Philip Rivers throws his first touchdown pass since the 2020 season
NEWNow you can listen to News articles!
Philip Rivers got back on the scoreboard when the Indianapolis Colts quarterback threw a touchdown pass in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks.
Rivers had gone 1,800 days without throwing a touchdown pass. The last of his career came in the 2020 playoffs against the Buffalo Bills on January 9, 2021. He threw two touchdown passes that day, but the Colts lost and were eliminated from the playoffs.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON News
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
It was thought to be the last time Rivers would be on a football field in a professional capacity until the Colts arrived. Indianapolis hired Rivers and started him on Sunday.
He threw a touchdown pass to Josh Downs in the second quarter as the Colts took a 13-6 lead into halftime. Rivers was 10 of 16 with 82 passing yards. His longest completion of the half was 17 yards to Tyler Warren.
BILLS END PATRIOTS’ 10-WIN STREAK AFTER CLEARING 21-POINT DEFICIT IN AFC EAST THRILLER
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Rivers’ comeback story has been surprising. For him, even having the ability to put the gear back on and feel comfortable on the field again is an accomplishment in itself.
The Colts were hoping Rivers could keep Indianapolis afloat in the playoff race after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon last week. Indianapolis lost three straight games entering the matchup against Seattle and four of its last five.
Combine News One and News Nation to stream the entire News Nation library, plus live News, sports and entertainment at our lowest price of the year. Offer ends January 4, 2026. (News One; News Nation)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE News APP
The 44-year-old quarterback has 63,440 passing yards and 421 passing touchdowns in his career. He spent 16 of his 17 seasons with the Chargers organization.
The News contributed to this report.
Follow News Digital sports coverage in X, and subscribe to the News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor at News Digital.