasted his face over that of a Minnesota Vikings player who had appeared on a cover of Sports Illustrated.[4] Rivers' first start in an official game came in the seventh grade, in 1994. He has worn the number 17 jersey since the ninth grade, in honor of his father, who wore the same number in high school. After his dad got the head coaching job, Rivers played high school football at Athens High School in nearby Athens.[5][6]

As Rivers' senior season unfolded, he established himself as the best prep passer in the state. Although he had offers from Auburn and Alabama, neither projected him as a starting quarterback. Rivers rejected them in order to go to a program where he would have more playing time.[7] The first college to seriously recruit Rivers as a quarterback was North Carolina State. Joe Pate convinced Rivers and his parents to consider graduating from high school in December 1999.[8]

College career

edit

After high school, Rivers attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he played for coach Chuck Amato's Wolfpack football team.[9] Rivers enrolled in January and suited up for his first practice as a college quarterback in the spring of 2000.[10]

2000 season

edit

As a freshman in 2000, Rivers led NC State to an 8–4 record, including a win against Minnesota in the MicronPC Bowl.[11] Four of the Wolfpack's victories were comebacks. In his debut, a 38–31 double-overtime win over Arkansas State, he passed for 397 yards and three touchdowns. He directed a 74-yard game-tying drive as time expired.[12] A week later, he threw for 401 yards in a 41–38 win against Indiana. The performance was highlighted by a timely 47-yard pass to future first round pick Koren Robinson with under a minute to go.[13] Against Duke, NC State trailed 31–28 late in the fourth quarter when Rivers scored a rushing touchdown on a seven-yard run. Rivers threw for a season-high 413 yards to go along with three touchdowns and one interception[14] For the season, Rivers passed for 3,054 yards and 25 touchdowns. He broke a half-dozen school passing marks, was ACC Rookie of the Week a record eight times, and earned honors as the conference Freshman of the Year.[15] For the first time since Roman Gabriel ran the Wolfpack offense in the early 1960s, NC State had an All-American caliber quarterback.

2001 season

edit

As a sophomore in 2001, Rivers connected for 2,586 yards and 16 touchdowns.[16] His 65.2 percent completion mark led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).[17] The Wolfpack finished the 2001 campaign at 7–4 and made a return trip to the Tangerine Bowl. The quarterback had a good game against Pitt in a 34–19 loss, passing for 189 yards and a touchdown.[18]

2002 season

edit

In 2002, Rivers led the Wolfpack to victories in their first nine games, which led to a number #10 ranking in the AP Poll.[19] It was the best start in the school's history. The season took a disappointing turn however when they lost three consecutive ACC contests, but NC State defeated Florida State by a score of 17–7 in their season finale, and received an invitation to play against Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl. Once again, Rivers delivered an MVP performance in the most important game of the year, pacing the Wolfpack to a dominating 28–6 win over Notre Dame. In the victory, Rivers was 23-of-37 for 228 passing yards and two passing touchdowns.[20] The game would set up a remarkable year for Rivers in 2003.[21]

2003 season

edit

As a senior in 2003, Rivers threw for 4,491 yards and 34 touchdowns in 12 games, capping his career as the most productive and durable quarterback in ACC history.[22]

In the 2003 season, Rivers passed for over 300 yards eight times and 400 yards four times to go along with 29 touchdowns in the regular season.[22] He led the ACC in passing attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns.[23] NC State finished with a 7–5 record to qualify for a bowl game.[24]

Rivers's time at NC State had a positive ending, leading the Wolfpack to a 56–26 win over Kansas in his third Tangerine Bowl.[25] In the victory, he threw for a career-high 475 yards and five touchdowns. Philip earned his second straight bowl MVP award. At the end of the season, Rivers was named ACC Player of the Year[26] for the 2003 football season and ACC Athlete of the Year for 2003–04. He was considered a Heisman candidate during the season,[27] but he was not invited to the Heisman Trophy presentation, where he finished in seventh place.[28][29][30]

Legacy

edit

During his collegiate career, Rivers shattered almost every NC State and ACC passing record.[31][32] He started 51 straight games and completed a conference record 1,147 passes in 1,710 tries, with 95 touchdowns. His career culminated with an NCAA record 51st consecutive college start.[33] The Wolfpack went to four consecutive bowl games under the leadership of Rivers, winning three of them. Rivers finished his career at NC State with 13,484 passing yards, 13th all-time among Division I quarterbacks (he finished in second place at the end of his collegiate career).[34] He also threw 95 touchdown passes, which tied him for eighth all-time with Kliff Kingsbury and Brady Quinn. Rivers' number was retired before his final home game at North Carolina State.[35]

College statistics

edit
Season Team Passing Rushing
Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
2000 NC State 237 441 53.7 3,054 6.9 25 10 126.1 73 −87 −1.2 2
2001 NC State 240 368 65.2 2,586 7.0 16 7 134.8 44 −26 −0.6 2
2002 NC State 262 418 62.7 3,353 8.0 20 10 141.1 57 100 1.8 10
2003 NC State 348 483 72.0 4,491 9.3 34 7 170.5 78 109 1.4 3
Career 1,087 1,710 63.6 13,484 7.9 95 34 144.2 252 96 0.4 17

Professional career

edit
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash Wonderlic
6 ft 5 in
(1.96 m) 		229 lb
(104 kg) 		32+1⁄8 in
(0.82 m) 		9+1⁄4 in
(0.23 m)		 5.08 s 30
All values from NFL Combine[36][37]

Rivers was projected to be an early first-round pick in the 2004 NFL draft. However, despite Rivers' record of success in college and high accuracy (72 completion percentage for his senior season), questions about his lack of arm strength and his unorthodox side-arm throwing motion were concerns for some NFL general managers. The pre-draft consensus was that Rivers could be selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 11th pick. The San Diego Chargers coveted Eli Manning and wanted to select him with their first round pick, which was also the first overall pick of the draft. However, after Manning indicated before the draft that he would not sign with them, Rivers was their first alternative because the Chargers' head coach at the time, Marty Schottenheimer, had coached him at the Senior Bowl and he liked what he saw. The Chargers agreed to a draft day deal with the New York Giants. San Diego selected Manning first, then traded him to New York for Rivers, selected fourth by the Giants, plus draft picks later used by the Chargers on future Pro Bowlers Shawne Merriman and Nate Kaeding.

Rivers was one of 17 quarterbacks taken in the 2004 NFL Draft, along with Manning and the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger.[38] All three would enjoy lengthy and successful careers with the teams that signed them and have been compared favorably to the 1983 NFL draft, which included Hall of Fame quarterbacks John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino.[39] Unlike Manning and Roethlisberger, who each have two championship titles, Rivers did not reach the Super Bowl during his career. Nevertheless, he is the highest in touchdowns, completion percentage, TD–INT ratio, passer rating, and Pro Bowl honors of the three. Rivers also retired with the most passing yards and pass completions.

San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers

edit

2004 season

edit
See also: 2004 San Diego Chargers season

In August 2004, Rivers signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract with the San Diego Chargers that included $14.5 million in signing bonuses.[40] However, due to a protracted contract negotiation with the San Diego Chargers, Rivers only reported to the team during the last week of training camp, and incumbent Drew Brees retained his starting job. Rivers began the season as the Chargers' third quarterback option, behind Doug Flutie,[41] and ahead of the fourth quarterback on the depth chart, Cleo Lemon. Unfortunately for Rivers, Brees went on to have a then-career year and was named to the NFL Pro Bowl while winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.[42] Rivers received very limited playing time, playing in only two games. He only threw passes in the second half of the last game of the 2004 season, a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, by which time the Chargers had already clinched a home playoff spot and the AFC West division title. In the victory, he threw his first touchdown pass to fellow rookie Malcom Floyd.[43] He was not on the active roster for San Diego's Wild Card Round playoff loss to the New York Jets.[44]

2005 season

edit
See also: 2005 San Diego Chargers season
 
Rivers handing off to LaDainian Tomlinson in Baltimore in 2006

Rivers was promoted to second on the Chargers quarterback depth chart after Flutie was released.[41] Rivers was unable to beat out Brees for the starting quarterback job in the Chargers' 2005 training camp and preseason. In the Chargers' final game of the 2005 season, at home in Qualcomm Stadium, Rivers entered the game after Brees dislocated his right shoulder late in the second quarter due to a hit from Denver Broncos safety John Lynch.[45] Rivers completed 12 of 22 passing attempts for 115 yards with one interception and two fumbles.[46] The Chargers lost to Denver, 23–7. However, Rivers led the Chargers on their only scoring drive that game, which culminated in a four-yard touchdown run by running back LaDainian Tomlinson.[47]

2006 season

edit
See also: 2006 San Diego Chargers season
 
Rivers in 2006

After the 2005 season, Brees was not re-signed (partly due to the injury suffered in the Denver game) by the Chargers. Instead he signed a large contract that included sizeable guaranteed money with the New Orleans Saints, during the 2006 free agency period. Many[who?] doubted the Chargers' decision to change quarterbacks as they were a Super Bowl contender, believing that Rivers' inexperience would hinder them. Rivers was named the Chargers' starter going into training camp. Expectations were high for Rivers due to the large amount of talent on the Chargers' offense and the performance of his peers from the 2004 draft (Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger) as starters.

