'That's an honest answer': Phillip Rivers leaves reporters in stitches as unlikely NFL return looms
Updated . First published
One of the wildest sports stories of the year has continued to unfold as legendary NFL quarterback Phillip Rivers inches closer towards a return.
The 44-year-old hasn't played in five years, but this week signed with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad after working out with the team.
Rivers, who is now a grandfather, could be in line for an unbelievable comeback with the injury-plagued Colts, who lost first-choice playmaker Daniel Jones to an Achilles injury.
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Back-up quarterback Riley Leonard is battling a knee injury, while Anthony Richardson hasn't played all season due to a facial fracture and remains sidelined.
The dire situation has now opened the door for Rivers to play a role in the run to the playoffs, with the Colts still firmly in contention to feature in the post-season.
Philip Rivers during his final season Getty
Rivers fronted media for the first time since joining the practice squad and one curly question ended with the reporters bursting out in laughter.
When asked how much he weighs now compared to his playing days that ended in early-2021, Rivers admitted it wasn't at the front of his mind despite potentially running out against a tough Seattle Seahawks outfit on Monday morning (AEDT).
"I'm not sure," he said with a smile.
"How 'bout that? That's an honest answer."
A few moments later, Rivers gave a more serious response - but also pointed out that speed was never a major part of his game anyay.
"It's not what it was when I walked off the field in Buffalo [in 2021]," he said.
"But I ain't ran away from anybody anyway."
Phillip Rivers Twitter
Rivers was also quizzed about the potential for an injury at his age.
"If something like that happens I got a long time to recover, that's for sure," he said.
The first-round pick from the 2004 draft spent 17 seasons in the league - 16 with the Chargers and one with Indianapolis - earning eight Pro Bowl selections.
He sits seventh all-time in NFL passing yards with 8134 and sixth all-time for passing touchdowns with 421 during his legendary career.
Since retiring, Rivers has become a high school head coach in Alabama.
