Philip Rivers, at the age of 44, is poised to make an unexpected return to the National Football League (NFL) this Sunday, prompting advice from legendary quarterback Warren Moon, who played his last game at the same age. Rivers, who has been away from the game for five years, faces unique challenges as he re-enters a league that has evolved significantly during his absence.
Moon, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, expressed his concerns about Rivers’ readiness for the physical demands of the game. “We’ve seen guys like Joe Flacco come back and do great coming out of retirement, but he wasn’t in retirement very long,” Moon told TMZ Sports this week. “In this situation, I’m a little more alarmed because he’s been away from the game for so long.”
With a five-year gap since his last NFL appearance, Rivers has remained connected to football through coaching and discussions with former colleagues, including offensive coordinator Shane Steichen. Despite this, Moon highlighted uncertainties regarding how Rivers’ body will respond to the rigors of practice and competition. “You just don’t know how his body is going to react to getting out there every day, the grind of practicing,” Moon said.
As Rivers prepares for his potential debut against the Seattle Seahawks, Moon also questioned whether he still possesses the necessary athleticism to compete effectively. “Does he still have those fast-twitch muscles that it takes to go out there and play this game?” Moon asked. The former quarterback noted that the pace of the game has likely increased since Rivers last played, which may further complicate his return.
Moon’s own experience of playing into his 40s provides context for his insights. If Rivers takes the field on Sunday, he will be 44 years and 6 days old, just two days younger than Moon was during his final NFL start. The seasoned player offered practical advice for Rivers as he navigates this challenging transition.
“Rely on your running backs,” Moon emphasized, pointing out the presence of a strong rushing game that Rivers can lean on. He stressed the importance of the offensive line performing effectively to control the game. “They really need to play physical to control the line of scrimmage and keep him out of long yardage situations,” Moon suggested.
Long third-down scenarios could pose the most significant challenges for Rivers. Moon noted, “That’s where he’s going to be hurt the most if he has to deal with those 3rd and 8, 3rd and 9, 3rd and 10 situations, where he might have to hold the football a little bit longer than he wants to.” Given Rivers’ lengthy absence from the field, Moon raised concerns about his ability to navigate the pocket and avoid pressure as he used to.
The football community is eagerly anticipating Rivers’ performance on Sunday, as fans and analysts alike are curious to see how a veteran quarterback will adapt to the modern game after such a long hiatus. With the support of his teammates and the wisdom of experienced players like Moon, Rivers hopes to prove that age is just a number in the world of professional football.