Football Outsiders projected that Rivers would become an NFL star before the 2006 season due to his spectacular completion percentage in college (72% as a senior). After just five NFL starts, Rivers was named the second best NFL quarterback under 25 years of age by Sports Illustrated.[48][49]

On September 11, 2006, Rivers made his first NFL start against the Oakland Raiders. Rivers managed the game well despite only passing 11 times, but completed 8 passes, one for a touchdown, in a 27–0 rout of the Raiders. After his first game, Rivers led the league in quarterback rating with 133.9.[50]

The fifth week of the season, the reigning Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers came to town, and Bill Cowher's defensive game plan revolved around stopping running back LaDainian Tomlinson. This game marked a turning point for Rivers, who, aided by head coach Marty Schottenheimer's opening of the playbook, led the team in a come-from-behind victory, throwing 24-of-37 for 242 yards and two touchdowns, winning 23–13.[51]

On November 12, 2006, Rivers had the best game of his short career and led the Chargers to an improbable comeback on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals. Down 28–7 at halftime, Rivers led the Chargers on six drives culminating in touchdowns. After driving in for the Chargers first touchdown after halftime, Nick Hardwick, the Chargers' center, reminisced about Rivers, mimicking his southern drawl, "He's yelling 'Y'all don't think we're out of this' to the Bengals. When he said that, I said, 'Shoot, I guess we ain't out of this. Right on.'"[52] He threw for 337 yards and three touchdown passes, while LaDainian Tomlinson scored three of their four rushing touchdowns. San Diego outscored Cincinnati 42–13 in the second half, winning the game 49–41, matching the largest comeback in franchise history from 23 years before for the Chargers.[53][54]

The following week, against what was considered at the time to be a strong Denver Broncos defense, the Chargers became the first team in NFL history to win back-to-back road games after trailing by 17 or more points and also the first team to win four straight when allowing at least 27 points in each game.[55] Rivers led several 4th quarter comebacks in 2006, and posted the league's highest 4th quarter quarterback rating. His performance over the season led to his selection to the 2007 Pro Bowl.[56] Rivers helped lead the Chargers to the highest-scoring offense in the NFL.[57] After a 14–2 season the Chargers had home field advantage and were set to play the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. However, the Patriots won that game 24–21, and Schottenheimer was fired amid conflicts with team president Dean Spanos.[58][59][60]

2007 season

edit
See also: 2007 San Diego Chargers season

Norv Turner took over as head coach of the Chargers in 2007.[61] After a 1–3 start, the Chargers turned their season around, finishing 11–5 and winning the AFC West for the second straight year.[62][63] Rivers finished the season with 3,152 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.[64]

The Chargers won their first two playoff games since the 1994 season, beating the Tennessee Titans in the Wild Card Round and the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Round before falling to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game 21–12.[65][66][67] In the 2007 AFC Championship Game, Rivers' was lauded by his teammates and the press for playing the entire game with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, which later required surgery and was ranked among the NFL Top 10 Gutsiest Performances.[68][69] Chris Harry of the Orlando Sentinel said "I don't think anyone will ever accuse Philip Rivers of being soft."[68] Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune said, "To go out there and put his knee, and ultimately his career, on the line. It has to go down as one of the gutsiest performances."[68]

2008 season

edit
 
Rivers in Kansas City in 2008
See also: 2008 San Diego Chargers season

In 2008, Rivers led the NFL in multiple categories including touchdown passes (34), passer rating (105.5), yards per pass attempt (8.4), and adjusted yards per attempt (8.8).[70][71] In Week 2, against the Denver Broncos, he had a season-high 377 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in the 39–38 loss.[72] On December 28, 2008, Rivers set the Chargers team record for touchdown passes in a season with 34, a record previously held by Dan Fouts, who had 33 in 1981.[73] After a 4–8 start, Rivers threw 11 touchdown passes and one interception to win the final four games of the season, winning the AFC West division on a season-finale 52–21 tie-breaking win over the Denver Broncos.[74] On January 3, 2009, in the Wild Card Round, the San Diego Chargers defeated the Indianapolis Colts to advance to the AFC Divisional Playoff.[75] Rivers led the Chargers down the field down three points with under two minutes left. He set up Nate Kaeding for a game-tying field goal that would lead to overtime, where the Chargers would go on to win 23–17, thanks to a Darren Sproles touchdown. In the Divisional Round 35–24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rivers played well, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, but was sacked four times and threw an interception. They possessed the ball for only 17 seconds during the third quarter and had only 15 yards rushing.[76]

2009 season

edit
See also: 2009 San Diego Chargers season

On August 24, 2009, Rivers signed a six-year, $92 million contract extension with the Chargers, with approximately $38 million guaranteed.[77] Rivers was voted into his second career Pro Bowl on December 29.[78] He ended the season with a passer rating of 104.4, the third highest in the NFL, after passing for 4,254 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions.[79] For the second consecutive year, he led the NFL in yards per attempt (8.8) and adjusted yards per attempt (9.1).[70][71] He led the Chargers to the second seed in the AFC with a 13–3 record, tied for second best in the NFL.[80] In the Divisional Round, Rivers was 27–40 for 298 yards while rushing and throwing for a touchdown and was intercepted twice in the 17–14 loss to the New York Jets.[81]

2010 season

edit
See also: 2010 San Diego Chargers season

Rivers led the league in passing yards, throwing for a career-high 4,710 yards.[82] The Chargers started off the year slowly again at 3–5 and finished a disappointing 9–7 and their four-year reign as AFC West champions ended while they missed the playoffs.[83][84] In Week 3, against the Seattle Seahawks, Rivers threw for 455 yards and two passing touchdowns in a losing effort 20–27.[85] These 455 yards broke the franchise single-game record for most passing yardage, previously held by Dan Fouts, who had 444 in 1982.[86] Rivers recorded 431 and threw two passing touchdowns, but lost to the Oakland Raiders in Week 5.[87] In Week 8, Rivers threw for 305 yards, with two passing touchdowns and one interception in a 33–25 win against the Tennessee Titans, extending his active player-leading streak to 21 games with a touchdown thrown and giving him the record for most passing yards (2,649) ever after 8 games, passing Fouts' previous record (2,580).[88][89] Rivers threw for four passing touchdowns, two to backup tight end Randy McMichael and the other two to rookie receiver Seyi Ajirotutu in a comeback 29–23 victory over the Houston Texans.[90] The Chargers' top receivers Gates (torn plantar fascia), Vincent Jackson (suspended), Malcom Floyd (hamstring), and Legedu Naanee (hamstring) did not play in the game.[70][91] Rivers lost his first ever game in December, a 13–28 loss at home against the Raiders.[92] Rivers was invited to the 2011 Pro Bowl, his fourth invite overall, and started in place of an injured Tom Brady.[93][94] It was the first time he played in a Pro Bowl, twice missing previous games due to injury and once for the birth of his child in the 2010 Pro Bowl.[94] Rivers was named the quarterback in the 2010 NFL Alumni Player of the Year Awards over Brady, who was unanimously named The Associated Press 2010 Most Valuable Player.[95] He was ranked 26th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.[96]

2011 season

edit
See also: 2011 San Diego Chargers season

Entering the 2011 season, Nick Canepa of the San Diego Union-Tribune called Rivers a "better quarterback" than Fouts, a first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback. Canepa cited Rivers "[completing] passes to an astounding 17 different receivers" in 2010, amid the injuries to Chargers receivers, and his then 55–25 record as a starter compared to 86–84–1 for Fouts. He also noted, "Fouts made more mistakes than Rivers." Rivers had completed 63.7 percent of his 2,455 passes with 58 interceptions and a 97.2 passer rating, while Fouts was successful on 58.8 percent of his 5,604 attempts with 242 interceptions and an 80.2 rating. Rivers had never thrown more than two interceptions in a game, including seven playoff games.[97] His passer rating was the highest in league history, and he had the second-best touchdown-to-interception ratio of all-time (136/58).[98]

Rivers and the Chargers started out the season with a 24–17 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Rivers had 335 passing yards and two touchdowns thrown to fullback Mike Tolbert but also threw two interceptions.[99] Rivers and the Chargers lost 35–21 in Foxboro to the New England Patriots in Week 2. Rivers threw for 378 passing yards and had two touchdown passes to Vincent Jackson but also threw two interceptions again.[100] Rivers threw two interceptions for the third game in a row as the Chargers held off the winless Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3, 20–17.[101] In Week 4, the Chargers beat the winless Miami Dolphins 26–16, and Rivers threw a 55-yard touchdown to Vincent Jackson.[102] In Week 5, Rivers threw for 250 yards and a touchdown pass to Malcom Floyd. He added a rushing touchdown as well. Despite two turnovers by him, the Chargers held off the Denver Broncos by a score of 29–24.[103]

