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Philip Rivers' return to the NFL has many former quarterbacks over the age of 40 wondering if they could turn back the clock and perform at a similarly high level.
If anything, they should at least take note of what Rivers did in the first half for the Indianapolis Colts against the San Francisco 49ers.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes as San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Keion White (56) applies pressure during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)
The Class of 2026 Hall of Fame semifinalist turned in a classic first-half performance against the 49ers, delighting NFL fans who tuned in to the game Monday night.
The night began to the applause of Colts fans at Lucas Oil Stadium; His family was also present. The Colts went nine plays, 72 yards and Rivers found wide receiver Alec Pierce for a 20-yard touchdown. Indianapolis took a 7-0 lead.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Photo/)
San Francisco scored on consecutive drives as Brock Purdy connected with Demarcus Robinson, special teams forced a turnover and then Purdy threw a touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey. When Rivers recovered the ball, he moved down the field again.
The Colts scored on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Rivers to Pierce to end a 12-play, 66-yard drive. The game was tied with a lot of time remaining in the first half.
Indianapolis trailed 24-17 at the half. But the attention was on Rivers.
He was 14 of 21 with 175 passing yards and two touchdown passes. The last time he threw multiple touchdown passes in the regular season was on December 20, 2020 against the Houston Texans.
Rivers returned to the Colts last week at the age of 44. He had a solid performance against the Seattle Seahawks for someone who hadn't thrown a ball in almost five years.
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Now, the Colts' playoff hopes rest on his shoulders.
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