Tom Brady Weighs Hypothetical NFL Return After Philip Rivers’ Surprise Comeback

Tom Brady is itching to watch Philip Rivers play for the Colts on Sunday against the Seahawks but is also concerned how he would handle the physicality after staying away from football for five years.

Tom Brady Weighs Hypothetical NFL Return After Philip Rivers’ Surprise Comeback

Philip Rivers and Tom Brady (Image via ESPN)

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Philip Rivers’ decision to come out of retirement and join the Indianapolis Colts has generated significant excitement for Tom Brady. He is eagerly waiting to see the 44-year-old in action.

The Colts turned to Rivers after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending leg injury. It raised a lot of eyebrows across the league. Rivers hasn’t played football since hanging up his cleats in 2020.

Moreover, he’s also a semifinalist for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame. He will no longer be eligible for the gold jacket for four more years when he makes his debut against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Tom Brady looked past all those implications and welcomed Rivers back with open arms. In fact, he is excited to see the 8x Pro Bowl signal caller play ball.

Good for him. I’m happy he’s doing it. I’m very excited to watch Philip play, because if he’s out there, it’s really cool. It speaks to how much he loves the game.

Tom Brady told Colin Cowherd on a recent segment of FS1’s The Herd

Exciting as it may be, Brady remains concerned about Rivers’ well-being. The 48-year-old recognizes that the game has evolved since Rivers last played in the league in 2020. He must quickly establish rapport with his receivers—Caleb Downs, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Tyler Warren. Furthermore, the opposing defenses will not ease up on him simply because he is a veteran.

This game, for the quarterback, is about the neck up. The mental is to the physical as four is to one at the quarterback position.

Tom Brady said

Well, not everyone is as positive as Tom Brady about Rivers’ return. Former Carolina Panthers quarterback and NFL MVP, Cam Newton, called the development in Indy a “Slap to my face.”

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

Cam Newton said on the 4th & 1 podcast

Newton’s colleague on ESPN and retired NFL DB, Ryan Clark, held the Colts “irresponsible” and “incompetent” for relying on a veteran, past his prime.

[Rivers’ return] is not [Michael] Jordan coming back to play basketball after three years off for the Washington Wizards. This is a man in Phillip Rivers who was always a stationary target [pocket passer], 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.

Ryan Clark ranted

Philip Rivers is set to start against the Seahawks

Rivers went straight to work after landing in Indy. Several videos popped up from the workout sessions inside the Colts’ facility.

Tom Brady Weighs Hypothetical NFL Return After Philip Rivers’ Surprise Comeback
Philip Rivers (Image via ESPN)

Head coach Shane Steichen even praised Rivers’ tenacity and work ethic. He also noted that Rivers can still make tough and precise throws.

A guy that hasn’t been out there in five years, to go and practice the way he did this week was pretty impressive to watch.

Shane Steichen told Stephen Holder of TSN

On Saturday, Steichen confirmed that Rivers will make his second debut for the Colts against the Seahawks in Week 15.

The Seahawks are the firm favorites to win their 11th game of the season. As for the Colts, the offensive line must keep the opposition pass rushers in check so that Rivers can find his receivers. It promises an interesting view for the neutrals.

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