Rivers struggled in Week 7 after the bye. Rex Ryan's New York Jets limited Rivers to 179 passing yards and two interceptions. He did throw a touchdown to Antonio Gates, his first of the year.[104] The Chargers lost 23–20 to the Chiefs in overtime on Halloween. Rivers put up 369 yards, but had two interceptions and a crushing fumble.[105] This fumble occurred while Rivers was kneeling to set up a potential game-winning field goal with the game tied at 20. The Chiefs went on to win 23–20 in overtime. This loss, more specifically the fumbled kneel, was seen as the first domino to fall at the end of the season, as the Chargers, Raiders, and Broncos all finished 8–8, but the Broncos won the AFC West over both San Diego and Oakland due to tiebreakers. Rivers' poor performance during the 2011 season led to media speculation that he may have been suffering from an undisclosed injury.[106] His former teammate, LaDainian Tomlinson, speculated that Rivers might be distracted by the burden of being the Chargers' star player.[107] Rivers had 385 yards passing and added four touchdowns, but threw three interceptions against the defending champion Green Bay Packers.[108] Rivers threw for 274 passing yards and an interception and a fumble in a 24–17 Week 10 loss against the Oakland Raiders. He did however, throw two passing touchdowns to rookie Vincent Brown.[109] Rivers threw for 280 yards and two passing touchdowns in a 31–20 loss to the Chicago Bears. He added 2 more interceptions thrown. The touchdown passes went to Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson.[110] The Chargers lost 16–13 in overtime to Tim Tebow and the Broncos. Rivers threw for 188 yards and a touchdown to Antonio Gates.[111] The Chargers finally won a game in Week 13, dominating the Jacksonville Jaguars 38–14. Rivers finished with 294 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.[112] Rivers and the Chargers dominated the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, winning 37–10. Philip threw for 240 yards and 3 touchdowns, 2 to Antonio Gates, and the other to Patrick Crayton.[113] Rivers and the Chargers dominated the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15. Philip had 270 yards and a touchdown to Malcom Floyd in a 34–14 stomping.[114] Rivers and the Chargers struggled in Week 16. On Christmas Eve, the Chargers fell 38–10 in Detroit to the Lions. Rivers had 299 passing yards and a touchdown, but two interceptions.[115]

Rivers concluded the season by throwing for 310 passing yards and 3 touchdowns, which were received by Floyd, Jackson, and Gates, in a 38–26 win against the Raiders, ending the Raiders' playoff hopes that season.[116] He was named to the Pro Bowl for his 2011 season.[117] He was ranked 61st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.[118]

2012 season

edit
See also: 2012 San Diego Chargers season

The Chargers began the 2012 season with a 3–1 record for the second consecutive season.[119] In a 37–20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, Rivers started his 100th career game, which was also his 100th consecutive start.[120] On November 1, in the second game against the Kansas City Chiefs, he was 18-of-20 passes to earn a career-high 90% completion percentage in the 31–13 victory.[121] Rivers became the seventh fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 25,000 career yards.[122] With a weak offensive line that season, Rivers was frequently forced to scramble and was sacked 49 times and hit on 70 other plays, contributing to his 22 turnovers—47 over the previous two seasons.[123][124] Rivers finished the season with 3,606 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.[125] The Chargers' 7–9 record was the first losing season in Rivers's career,[41] and the team's first since 2003.[123] They missed the playoffs for the third straight season, leading to the firing of Turner and general manager A. J. Smith.[123]

2013 season

edit
 
Rivers in playoffs against Denver during 2013 season
See also: 2013 San Diego Chargers season

Rivers's combined 35 interceptions the two previous seasons led many to wonder whether he was injured or if his career was on the decline.[126][127] Only two offensive coaches returned in 2013 in an overhauled coaching staff led by new head coach Mike McCoy, and a revamped offensive system had Rivers release the ball earlier and taking what opposing defenses conceded.[128] In their Week 2 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, he threw for 419 yards and three touchdowns.[129] In their Week 4 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Rivers set an NFL record for completion percentage (83%) for a quarterback who also threw for over 400 yards (401), three touchdowns, and one interception. In Week 7, Rivers surpassed 30,000 career yards passing.[130] Rivers was also selected to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time in his career. In Week 17, against the Kansas City Chiefs, Rivers led a fourth quarter and overtime comeback to win the game, and clinch the 6th seed in the AFC playoffs.[131]

During the Chargers season-ending four-game winning streak, Rivers completed 67.3 percent of his passes with nine touchdowns and a 142.6 rating. He finished the season completing 378 of 544 passes (69.5 percent) for 4,478 yards, 32 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions;[41] his 105.5 passer rating tied his career high from 2008.[128] With the Chargers having a capable running attack, an adjusted offensive line, and an improved defense, Rivers was not pressured to force his throws, and he led all quarterbacks in the league with a 49.4 third-down conversion rate when passing.[126] He led the Chargers to a 27–10 win in the Wild Card Round against the Cincinnati Bengals before losing to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round, 24–17.[132][133] He was named Comeback Player of the Year by both Associated Press (AP) and Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA).[41][128] He was ranked 34th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.[134]

2014 season

edit
 
Philip Rivers against the Arizona Cardinals in 2014 season debut
See also: 2014 San Diego Chargers season

The Chargers in 2014 lost their final game of the season when a win would have qualified them for the playoffs.[135] Rivers was sacked a career-high seven times in the loss.[136] For the season, he was voted by the Chargers as their MVP after finishing with 4,286 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions.[137] It was the sixth season in which he passed for over 4,000 yards.[135] During Weeks 2–6, he became the first NFL player ever to have a passer rating over 120 for five consecutive games.[137] Later in the season, Rivers suffered from sore ribs and a back injury, but he denied that they affected his performance. His 71.2 rating in December was his lowest in a single month since November 2007 (68.8).[138] He finished the 2014 season with 4,286 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions.[139] He was ranked 43rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.[140]

2015 season

edit
See also: 2015 San Diego Chargers season

On August 15, 2015, the Chargers and Rivers agreed to a four-year, $84 million contract extension.[141] Rivers started the 2015 season with 403 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in the 33–28 victory over the Detroit Lions.[142] On September 20, Rivers threw his 255th touchdown pass as a Charger, passing Dan Fouts as the franchise leader in touchdown passes.[143] On October 18, in a game against the Green Bay Packers, Rivers set franchise records with 503 passing yards, 43 completions, and 65 attempts.[144] In Week 12, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he had 300 passing yards and season-high four passing touchdowns.[145] The Chargers finished with a 4–12 record, last in the AFC West, their worst record since 2003.[146] The Chargers went winless against divisional opponents for the first time since 1984.[147] However, the Chargers did manage a 30–14 victory. against the Miami Dolphins during Week 15 at home. After the game, Rivers and several other Chargers players returned to the field to sign autographs for the fans, as they were unsure if it would be the team's final time playing in San Diego. Rivers would gift the shoes he wore to two fans in the stadium to show his appreciation.[148] The team would ultimately stay in the city the following season.[149]

Despite the disappointing season, Rivers set career highs and franchise records with 437 pass completions on 661 pass attempts and 4,792 passing yards, which ranked second among NFL quarterbacks in 2015.[150] He finished 11 yards short of breaking the franchise single-season passing yards record held by Fouts.[151] Rivers was invited to the 2016 Pro Bowl as an alternate but declined the invitation, citing personal reasons.[152] He was ranked 46th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.[153]

2016 season

edit
 
Rivers in Denver in 2016
See also: 2016 San Diego Chargers season

Rivers and the Chargers started the 2016 season with a 1–4 record. In that stretch, Rivers passed for four touchdowns in two separate games.[154][155][156] On October 13, 2016, in Week 6, Rivers passed Fouts to become the Chargers' all-time passing yards leader.[157] In Week 7, against the Atlanta Falcons, he had a season-high 371 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 33–30 victory.[158] Following the win over the Falcons, the Chargers alternated losses and wins until Week 13, where they had a five-game losing streak to end the season. Rivers finished the season with nine consecutive games throwing for at least touchdowns. Despite throwing for 33 touchdowns, Rivers threw a career-high and league-leading 21 interceptions and completed only 60.4 of his passes, the second worst of his career.[159] Rivers posted a rating of 87.9, also the second worst of his career. These struggles resulted in the Chargers finishing 5–11 and last in the division for the second straight year.[160] He was ranked 73rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.[161]

