Former NFL QB turned high school coach Philip Rivers meets his team at St. Michael

Philip Rivers

Former NFL QB Philip Rivers talks to the St. Michael football team on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (Photo courtesy of St. Michael Catholic)

Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers met his high school football team for the first time this week.

Rivers, who announced his retirement from the Indianapolis Colts earlier this month, made a quick trip to St. Michael Catholic in Fairhope, Ala., on Wednesday.

He was announced as the team’s coach-in-waiting last May and will take the reins full-time this spring.

“Philip was really just here doing some housekeeping stuff,” athletic director Paul Knapstein said. “We were finalizing some stuff with our fieldhouse. He met with our coaches and our principal (Faustin Weber). We were just kind of getting everything ready.”

Knapstein is hoping Rivers will be on-campus full-time by April 1. The Cardinals have traditionally held their spring training for football in May.

There is a chance Rivers also might return when the school dedicates its new field house on Feb. 24.

“A lot of that timetable really just revolves around logistics and all that goes into a family moving and relocating,” Knapstein said.

Rivers met with his team for approximately 20 minutes at lunch and also met with the current seniors briefly.

“The kids were excited to see him obviously,” Knapstein said. “The thing about coach Rivers is he exudes joy and excitement. He is kind of electric when you are around him. The kids were feeding off him.

“I also thought it was really special that he met with our graduating seniors separately. He just told them how grateful he as for the foundation they’ve laid at the school. I know that meant a lot to them. There is no question coach Rivers is ready to get started.”

Rivers’ brief message to the team was clear.

“You don’t have to be a senior to be a leader. This is y’all’s team and you all have to lead,” Rivers said. “(This team) is only as good as you want to make it. It is your responsibility.”

Rivers spent his first 16 years in San Diego before quarterbacking the Colts to the playoffs this fall.

An eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Rivers completed 5,277-of-8,134 passes for 63,440 yards with 421 touchdowns and 209 interceptions in 244 regular-season games.

He played for his father, Steve Rivers, at Athens High School before playing college football at N.C. State.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.