In one of the most surprising storylines of the 2025 NFL season, Philip Rivers is officially back in the NFL.

The 44-year-old former quarterback signed with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad this week after an injury-depleted quarterback room forced the team to get creative. 

With Rivers now a member of the Colts organization, the Vikings’ head coach, Kevin O’Connell, couldn’t resist a few jokes when asked about it after his Wednesday press conference.

O’Connell, 40, and Rivers, who just turned 44, share a light-hearted rapport around the league. “I was actually getting ready to text him happy 44th birthday coming up; I may have added a line or two once I saw that report,” O’Connell quipped. “I’m not surprised at all … I know for a fact he’s got a full-scale practice field at his house, and he’s got enough folks in his family to form a team if he needs to. Philip Rivers is one of the best to ever do it, I wouldn’t put anything past him.”