2017 season

edit
See also: 2017 Los Angeles Chargers season

Rivers and the Chargers started the 2017 season with some tough results. In Week 1, against the Denver Broncos, he had 192 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in a narrow 24–21 loss. The game was lost when Chargers' kicker Younghoe Koo missed a game-tying field goal.[162] In the next game, a narrow 19–17 loss to the Miami Dolphins, he had 331 passing yards and a touchdown.[163] Rivers struggled in the next game, a 24–10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, with three interceptions.[164] The Chargers' hard luck continued in the next game, a narrow 26–24 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. In the loss, Rivers had 347 passing yards and two touchdowns.[165] After their 0–4 start, the Chargers put together a three-game winning streak.[166][167][168] Following those two victoreis, the Chargers dropped their next two games before starting a four-game winning streak in Week 11.[169][170][171] During that winning streak, in Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys, Rivers finished with 434 passing yards and three passing touchdowns as the Chargers won 28–6.[172] It was the first time the Chargers played on Thanksgiving since 1969.[173] His performance in Week 12 earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week.[174] On December 19, 2017, Rivers was named to his seventh Pro Bowl along with his top receiver Keenan Allen.[175] In Week 17, Rivers became the ninth quarterback in NFL history to reach 50,000 career passing yards.[176] In that game, he completed 28 of 37 passes for 387 yards and three touchdowns in a 30–10 win over the Raiders, earning him his second AFC Offensive Player of the Week of the season.[177][178] Overall, Rivers had 4,515 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and ten interceptions in the 2017 season.[179] He helped lead the Chargers to a 9–7 season. Despite having their first winning season since 2014, the Chargers failed to make the playoffs.[180][181] He was ranked 56th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.[182]

2018 season

edit
See also: 2018 Los Angeles Chargers season

On September 9, 2018, Rivers threw for 424 yards and three touchdowns in the season-opening 38–28 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, eclipsing 400 yards in a single game for the 10th time in his career.[183] The 424 yards was the most Rivers has thrown for in any of his season openers.[184] He helped lead the Chargers to first win of the season in the following game against the Buffalo Bills.[185] After a 35–23 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3, Rivers helped lead the Chargers to a four-game winning streak where he threw for over 300 yards twice and had nine passing touchdowns to two interceptions.[186] After a 29–27 win over the San Francisco 49ers, Rivers passed John Elway for eighth-most passing yards in NFL history.[187] In Week 9, against the Seattle Seahawks, Rivers made his 200th consecutive start.[188][189] In a Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos, he passed for 401 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.[190] In Week 12, against the Arizona Cardinals, saw Rivers tie Ryan Tannehill for most consecutive completions, with 25.[191] Unlike Tannehill, he did it in one game and finished with an NFL-record one incompletion in 29 attempts, for a record 96.55%. He finished the game with 259 passing yards and three touchdowns in a 45–10 rout of the Arizona Cardinals, earning AFC Player of the Week honors.[192] On December 13, in a game against the Chiefs, Rivers led the Chargers back from a 14-point deficit to win the game by a score of 29–28 on a two-point conversion to wideout Mike Williams. It was the Chargers first win against the Chiefs after nine straight losses and secured their first playoff berth since 2013.[193] Philip Rivers eclipsed 4,000 yards, becoming the third quarterback in NFL history to reach 4,000 yards in 10 seasons or more, joining Peyton Manning and Drew Brees.[194] Overall, Rivers finished the 2018 season with 4,308 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.[195] The Chargers finished with a 12–4 record and returned to the playoffs for the first time since the 2013 season.[196] As the #5-seed, the Chargers faced off against the AFC North champion Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round. Rivers passed for 160 yards as the Chargers defeated the Ravens by a score of 23–17.[197] In the Divisional Round against the New England Patriots, Rivers passed for 331 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception as the Chargers fell 41–28.[198] He was ranked 17th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.[199]

2019 season

edit
See also: 2019 Los Angeles Chargers season
 
Rivers in a game against the Tennessee Titans

In the 2019 season, Rivers had eight games with over 300 passing yards and seven total with a passer rating over 100. However, the Chargers faced numerous close losses.[200] In Week 1, Rivers helped lead the Chargers to an overtime victory over the Colts. He, along with Austin Ekeler, helped lead them to the game-winning touchdown drive.[201] In a low-scoring duel with the Lions in Week 2, Rivers had a chance to lead the Chargers on a game-winning touchdown drive but threw a late interception near the redzone.[202] In Week 3, down 7 late in the fourth quarter, Rivers drove deep into Texans' territory with five pass completions but was unable to reach the endzone in the loss.[203] In Week 4, in a 30–10 victory over the Dolphins, Rivers, with a 131.9 passer rating, and the Chargers played their most complete game to that point of the season.[204] Following the victory over Miami, the Chargers went on a three-game losing streak with all three games being lost by a touchdown or less.[205][206][207] Following two victories over the Bears and Packers,[208][209] the Chargers went on another three game losing streak with all losses being by a touchdown or less.[210][211][212] The Chargers ended their losing streak with a 45–10 victory over the Jaguars. Rivers posted a 154.4 passer rating with three touchdown passes in the victory.[213] The Chargers lost their last three games.[200]

Rivers finished the 2019 season with 4,615 passing yards, 23 touchdowns,[200] and 20 interceptions—which were the third most in the NFL.[214] His 23 turnovers played a part in the Chargers' 2–9 record in contests decided by a touchdown or less, and the team ended with a 5–11 overall record.[215] On February 10, 2020, the Chargers and Rivers mutually agreed that he would not be re-signed and would enter free agency.[216]

Indianapolis Colts

edit
Main article: 2020 Indianapolis Colts season
 
Rivers in his final season with the Indianapolis Colts

On March 21, 2020, Rivers signed a one-year, $25 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.[217]

Rivers played his first game with the Colts on September 13, 2020, finishing with 363 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions as the Colts lost 27–20 to the Jacksonville Jaguars.[218] He earned his first victory with the Colts in a Week 2 28–11 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.[219] He passed for 371 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in the 31–27 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6, which he led the Colts back from down 24–7.[220]

In Week 10, against the Tennessee Titans, Rivers threw for 308 yards and a touchdown during the 34–17 win. During the game, Rivers passed Dan Marino to become fifth on the all-time passing yards list.[221] During the game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 11, Rivers ruptured his plantar plate, which was later reported to require offseason surgery, though he would play through the remainder of the season with the injury.[222] In Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Rivers passed Dan Marino in passing touchdowns, putting him at fifth all time.[223] He finished the 2020 season with 4,169 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.[224] Rivers recorded his 12th season with at least 4,000 passing yards, tying him with Tom Brady and Drew Brees at the time for second-most in NFL history.[225]

In the Wild Card Round against the Buffalo Bills, Rivers threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns as the Colts lost 27–24.[226] It was the first time in Rivers' career that he lost in the Wild Card Round.

On January 20, 2021, Rivers announced his retirement from the NFL after seventeen seasons, saying "It's just time. It's just right."[227] He announced his intention to retire with the Chargers,[228] and reaffirmed his plans to become the head coach of the St. Michael Catholic High School football team in Fairhope, Alabama.[227][229]

NFL career statistics

edit
Legend
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

edit
Year Team Games Passing Rushing Sacks Fumbles
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD Sck SckY Fum Lost
2004 SD 2 0 — 5 8 62.5 33 4.1 1 0 110.9 4 −5 −1.3 0 0 0 1 0
2005 SD 2 0 — 12 22 54.5 115 5.2 0 1 50.4 1 −1 −1.0 0 3 16 2 0
2006 SD 16 16 14–2 284 460 61.7 3,388 7.4 22 9 92.0 48 49 1.0 0 27 144 8 2
2007 SD 16 16 11–5 277 460 60.2 3,152 6.9 21 15 82.4 29 33 1.1 1 22 163 11 6
2008 SD 16 16 8–8 312 478 65.3 4,009 8.4 34 11 105.5 31 84 2.7 0 25 151 8 4
2009 SD 16 16 13–3 317 486 65.2 4,254 8.8 28 9 104.4 26 50 1.9 1 25 167 6 3
2010 SD 16 16 9–7 357 541 66.0 4,710 8.7 30 13 101.8 29 52 1.8 0 38 227 7 4
2011 SD 16 16 8–8 366 582 62.9 4,624 7.9 27 20 88.7 26 36 1.4 1 30 198 9 5
2012 SD 16 16 7–9 338 527 64.1 3,606 6.8 26 15 88.6 27 40 1.5 0 49 311 15 7
2013 SD 16 16 9–7 378 544 69.5 4,478 8.2 32 11 105.5 28 72 2.6 0 30 150 3 2
2014 SD 16 16 9–7 379 570 66.5 4,286 7.5 31 18 93.8 37 102 2.8 0 36 189 8 2
2015 SD 16 16 4–12 437 661 66.1 4,792 7.3 29 13 93.8 17 28 1.6 0 40 264 4 2
2016 SD 16 16 5–11 349 578 60.4 4,386 7.6 33 21 87.9 14 35 2.5 0 36 188 9 5
2017 LAC 16 16 9–7 360 575 62.6 4,515 7.9 28 10 96.0 18 −2 −0.1 0 18 120 8 1
2018 LAC 16 16 12–4 347 508 68.3 4,308 8.5 32 12 105.5 18 7 0.4 0 32 204 2 1
2019 LAC 16 16 5–11 390 591 66.0 4,615 7.8 23 20 88.5 12 29 2.4 0 34 222 8 3
2020 IND 16 16 11–5 369 543 68.0 4,169 7.7 24 11 97.0 18 −8 −0.4 0 19 118 2 1
Career 244 240 134–106 5,277 8,134 64.9 63,440 7.8 421 209 95.2 383 601 1.6 3 465 2,842 111 48

