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“Fond Farwell-Philip Rivers”

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Dadgummit.

He’s retired.

He, being legendary quarterback Philip Rivers, who has decided to move on to the next chapter of his life.

A week after his Colts playoff game with Buffalo, he has elected to walk away from the NFL.

Where do you start when discussing a 17-year carrer?

..The hyper-active audible playcalls at the line of scrimage.
..The touchdown passes to Antonio Gates
..The runs-the passes to Ladainian Tomlinson
..The fist bumps with teammates coming off the field after a scoring drive
..The distinctive side arm delivery
..The lifetime bond with his center Nick Hardwick
..The deep TD bombs to Vincent Jackson
..The slants and go to Keenan Allen
..The dump and runs to Danny Woodhead-Austin Ekeler
..The yapping with Broncos QB-Jay Cutler
..The wins at Arrowhead Stadium or at Mile High Stadium
..The war of words with Raiders fans in the Black Hole
..His love of gameday…any time..any place.

The Rivers era ends with pages and pages of statistics.

He leaves the NFL having started 240-games in a row..second only to Brett Favre
He finishes with a (134-106) record and a (5-7) playoff record
He winds up with (63,440Y) passing and 421-TDs…fifth in NHL history
He took (464) sacks..threw (224) interceptions…had a career (95) QB rating

He had just 2-major injuries in 17-years, 16-with the Chargers, a torn knee ligament and a toe injury

He was loud-proud, and stand up guy in the pocket and a stand up guy with the media.

He was beloved by his coaches Marty Schottenheimer, Norv Turner and even Mike McCoy.

A devout Christian, he and Tiffany have 9-children.
His most famous vacation, taking his family to the Vatican to meet the Pope.

He was durable, dynamic, an amazing team leader.

And he was ours in San Diego for almost his entire career.

His calling card: Faith-Family-Football-Friends.

A great QB…a greater person.

I read his farewell note…and all I could say was ‘Dadgummit’.

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“Every year, January 20th is a special and emotional day,” Rivers said. “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 don’t it without y’all’s unwavering support.

“As my playing career comes to an end, the next chapter begins.”

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