Los Angeles Chargers icon Philip Rivers retires as a Bolt after an incredible career

Philip Rivers has not played in the NFL since retiring from the sport in 2020, following a one-season stint with the Indianapolis Colts.

Yesterday, he officially hung up his cleats as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers, the team he spent 16 incredible years with after being drafted in 2004.

"I'm retiring as a Charger," said the former quarterback in an

there’s no one like phil

pic.twitter.com/tXQY5twzJE

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 21, 2025 ">emotional video posted on X. "I'm thankful for those 16 years and for entrusting me to be the quarterback," he continued.

"I certainly never took it for granted. I never took it for granted getting to suit up and lead the Chargers for, shoot, 240-something games in a row."

Rivers and the Chargers never have won the Super Bowl together. With that said, he achieved more success than any Chargers quarterback in history, winning eight Pro Bowl nominations and leading the team to six playoff berths.

In a sport where one team out of 32 achieves success every year, Rivers' legacy will not be counted in Lombardi trophies, a point echoed by John Spanos, president of football operations with the Los Angeles Chargers.

"Having you retire as a Charger man, it means the world to us as an organisation. We're just so grateful." Spanos said.

That sentiment was shared by the players whom the Chargers surprised Rivers with during his retirement video, as offensive linemen Nick Hardwick, Kris Dielman, Marcus McNeill, and Jeromey Clary joined him to sign a ceremonial one-day contract.

Rivers, famous for his fiery competitiveness throughout his career, joked, "I can still go. It better be longer than a day!"

Chargers captain and safety Derwin James was one of many former teammates who offered words of support for Rivers on social media.

Closing the chapter on his storied career, Rivers spoke of his most cherished moments with the Bolts.

"The wins that we had were awesome. But the growth moments you had, the experiences you still had with your teammates … we still had it pretty dang good.

"We were battling, working together. These times were testing us, but shoot, we got to come to work every day and go play in the National Football League."

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