Postseason

edit
Year Team Games Passing Rushing Sacks Fumbles
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD Sck SckY Fum Lost
2006 SD 1 1 0–1 14 32 43.8 230 7.2 0 1 55.5 3 3 1.0 0 3 26 1 1
2007 SD 3 3 2–1 52 86 60.5 767 8.9 4 4 85.8 4 −2 −0.5 0 2 14 1 0
2008 SD 2 2 1–1 41 71 57.7 525 7.4 3 2 83.4 2 13 6.5 0 8 60 0 0
2009 SD 1 1 0–1 27 40 67.5 298 7.5 1 2 76.9 3 4 1.3 1 2 15 1 0
2013 SD 2 2 1–1 30 43 69.8 345 8.0 3 0 116.9 5 14 2.8 0 5 29 0 0
2018 LAC 2 2 1–1 47 83 56.6 491 5.9 3 1 80.9 3 15 5.0 0 3 21 0 0
2020 IND 1 1 0–1 27 46 58.7 309 6.7 2 0 93.5 1 −1 −1.0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 12 12 5–7 238 401 59.4 2,965 7.5 16 10 85.3 21 46 2.2 1 23 165 3 1

Notable accomplishments

edit
 
Rivers (in red jersey), with teammates on USS Ronald Reagan, in 2006

NFL records

edit

Chargers franchise records

edit

Career

edit

Season

edit
  • Completion percentage (16 starts): 69.5 (2013)[234]
  • Passer rating (16 starts): 105.5 (2008 and 2013)[234]

Game

edit
  • Pass completions: 43 (October 18, 2015, against the Green Bay Packers)[144]
  • Pass attempts: 65 (October 18, 2015, against the Green Bay Packers)[144]
  • Completion percentage (min. 20 attempts): 96.8% (28/29 on November 25, 2018, against the Arizona Cardinals)
  • Passing yards: 503 (October 18, 2015, against the Green Bay Packers)[144]

Postseason

edit
  • Career passing yards: 2,656[235]
  • Career pass attempts: 355[236]
  • Career completions: 211[237]
  • Career completion percentage (min. 50 attempts): 59.4%[238]
  • Career quarterback rating (min. 50 attempts): 84.2[239]
  • Passing touchdowns, game: 3 (done 3 times) (tied with Dan Fouts)[240]
  • Completion percentage, game (min 15 attempts): 75% (12 for 16, January 5, 2014, in the Wild Card Round against the Cincinnati Bengals)[241]
  • QB rating, game (min 25 attempts): 115.8 (January 12, 2014, in the Divisional Round against the Denver Broncos)[242]

Awards and honors

edit

Personal life

edit
 
Rivers (right) in 2007

Rivers, a devout Roman Catholic, married his junior high school sweetheart, Tiffany, in 2001. She converted to Catholicism. They have seven daughters and three sons.[248][249]

Rivers is a social conservative; during the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries, he endorsed former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum.[250]

In 2011, he was named one of three finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for his work with the Rivers of Hope Foundation, an endeavor he and his wife oversaw from 2010 to 2012 to help foster children. The foundation raised more than $1,000,000 for the cause through football camps, a 5K Fun Run and personal contributions from Rivers. The foundation supported the San Pasqual Academy, a residential education campus designed specifically for foster teens.[251]

Rivers comes from an athletic family. He, his father Steve, and his younger brother Stephen have all played college football. Steve played linebacker at Mississippi State in the 1970s.[252] Stephen committed to play college football at Louisiana State University (LSU) after attending Austin High School and Athens High School.[253][254] On June 5, 2014, he transferred to Vanderbilt University and was eligible to play immediately, but wound up transferring to Northwestern State University for the 2015 season.[255]

Rivers received an honorary degree, doctor of humane letters, and addressed the class of 2014 at the 125th annual commencement ceremony of the Catholic University of America (CUA) on May 17, 2014.[256]

In 2014, Rivers was part of a campaign to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego.[257]

On August 26, 2021, Rivers won his first game as a high school football head coach, leading the St. Michael Catholic Cardinals to a 49–0 victory.[258] Rivers was inspired to coach by his father, who was his high school football coach.[259] His oldest son, Gunner, is St. Michael's starting quarterback in the 2023 season.[249]

Head coaching record

edit
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
St. Michael Catholic Cardinals () (2021–present)
2021 St. Michael Catholic 7–2 4–2 3rd
2022 St. Michael Catholic 5–5 4–3 5th
2023 St. Michael Catholic 6–5 5–2 4th
St. Michael Catholic: 18–12 13–7
Total: 18–12

