Philip Rivers Quarterback Tenure
The Chargers' ironman quarterback who never reached the Super Bowl but ranks among the all-time passing leaders.
Philip Michael Rivers (born December 8, 1981) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons, primarily with the Chargers franchise. He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack, winning ACC Player of the Year and ACC Athlete of the Year between 2003 and 2004. Rivers was selected fourth overall in the 2004 NFL draft by the New York Giants, who traded him to the San Diego Chargers during the draft.
- Role
- Starting Quarterback (2006–2019); Backup (2004–2005)
- Tenure Years
- 2004–2019 (as a Charger; starter from 2006)
Lore & Background
After spending his first two seasons as a backup, Rivers served as the Chargers' starting quarterback from 2006 to 2019. During his tenure, Rivers received eight Pro Bowl selections while leading the team to six postseason appearances and four division titles. He also helped the franchise win their first playoff game since 1994 and reach the AFC Championship Game during the 2007 season. Rivers joined the Colts in 2020, making a seventh playoff appearance before retiring at the end of that season.
In Their Own Story
The late afternoon sun glints off the polished helmet of #17 as he steps into the pocket, the roar of the crowd fading into a singular focus. With defenders closing in from all sides, his body twists into that signature, high-velocity motion. The ball spirals perfectly through the crisp air, finding its target downfield just before the whistle blows. For sixteen years, this moment was the heartbeat of the Chargers.
Reader's Guide
Rivers ranks sixth all-time in passing yards and touchdowns, both of which are the highest among quarterbacks without Super Bowl appearances. He is also second all-time in consecutive regular season starts by a quarterback, having started every regular season game between 2006 and 2020. Rivers is considered among the greatest quarterbacks to have never played in a Super Bowl.
Did You Know?
- Rivers was a backup for his first two seasons (2004–2005) before becoming the Chargers' starter from 2006 to 2019.
- He had two 5,000-yard passing seasons (2008, 2010).
- Rivers started 51 straight games in college, an NCAA record at the time.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Los Angeles Chargers universe
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