NFL fans reacted with shock and awe when it was announced that Philip Rivers would come out of retirement after five seasons away from the NFL to join the Indianapolis Colts. Thanks to the in-season version of "Hard Knocks," we know select NFC East players and coaches felt the exact same way.
With "Hard Knocks" set to air Tuesday, the program — which is covering the NFC East during the season — released a teaser clip featuring various players and coaching reacting in real-time to the news that the 44-year-old Rivers was returning to the NFL.
The responses ranged from earnest to humorous to disbelief.
Philip Rivers' comeback had the whole NFC East shook 😂New episode of Hard Knocks In Season with the NFC East airs tonight at 9pm ET on@hbomaxpic.twitter.com/bX0bAzi3T7
— NFL (@NFL)December 16, 2025
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was up first. And while he didn't weigh in positively or negatively on the move, he pointed out that Rivers wouldn't be the first grandfather to play in the NFL. That distinction belongs to former Green Bay Packers star Brett Favre.
The Washington Commanders took a more wide-ranging approach. Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota noted that Rivers would return to play the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans, three of the tougher defenses in the league. Mariota expressed admiration for Rivers' decision, saying, "I respect him for that."
Commanders backup Josh Johnson expressed some optimism that Rivers could perform well, noting that the Seahawks "better not play zone against him." Johnson concluded, "[Rivers] gonna pick the s*** apart."
Rivers didn't exactly do that in Week 15, though did perform better than most expected. The 44-year-old completed 18-of-27 attempts for 120 yards. He threw a touchdown and an interception inthe 18-16 loss to the Seahawks.
Considering everything working against Rivers, it was a shockingly competent performance.
And if you doubt that, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was included in the "Hard Knocks" clip to provide some perspective. After noting he is also 44, Sirianni quipped, "Do you know the last time I played football? 2004!"
Week 15 wasn't a one-off thing for Rivers. The veteran quarterback isexpected to start for the Coltsonce again in Week 16, when the team will take on the 49ers. That should give Rivers another chance to settle in and pick up his first win since since 2021.
It will also give "Hard Knocks" another opportunity to capture reactions to Rivers' performance in his first game back.