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ Barnwell, Bill (November 7, 2019). "Barnwell ranks the best QBS to never reach a Super Bowl: Could Philip Rivers be No. 1?". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  2. ^ Scacco, Michael (November 12, 2015). "Top 10 quarterbacks to never reach a Super Bowl". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  3. ^ "Raising Rivers: The Making of a Chargers Icon". www.chargers.com. June 16, 2017. Archived from the original on August 10, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  4. ^ Michaels, Jason (December 24, 2017). "Advent Calendar – Dec. 23 – Philip Rivers". Bolts From The Blue. Archived from the original on December 21, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  5. ^ "Athens High School Golden Eagle Football". www.athenshighfootball.org. Archived from the original on August 20, 2010. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  6. ^ Edwards, Mark (July 13, 2008). "Athens' hometown hero". Decatur Daily. Archived from the original on July 31, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  7. ^ Inabinett, Mark (September 23, 2016). "Why didn't Philip Rivers play for Alabama or Auburn?". AL.com. Archived from the original on December 21, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  8. ^ Crothers, Tim (October 2, 2000). "Young Man Rivers Freshman quarterback Philip Rivers has kept North Carolina State rolling along with three last-gasp victories". SI.com. Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  9. ^ "San Diego Chargers' Philip Rivers recalls days laboring under Chuck Amato". Akron Beacon Journal. October 2, 2015. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  10. ^ Peeler, Tim (July 19, 2003). "The Interview: Phillip Rivers/NC State quarterback". Greensboro News and Record. Archived from the original on December 11, 2019. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  11. ^ "2000 North Carolina State Wolfpack Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  12. ^ "Arkansas State at North Carolina State Box Score, September 2, 2000". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  13. ^ Haynes, Tony (September 9, 2000). "Wolfpack Comeback Stuns Hoosiers, 41–38". NC State Wolfpack. Archived from the original on December 23, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  14. ^ "Duke at North Carolina State Box Score, November 11, 2000". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 18, 2019. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  15. ^ Barr, Josh (November 7, 2002). "Old Man Rivers Is Head of the Pack". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 22, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  16. ^ "Philip Rivers 2001 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  17. ^ "2001 Atlantic Coast Conference Leaders". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  18. ^ "2001 Visit Florida Tangerine Bowl Recap". NC State Wolfpack. December 20, 2001. Archived from the original on January 13, 2017. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  19. ^ "2002 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 18, 2019. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  20. ^ "Gator Bowl – Notre Dame vs North Carolina State Box Score, January 1, 2003". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  21. ^ "Philip Rivers 2002 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  22. ^ a b "Philip Rivers 2003 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  23. ^ "2003 Atlantic Coast Conference Leaders". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved May 3, 2022.[dead link]
  24. ^ "2003 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  25. ^ "Tangerine Bowl II – North Carolina State vs Kansas Box Score, December 22, 2003". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 12, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  26. ^ "ACC Player of the Year Winners". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 2, 2019. Retrieved December 11, 2019.
  27. ^ "2003 Heisman Candidates". www.nationalchamps.net. December 7, 2003. Archived from the original on October 2, 2003. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  28. ^ "2003 Heisman Trophy Voting". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  29. ^ Muma, Steven (August 5, 2014). "Rivers' 2003 best season in NCSU football history?". Backing The Pack. Archived from the original on March 26, 2016. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  30. ^ "The Season: Every FBS school's best player". ESPN.com. June 24, 2014. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  31. ^ "2021 NC State Football Media Guide V2" (PDF). NC State University Athletics. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 5, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  32. ^ "Atlantic Coast Conference Career Leaders and Records for Passing Yards". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  33. ^ Bell, Jarrett (December 13, 2010). "Philip Rivers on Brett Favre's streak: 'Unbelievable'". USA Today. Archived from the original on April 22, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  34. ^ "Passing Yards Career Leaders and Records". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  35. ^ "Retired Football Jerseys". NC State University. Archived from the original on June 23, 2018. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  36. ^ "Philip Rivers, North Carolina State, QB, 2004 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  37. ^ "Philip Rivers Combine Results". nflcombineresults.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  38. ^ "2004 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  39. ^ Banks, Don (August 28, 2009). "Best quarterback class ever? Trio from '04 makes its case over '83". SI.com. Archived from the original on August 31, 2009. Retrieved July 27, 2010.
  40. ^ "Rivers Agrees to Contract". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. August 24, 2004. ISSN 0458-3035. Archived from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  41. ^ a b c d e Cooney, Frank (January 17, 2014). "Rivers, Jeffery receive PFWA honors". chicagotribune.com. The Sports Xchange. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014.
  42. ^ "What a comeback: Brees runs away with award". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 6, 2005. Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  43. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – January 2nd, 2005". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 3, 2019. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  44. ^ "Philip Rivers 2004 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  45. ^ Wilson, Bernie (September 30, 2016). "Brees returns to the Q for 1st time since '05 to face Bolts". Houma Today. Archived from the original on October 21, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  46. ^ "Philip Rivers 2005 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  47. ^ "Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – December 31st, 2005". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  48. ^ "SI.com – Photo Gallery – Ranking Top 10 Young QBs". SI.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2006. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  49. ^ "Focus on Philip". StateFans Nation. September 28, 2006. Archived from the original on December 15, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  50. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – September 11th, 2006". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on July 23, 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  51. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at San Diego Chargers – October 8th, 2006". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  52. ^ "Consistency a goal for Chargers' Rivers". Sporting News. August 16, 2007. Archived from the original on October 23, 2007. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  53. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – November 12th, 2006". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 5, 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  54. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers Biggest Comebacks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on May 14, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  55. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – November 19th, 2006". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  56. ^ "2006 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 22, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  57. ^ "2006 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 8, 2010. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  58. ^ "2006 New England Patriots Statistics & Players". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 28, 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  59. ^ "Divisional Round – New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers – January 14th, 2007". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 28, 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  60. ^ "Chargers head coach Schottenheimer fired". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 13, 2007. Archived from the original on December 25, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  61. ^ Pasquarellli, Len (February 19, 2007). "Chargers hire Turner as coach". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on June 3, 2018. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  62. ^ "Chargers Stop Their Slide by Pounding the Broncos". The New York Times. Associated Press. October 8, 2007. Archived from the original on December 11, 2019. Retrieved December 11, 2019.
  63. ^ "2007 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 6, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  64. ^ "Philip Rivers 2007 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on September 12, 2019. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  65. ^ "Wild Card – Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers – January 6th, 2008". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  66. ^ "Divisional Round – San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – January 13th, 2008". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  67. ^ "AFC Championship – San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots – January 20th, 2008". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  68. ^ a b c "NFL Videos: Top Ten Gutsiest Performances: Philip Rivers". NFL.com. June 3, 2009. Archived from the original on September 4, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  69. ^ Williams, Eric D. (January 11, 2019). "That time Philip Rivers played through a torn ACL in the playoffs". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  70. ^ a b c Stuart, Chase (November 9, 2010). "As His Receivers Fall, Philip Rivers Stands Alone". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved November 14, 2010. In 2008 and 2009, Philip Rivers led the league in yards per attempt and adjusted yards per attempt (which includes a 45-yard penalty for interceptions and a 20-yard bonus for touchdowns), making him arguably the best statistical quarterback in the league.
  71. ^ a b "Philip Rivers Stats". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on September 12, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  72. ^ Bedinger, Sayre (September 14, 2008). "Broncos win shootout versus Chargers 39–38; Cutler shines". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  73. ^ "Chargers complete Broncos' collapse". The Mercury News. December 28, 2008. Archived from the original on December 21, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  74. ^ "Broncos-Chargers: A Sunday Night-Mare". Bleacher Report. December 29, 2008. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  75. ^ Wilson, Bernie (January 4, 2009). "Chargers beat Colts 23–17 in OT". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on December 11, 2019. Retrieved December 11, 2019.
  76. ^ "Steelers crush Chargers to reach AFC championship". Reuters. January 12, 2009. Archived from the original on December 11, 2019. Retrieved December 11, 2019.
  77. ^ Pasquarelli, Len (August 24, 2009). "Source: Rivers' extension worth $92M". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on August 27, 2009. Retrieved August 25, 2009.
  78. ^ "2009 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  79. ^ "Philip Rivers 2009 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  80. ^ "2009 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 21, 2019. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  81. ^ Hudson, Ryan (January 17, 2010). "Jets 17, Chargers 14: New York's Defense Stymies San Diego's Offense". SBNation.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  82. ^ "2010 NFL Passing". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 4, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  83. ^ "2010 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on June 2, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  84. ^ Howard, Johnette (December 16, 2010). "Philip Rivers as Dan Marino". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on December 19, 2010.
  85. ^ McIntyre, Brian (September 26, 2010). "Seahawks Hang On For 27–20 Win". 247Sports. Archived from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  86. ^ Davis, Nate (September 27, 2010). "CBS' Dan Fouts watches Philip Rivers break his Chargers single-game passing record". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  87. ^ Kukura, Joe (October 10, 2010). "Raiders' Blocks Shock Chargers for 35–27 Win". NBC Bay Area. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  88. ^ Feeney, Darren (October 31, 2010). "San Diego Chargers Have a Pulse, Defeat Titans 33–25". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  89. ^ Judge, Clark (November 1, 2010). "Rivers' historic season obscured by Chargers' stormy start". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2012.
