One of the headline stories of the day in the NFL is Philip Rivers’ return to the league, as he joins the Indianapolis Colts to replace Daniel Jones. At 44 years old, the quarterback is putting the helmet back on, playing well into his 40s just as the legendary Tom Brady once did.
Considered by many to be the true GOAT, Brady retired twice, with only one season separating the announcements. Initially, he declared he was stepping away from the game at age 44 in 2022; however, he returned for one more season and, wearing the Buccaneers uniform, finally decided to call it a career at age 45.
TB12’s spotless career—spent mostly wearing the colors of the New England Patriots—places him among the greatest players in the history of the sport. His unmatched physical durability allowed him to reach an age few have ever achieved, all while building a trophy-filled career.
Rivers’ return to the NFL makes it clear that while many quarterbacks manage to establish themselves at a young age, those past 40 can still rise to the occasion. Can the eight-time Pro Bowler lead the Colts to the long-awaited playoffs?
Brady defined a legacy of greatness
Tom Brady’s career is defined by unparalleled success, highlighted by his record seven Super Bowl championships—more than any single NFL franchise. He holds the all-time records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and career wins.
TB12 was also named the Super Bowl MVP five times and secured three regular-season MVP awards. His longevity, competitive fire, and clutch performances cemented his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in history.
Other long-lived quarterbacks in the NFL
With the recent news, Philip Rivers is set to join an exclusive and highly experienced group of quarterbacks currently active in the NFL who are over the age of 40. This veteran cohort includes Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco, showcasing the remarkable longevity of top-tier signal-callers in the modern game.
While other established veterans like Russell Wilson (37) and Tyrod Taylor (36) remain highly effective, they are notably younger than the prestigious 40+ club, further highlighting the rare status of Rivers, Rodgers, and Flacco in today’s league.