INDIANAPOLIS - The phone call that changed everything came at an unexpected time for Philip Rivers.

After nearly five years coaching high school football in Fairhope, Ala., the 44-year-old quarterback found himself suiting up in Colts blue once again this week, officially signing to Indianapolis' active roster on Wednesday. For Indianapolis football fans who remember his 2020 season, this feels like both a throwback and a completely new chapter.

Today at 4:25 p.m. ET, we find out what this comeback actually looks like on the field.

How Old Is Philip Rivers?

Philip Rivers is 44 years old. Born on Dec. 8, 1981, in Decatur, Ala., Rivers celebrated his birthday one day prior to signing with the Colts. That makes him one of the oldest quarterbacks to ever suit up for an NFL game.

For context, Rivers is older than several NFL head coaches. He's also a grandfather. His eldest daughter Halle gave birth to a baby boy in late 2024, making Rivers a first-time grandfather at 42.

The last time Rivers played in an NFL game was Jan. 9, 2021, when he was 39 years old. If he wins today, Rivers would join Tom Brady and Vinny Testaverde as the only quarterbacks to win a game at age 44 or older.

Philip Rivers Career Stats and NFL History

Rivers spent 17 seasons in the NFL before retiring after the 2020 season. His career numbers put him among the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.

He finished with 63,440 passing yards and 421 touchdown passes, which both ranked fifth in NFL history at the time (he's now sixth in passing yards and seventh in touchdown passes). Rivers made eight Pro Bowl appearances and led the league in passing touchdowns in 2008 with 34. He also led the NFL in passer rating (105.5) that same season.

Rivers spent his first 16 seasons with the Chargers franchise before playing his final year with the Colts in 2020. That season he threw for 4,169 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading the team to an 11-5 record and playoff appearance.

He never won a Super Bowl but reached the 2007 AFC Championship Game, famously playing the entire game on a torn ACL. Rivers is the highest-ranked quarterback in both passing yards and touchdowns among players who never appeared in a Super Bowl.

Why Rivers Chose Indianapolis Over Hall of Fame Eligibility

Rivers was a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, his first year of eligibility. By signing with Indianapolis, he reset his Hall of Fame clock entirely. He won't be eligible again until 2031.

Rivers didn't seem too concerned about the delay.

"It's a real honor to be mentioned with those other 25 guys certainly, but I'm not holding my breath on that," Rivers said Wednesday. "The extension of that time if that comes to be was not a factor in my thinking."

His connection to Indianapolis and head coach Shane Steichen made the decision straightforward.

"I think the biggest thing is I want to get some juice going this week, for sure," Steichen said. "And then obviously it also helped with Philip, too. Being in here, too, getting some reps."

The Colts Injury Situation

The Colts (8-5) are dealing with significant injuries heading into today's game.

Daniel Jones is out for the season with a torn right Achilles tendon suffered in last week's loss at Jacksonville. Riley Leonard, the rookie backup, injured his right knee in the same game. Anthony Richardson remains on injured reserve with a broken orbital bone.

Right tackle Braden Smith is in the concussion protocol. Cornerback Charvarius Ward was placed on injured reserve for the second time in two months with a concussion, likely ending his season.

"I think it's always concerning when you have that many concussions," Steichen said. "We'll work through it with him, and we'll go from there."

Rivers is expected to start today with Leonard serving as the backup.

Colts vs. Seahawks: What to Watch Today

The game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET in Seattle.

The Seahawks (10-3) and their sixth-ranked overall defense aren't taking anything for granted.

"If anybody can pull it off, it's him," coach Mike Macdonald said. "Guy is probably one of the best competitors in the history of the NFL, and I'm sure he wouldn't do it if he didn't feel like he was ready. We're getting ready for him like he's been playing the whole time."

Indianapolis needs to find a way to run the ball against Seattle's stingy defense. Running back Jonathan Taylor, the NFL's leading rusher, faces a tough challenge against a unit that hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 22 straight games.

Rivers is making his first regular-season appearance since the 2020 campaign. His readiness after nearly five years away remains the biggest unknown.

Seattle enters with momentum and home-field advantage. The Seahawks are fighting for playoff positioning and won't overlook a wounded Colts team.

For Indianapolis football fans, the waiting is almost over. Can a 44-year-old grandfather who hasn't played since January 2021 steal a road win against one of the NFC's best teams? The answers come this afternoon.