  90. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Houston Texans – November 7th, 2010". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 5, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  91. ^ "Rivers again carries load as Chargers end road skid". CBSSports.com. November 7, 2010. Archived from the original on October 14, 2012. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  92. ^ "Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – December 5th, 2010". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on July 23, 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  93. ^ "NFC reels in five picks to throttle AFC in Pro Bowl". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 30, 2011. Archived from the original on January 5, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2011. Rivers, starting in place of injured Tom Brady, was picked off twice in the first quarter, the second by Hall.
  94. ^ a b Jenkins, Chris (December 28, 2010). "Gates, Dielman, Rivers voted to Pro Bowl". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on January 1, 2011.
  95. ^ Graham, Tim (February 7, 2011). "NFL alumni pick Rivers over Brady". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2011.
  96. ^ "2011 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 25, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  97. ^ Canepa, Nick (August 2, 2011). "Rivers tops Fouts as best Chargers QB; with poll". The San Diego Union-Tribune. p. D-1. Archived from the original on November 13, 2011.
  98. ^ Acee, Kevin (November 11, 2012). "Acee: Rivers is awesome until he's awful". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
  99. ^ Wilson, Bernie (September 12, 2011). "Vikings lament blowing 10-point halftime lead". San Diego Union-Tribune. Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  100. ^ Battista, Judy (September 18, 2011). "Brady and Patriots Make the Most of the Chargers' Mistakes". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 23, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  101. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – September 25th, 2011". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  102. ^ "Rivers, Tolbert key Chargers' 26–16 win". Newsday. Associated Press. October 2, 2011. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  103. ^ Klis, Mike (October 9, 2011). "Broncos rally behind Tim Tebow, but Chargers win 29–24". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  104. ^ "NFL: Plaxico Burress has three TD receptions as New York Jets rally past San Diego Chargers". The Mercury News. Associated Press. October 23, 2011. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  105. ^ "Rivers fumble helps Chiefs to OT win over Chargers". Reuters. November 1, 2011. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  106. ^ Talty, John (November 1, 2011). "Philip Rivers Blows Game Against Chiefs: Is He Hiding an Injury?". International Business Times. Archived from the original on August 26, 2017. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  107. ^ Mehta, Manish (November 3, 2011). "LaDainian Tomlinson says Philip Rivers appears 'distracted' this season". Daily News. Archived from the original on November 8, 2011.
  108. ^ "San Diego Chargers Lose to Undefeated Green Bay Packers". NBC 7 San Diego. November 6, 2011. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  109. ^ McDonald, Jerry (November 10, 2011). "Oakland Raiders fend off San Diego Chargers, move into first place in AFC West". The Mercury News. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  110. ^ "Cutler leads Bears past Chargers, 31–20". KFMB. Associated Press. November 20, 2011. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  111. ^ Klis, Mike (November 27, 2011). "Broncos rally again behind Tim Tebow, Matt Prater FG in OT to beat Chargers 16–13". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  112. ^ Student, Joe (December 5, 2011). "Philip Rivers Passes San Diego Chargers Over Jacksonville Jaguars 38–14 on 'Monday Night Football'". 600 ESPN El Paso. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  113. ^ "Chargers send Bills to sixth straight loss". Fox News. March 27, 2015. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  114. ^ Zrebiec, Jeff (December 19, 2011). "Rivers leads San Diego Chargers to 34–14 rout of the Baltimore Ravens". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 11, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  115. ^ "Lions eliminate Chargers, clinch playoff spot". Orange County Register. December 25, 2011. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  116. ^ Dubow, Chris (January 2, 2012). "Chargers end Raiders playoff hopes with 38–26 win". NFL.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  117. ^ "2011 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on August 30, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  118. ^ "2012 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  119. ^ Gehlken, Michael (September 30, 2012). "Chargers in familiar spot after blowout win". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on September 29, 2013.
  120. ^ "Chargers zap turnover-prone Chiefs 37–20". USA TODAY. Associated Press. September 30, 2012. Archived from the original on December 23, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  121. ^ "Rivers, Chargers dominate Chiefs". KSDK. November 1, 2012. Archived from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  122. ^ Gehlken, Michael (September 30, 2012). "Ironman streak ends for Chargers veteran". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved October 3, 2012.
  123. ^ a b c Schefter, Adam (January 1, 2013). "Norv Turner, A.J. Smith fired". ESPN.com. Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013.
  124. ^ McLellan, Dan (January 4, 2013). "Chargers needs for 2013: A wall for Philip Rivers". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2013.
  125. ^ "Philip Rivers 2012 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  126. ^ a b Klis, Mike (January 9, 2014). "Philip Rivers is the emotional heart and soul of the Chargers". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on January 11, 2014.
  127. ^ Calkins, Matt (December 29, 2013). "Rivers is the Bolts' Map, Compass, and GPS Philip Rivers". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on January 10, 2014. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  128. ^ a b c Gehlken, Michael (February 1, 2014). "Philip Rivers Comeback Player of Year". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on April 3, 2014.
  129. ^ Patra, Kevin (September 15, 2013). "Philip Rivers steers San Diego Chargers past Eagles". NFL.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  130. ^ Lippman, Jeff (October 20, 2013). "Philip Rivers goes over 30,000 career passing yards". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  131. ^ "2013 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 22, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  132. ^ "AFC wild card: Chargers rally for 27–10 win over Bengals". Deseret News. Associated Press. January 5, 2014. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  133. ^ Cash, Rana (January 12, 2014). "NFL divisional playoff: Broncos move past Chargers, 24–17". Sporting News. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  134. ^ "2014 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  135. ^ a b "Chiefs eliminate rival Chargers from AFC playoffs". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 28, 2014. Archived from the original on December 29, 2014.
  136. ^ Acee, Kevin (December 29, 2014). "Chargers, let Rivers throw or let him go". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on December 30, 2014.
  137. ^ a b Gehlken, Michael (December 23, 2014). "Eric Weddle selected to Pro Bowl again". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on June 30, 2015.
  138. ^ Gehlken, Michael (December 29, 2014). "Surgery not ruled out for Philip Rivers". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014.
  139. ^ "Philip Rivers 2014 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  140. ^ "2015 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 12, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  141. ^ Jackson, Zac (August 15, 2015). "Chargers, Rivers finalize four-year extension". NBC Sports. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  142. ^ "Lions allow 30 straight points in 33–28 loss to Chargers". USA TODAY. Associated Press. September 13, 2015. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  143. ^ Williams, Eric D. (September 20, 2015). "Philip Rivers passes Dan Fouts on career TD list". ABC News. Archived from the original on February 18, 2019. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  144. ^ a b c d Hanzus, Dan (October 19, 2015). "Philip Rivers' monster day earns respect of Packers". NFL.com. Archived from the original on October 21, 2015. Retrieved October 21, 2015.
  145. ^ "Philip Rivers throws four TD passes to help Chargers end six-game skid". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. November 29, 2015. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  146. ^ "2015 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 31, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  147. ^ Gehlken, Michael (December 28, 2015). "Chargers' opponents for 2016 finalized". San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on December 21, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  148. ^ Wilson, Bernie (December 21, 2015). "Chargers win for fans in possible final SD game". 10News. Archived from the original on June 12, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  149. ^ Gehlken, Michael (January 29, 2016). "Philip Rivers 'fired up' Chargers still in SD". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  150. ^ "Philip Rivers Advanced Stats and Metrics Profile: Passing Yards". PlayerProfiler.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2016. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  151. ^ "San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers Career Passing Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  152. ^ Gantt, Darin (January 25, 2016). "Philip Rivers takes a pass on Pro Bowl invite". ProFootballTalk. Archived from the original on January 28, 2016. Retrieved January 28, 2016.
  153. ^ "2016 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  154. ^ "Chiefs overcome 21-point deficit, beat Chargers 33–27 in OT". KFMB. Associated Press. September 11, 2016. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  155. ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers – September 18th, 2016". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 16, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  156. ^ McDonald, Jerry (October 10, 2016). "Raiders' secondary survives Rivers' aerial assault". The Mercury News. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  157. ^ Knoblauch, Austin (October 13, 2016). "Rivers becomes Chargers' all-time passing leader". NFL.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  158. ^ Cunningham, Michael (October 23, 2016). "Rivers confounds Falcons with short passes: 'He picked us apart'". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  159. ^ "Philip Rivers 2016 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  160. ^ "2016 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  161. ^ "2017 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 8, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  162. ^ Newman, Kyle (September 12, 2017). "Philip Rivers falls short in comeback at Denver Broncos: "This was as loud as I can remember this place"". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  163. ^ "Dolphins head home with thrilling 19–17 win over Chargers". USA TODAY. Associated Press. September 18, 2017. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  164. ^ "Chargers' Philip Rivers: Multiple interceptions in loss". CBSSports.com. September 24, 2017. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  165. ^ Wang, Jack (October 1, 2017). "Chargers fall to 0–4 with 26–24 home loss to Philadelphia Eagles". Daily Breeze. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  166. ^ "Chargers end nine-game losing streak, Giants remain winless". USA TODAY. Associated Press. October 8, 2017. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  167. ^ "Chargers get the field goal they need to beat the Raiders 17–16". Sun-Sentinel.com. Associated Press. October 15, 2017. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  168. ^ "L.A. Chargers deal Denver Broncos first shutout loss in 25 years". USA TODAY. Associated Press. October 22, 2017. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  169. ^ "Patriots capitalize on Chargers' mistakes in 21–13 win". USA TODAY. Associated Press. October 29, 2017. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  170. ^ Hamilton, Nick; Duarte, Michael (November 12, 2017). "Jaguars Claw Back to Beat the Chargers, 20–17 in Overtime". NBC Los Angeles. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  171. ^ Woike, Dan; DiGiovanna, Mike (November 20, 2017). "Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers keeps streak alive with extra caution". mcall.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  172. ^ Williams, Eric D. (November 24, 2017). "Philip Rivers throws for 434 yards as Chargers keep playoff hopes alive". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  173. ^ Patra, Kevin (November 23, 2017). "Philip Rivers carves up Cowboys for Chargers in win". NFL.com. Archived from the original on November 24, 2017. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  174. ^ Shook, Nick (November 30, 2017). "Philip Rivers, Phil Dawson lead Players of the Week". NFL.com. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
  175. ^ "NFL announces 2018 Pro Bowl rosters". NFL.com. December 19, 2017. Archived from the original on December 20, 2017. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  176. ^ Paris, Jay (December 31, 2017). "Los Angeles Chargers beat Oakland Raiders, miss playoffs". UPI. Archived from the original on March 22, 2019. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  177. ^ "Rivers, Byard, Godwin among NFL Players of the Week". NFL.com. January 3, 2018. Archived from the original on October 2, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  178. ^ Beacham, Greg (January 1, 2018). "Chargers rout Raiders 30–10, miss playoffs; Del Rio fired". AP NEWS. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  179. ^ "Philip Rivers 2017 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 25, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  180. ^ "2017 Los Angeles Chargers Statistics & Players". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 25, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  181. ^ "2017 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 26, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  182. ^ "2018 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 8, 2022. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
