The Indianapolis Colts learned Wednesday that veteran quarterback Philip Rivers is retiring from the NFL after 17 seasons.
Having spent 16 of those 17 seasons with the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers, the news broke Wednesday morning via the San Diego Union-Tribune.
That said, he also released a statement, which gave many thanks throughout this playing career:
“Every year, January 20th is a special and emotional day. It is St. Sebastian’s Feast day, the day I played in the AFC championship without an ACL, and now the day that after 17 seasons, I’m announcing my retirement from the National Football League. Thank you God for allowing me to live out my childhood dream of playing quarterback in the NFL.
I am grateful to the Chargers for 16 seasons, and the Colts for the 17th season.
Thank you to all my coaches that helped me grow as a player and person.
Thanks to the support staff.
I appreciate the opposing defenses making it challenging physically and mentally every week… I also enjoyed the banter.
I appreciate the referees for putting up with all my fussing. I think I was right most of the time dadgummit!
Thanks to the fans in San Diego and around the nation that both cheered and booed.
Special thanks to my teammates. Without a doubt my favorite part of the game, being a teammate. Thank you for being mine.
Lastly, thank you to my wife and best friend Tiffany, and our children Halle, Caroline, Grace, Gunner , Sarah, Peter, Rebecca, Clare, and Anna. Could not have done it without y’all’s unwavering support.
As my playing career comes to an end , the next chapter begins.
NUNC COEPI.”
Rivers had an illustrious career and finished among the best passers in the NFL statistically. Now, the Colts will have to find his replacement this offseason.
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