Cam Newton Admits Feeling ‘Disrespected’ After Colts Chose 44-Year-Old Philip Rivers Over Him

Philip Rivers, 44, retired from NFL five years ago after playing sixteen seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and one in Indianapolis.

Cam Newton Admits Feeling ‘Disrespected’ After Colts Chose 44-Year-Old Philip Rivers Over Him

Philip Rivers, Cam Newton (Images via Getty Images)

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The Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, sustained an Achilles tear in the divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14. The ensuing chaos in Indianapolis and the quarterback crisis led the Colts to sign former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers.

Rivers, 44, retired five years ago, has played seventeen seasons in the league. He ranks seventh amongst all-time career leaders in passing yards, most of which he acquired during his sixteen season career in San Diego and later Los Angeles for the Chargers franchise. Apparently, Rivers’ workout was enough to convince the franchise he could still manage an NFL offense.

But not everyone is thrilled with the decision. Former MVP Cam Newton, who has publicly kept the door open for an NFL comeback, expressed his frustration on the latest episode of his podcast 4th&1 with Cam Newton. Newton said the Colts choosing Rivers without even calling him felt “like a slap in my face.”

I did not retire and will not. I don’t give a damn if [Rivers] is in their family. He’s 44 years old, bro!

Newton even floated a theory about why Indianapolis might have avoided reaching out: jersey numbers. The Colts recently acquired cornerback Sauce Gardner, who famously wears No. 1, in a midseason blockbuster trade with the Jets. Newton, who has worn No. 1 throughout his career, suggested that the potential conflict may have factored into the team’s decision.

I know why the Indianapolis Colts didn’t sign me… Because their newest member, Sauce Gardner, wears No. 1.

Newton last played in 2021, going 0–5 as a starter after rejoining the Carolina Panthers. His previous full season came with the New England Patriots in 2020, where he threw eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions across 15 starts.

Despite the downturn in production, he has remained in shape and vocal about wanting another opportunity in the league. Across his 11-year career, Newton has thrown for 194 touchdowns with 123 interceptions and added an exceptional 75 rushing touchdowns, cementing one of the most unique resumes in NFL history.

Ryan Clark bashed the Colts for signing Philip Rivers

The drama surrounding the Indianapolis Colts’ decision to bring back 44-year-old Philip Rivers hasn’t just frustrated Cam Newton; it’s also sparked strong criticism from analysts across the league. And few have been more blunt than former NFL safety Ryan Clark, who didn’t hold back when reacting to Indianapolis’ high-risk gamble.

Colts sign Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers (Image via BetMGM/X)

Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Clark blasted the move, calling it both “incompetent” and “irresponsible.” His argument, the 44-year-old granddad wasn’t exactly mobile before he retired, and dropping him into a must-win Week 15 battle after five years away from NFL pass rushers is asking for trouble.

This is not Michael Jordan coming back to play basketball after three years off for the Washington Wizards. This is a man in Philip Rivers who was always a stationary target, taking five years off to coach high school football and then coming back to play against the Seattle Seahawks, who would get after your keester if you were freaking Michael Vick.

And the context made his point harder to ignore. The Colts have been crushed by injuries all season. They traded for Sauce Gardner only to lose him weeks later. Charvarius Ward went down again. Now, heading into Rivers’ first game back, the Colts will likely be without starting right tackle Braden Smith. Rookie Jalen Travis will be forced into protecting Rivers’ blind side against one of the NFL’s fastest, most physical fronts.

Still, the Colts are 8–5 and firmly in the playoff hunt. One win can flip the mood. If Rivers steps in and knocks off Seattle, Clark’s criticisms get pushed aside, and Indianapolis suddenly looks like a team that pulled off a miracle. If not, the decision will go down as another chaotic chapter in a season already full of them.

Also Read: Should Patrick Mahomes Be Blamed if the Chiefs Miss the Playoffs?