  183. ^ Henne, Ricky (September 9, 2018). "Why Philip Rivers Remains "Super Fired Up" Despite Loss". www.chargers.com. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  184. ^ "Philip Rivers statistics in Week 1 games". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  185. ^ Inabinett, Mark (September 17, 2018). "State NFL roundup: Philip Rivers overwhelms Bills". AL.com. Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  186. ^ "Philip Rivers 2018 Game Log (Weeks 4–8)". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  187. ^ Bradham, Matthew (October 1, 2018). "Philip Rivers Moves Into 8th Place All-Time in Career Passing Yards, Passes John Elway". Pack Insider. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  188. ^ Kartje, Ryan (November 4, 2018). "Philip Rivers' path to 200 consecutive starts with Chargers marked by unmatched toughness". Orange County Register. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  189. ^ "Rivers, Gordon leads Chargers past Seahawks 25–17". CBSSports.com. November 4, 2018. Archived from the original on May 8, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  190. ^ Hayre, Chris (November 18, 2018). "Recap: Broncos top Chargers 23–22". www.chargers.com. Archived from the original on December 11, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  191. ^ Middlehurst-Schwartz, Michael (November 25, 2018). "Chargers QB Philip Rivers breaks NFL records with 25 consecutive completions". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on December 11, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  192. ^ "Philip Rivers, Amari Cooper among Players of the Week". NFL.com. November 28, 2018. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  193. ^ Togerson, Derek (December 13, 2018). "Chargers Beat Chiefs, Secure Playoff Spot". NBC – San Diego. Archived from the original on December 15, 2018. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  194. ^ Bradham, Matthew (December 23, 2018). "Philip Rivers Passes for Over 4,000 Yards for the 10th Time, 3rd in NFL History to do so". Pack Insider. Archived from the original on May 31, 2024. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  195. ^ Teope, Herbie (January 11, 2019). "Tom Brady on Philip Rivers: 'He's kind of like me'". NFL.com. Archived from the original on January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 22, 2019.
  196. ^ "2018 Los Angeles Chargers Statistics & Players". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 22, 2019.
  197. ^ "Chargers' Philip Rivers: Free of mistakes in wild-card win". CBSSports.com. January 6, 2019. Archived from the original on January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 22, 2019.
  198. ^ Hightower, Kyle (January 13, 2019). "Patriots advance to AFC Championship with 41–28 win over Chargers". Boston.com. Archived from the original on January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 22, 2019.
  199. ^ "2019 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  200. ^ a b c "Philip Rivers 2019 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 2, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  201. ^ "Ekeler scores 3 TDs in Chargers 30–24 OT win over Colts". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 8, 2019. Archived from the original on September 9, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  202. ^ Borquez, Gavino (September 16, 2019). "Chargers' Philip Rivers explains what happened on interception in loss to Lions". Chargers Wire. USA Today. Archived from the original on September 21, 2019. Retrieved October 13, 2019.
  203. ^ "Watson, Watt lead way as Texans outlast Chargers, 27–20". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 22, 2019. Archived from the original on December 28, 2019. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
  204. ^ Digiovanna, Mike (September 30, 2019). "Chargers' Philip Rivers keeps Dolphins' defense on the run with some fancy passing". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 8, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2019.
  205. ^ "Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers – October 6th, 2019". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 21, 2019. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  206. ^ Abdeldaiem, Alaa (October 14, 2019). "Chargers Were a Massive Disappointment in Loss to Steelers". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  207. ^ "Wild goal line stand propels Titans past Chargers". WREG.com. Associated Press. October 21, 2019. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020.
  208. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers at Chicago Bears – October 27th, 2019". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  209. ^ "Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Chargers – November 3rd, 2019". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on September 25, 2023. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  210. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Raiders – November 7th, 2019". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  211. ^ "Rivers Throws Four Picks in Crucial Loss to Chiefs". NBC 7 San Diego. Associated Press. November 18, 2019. Archived from the original on November 20, 2019. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  212. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos – December 1st, 2019". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  213. ^ "Chargers end skid, hand Jaguars 5th straight lopsided loss". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 8, 2019. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 8, 2019.
  214. ^ Wells, Mike (March 21, 2020). "Philip Rivers considered retiring, 'but I know I still can play at a high level'". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 22, 2020. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
  215. ^ Hisrchhorn, Jason B. (February 24, 2020). "2020 NFL Scouting Combine Preview: Chargers Can Win Now with Right Philip Rivers Replacement". SI.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
  216. ^ "Philip Rivers to Enter Free Agency". www.chargers.com. February 10, 2020. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  217. ^ Walker, Andrew (March 21, 2020). "Colts Sign Eight-Time Pro Bowl Quarterback Philip Rivers". Colts.com. Archived from the original on March 23, 2020. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  218. ^ "Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars – September 13th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  219. ^ "Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts – September 20th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  220. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – October 18th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  221. ^ "Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans – November 12th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  222. ^ Williams, Charean (December 6, 2020). "Philip Rivers on foot injury: I don't feel any limitations". Pro-Football Football. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  223. ^ Walker, Andrew (November 12, 2020). "Philip Rivers Passes Dan Marino For Fifth Place On NFL's All-Time Passing Yards List". www.colts.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  224. ^ "Philip Rivers 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 10, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  225. ^ "Most 4000 Yard Passing Seasons By Quarterback NFL Career". StatMuse. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  226. ^ "Wild Card – Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills – January 9th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 26, 2022. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  227. ^ a b Hickey, Kevin (January 20, 2021). "Colts' Philip Rivers retiring from NFL after 17 seasons". Colts Wire. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  228. ^ Hickey, Kevin (February 4, 2021). "Philip Rivers to retire as a Charger". Colts Wire. Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  229. ^ Patra, Kevin (January 20, 2021). "Philip Rivers retiring from football after 17 seasons in NFL". NFL.com. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  230. ^ Williams, Eric D. (November 25, 2018). "Rivers completes 25 straight passes to tie mark". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  231. ^ Knoblauch, Austin (December 30, 2018). "Nick Foles ties NFL record for consecutive completions". NFL.com. Archived from the original on March 9, 2019. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  232. ^ Elwood, Hayley (October 12, 2014). "Another Game, More Milestones for Philip Rivers". Chargers.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2014.
  233. ^ a b c d e f "San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers Career Passing Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  234. ^ a b "San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers Single-Season Passing Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  235. ^ "Most career passing yards, postseason, Chargers franchise". StatMuse. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  236. ^ "Most career passing attempts, postseason, Chargers franchise". StatMuse. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  237. ^ "Most career passing completions, postseason, Chargers franchise". StatMuse. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  238. ^ "Best career completion percentage (minimum 50 attempts), postseason, Chargers franchise". StatMuse. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  239. ^ "Best career quarterback rating (minimum 50 attempts), postseason, Chargers franchise". StatMuse. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  240. ^ "Most passing touchdowns in one game, postseason, Chargers franchise". StatMuse. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  241. ^ "Best completion percentage in a single postseason game (minimum 15 passing attempts), Chargers franchise". StatMuse. Archived from the original on January 29, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  242. ^ "Best quarterback rating in a single postseason game (minimum 25 passing attempts), Chargers franchise". StatMuse. Archived from the original on January 29, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  243. ^ "NFL Passing Touchdowns Year-by-Year Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  244. ^ "NFL Passing Yards Year-by-Year Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 7, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  245. ^ "2008 NFL Passing". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on September 8, 2016. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  246. ^ "2013 NFL Passing". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  247. ^ "Comeback Player of the Year". PFWA. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  248. ^ Erickson, Joel A. (September 10, 2020). "New Colts QB Philip Rivers opens up about his nine children". Indystar.com. Gannett. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  249. ^ a b Thomas, Ben (November 3, 2023). "Longtime NFL QB Philip Rivers, wife Tiffany welcome 10th child: 'It's awesome'". AL.com. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  250. ^ McDevitt, Caitlin (March 8, 2012). "Philip Rivers endorses Rick Santorum". politico.com. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 12, 2020.
  251. ^ "Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year to be announced Feb. 4". NFL.com. National Football League. January 22, 2012. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved September 12, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  252. ^ "Steve Rivers". Alabama High School Football Historical Society. Archived from the original on April 27, 2015. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  253. ^ Newberg, Jamie (August 11, 2010). "Stephen Rivers goes his own way". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved April 18, 2011. Stephen plays at Athens (Ala.) High School, where Philip once played, but instead of following the family legacy to Raleigh, Stephen chose a different path and committed to LSU on Friday.
  254. ^ Milam, Brooke (August 9, 2008). "Talent at Austin". The Decatur Daily. Archived from the original on March 13, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2011. Sophomore quarterback Stephen Rivers is expected to be the starting quarterback for Austin this fall.
  255. ^ Robertson, Steve (September 16, 2015). "Northwestern State quarterback Stephen Rivers talks about his team's match up with Mississippi St..." Scout.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  256. ^ "Philip Rivers to Address 2014 Graduates at CUA's Commencement". Office of Public Affairs. February 11, 2014. Archived from the original on December 4, 2018. Retrieved February 11, 2014. Philippine Cardinal to Celebrate Baccalaureate Mass and Receive Honorary Degree
  257. ^ "Support Philip Rivers' Passing It On on PledgeIt.org". PledgeIt.org. December 20, 2014. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  258. ^ "Retired NFL QB Philip Rivers wins high school coaching debut". ESPN.com. August 27, 2021. Archived from the original on August 27, 2021. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
  259. ^ Wells, Mike (May 8, 2020). "Stephen Rivers goes his own way". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on August 27, 2021. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
edit
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Philip Rivers.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Philip_Rivers&oldid=1241061228"