Philip Rivers Says Opting Out of 2020 NFL Season Would've Resulted in Retirement

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers said Wednesday that retirement isn't on his mind at the moment. 

It's a topic that has become unavoidable as the coronavirus pandemic has factored into the 2020 NFL season. The 38-year-old said he viewed opting out this year as the end of his career—and that's something he's not ready for. 

"Making that decision for me would have been making the decision to be done," Rivers said, per Mike Chappell of Fox 59. "Period. Retiring. Which is nowhere on my mind." 

Rivers added that sitting out the season wasn't even a consideration for him. 

If he wants to remain an NFL starter a while longer, it's not hard to understand his reasoning. 

Rivers is entering his 17th season and his first outside the Los Angeles Chargers organization. Despite not missing a single regular-season game since 2006, it's understandable the quarterback would have some concern over keeping that streak intact. 

Not many teams—certainly few contenders—are looking to bring in an aging quarterback to run their offense unless his name is Tom Brady. 

The Colts signed Rivers to a one-year, $25 million deal in March. If he decided to opt out, he'd become a free agent after the season once again, and his options would likely be even more limited. The best way to remain in control of his destiny is to stay on the field. 

"The finality of it is the big thing," Rivers said. "You never know when you make a decision like that. In a couple of weeks sometimes you go, 'Oh man, I wish I wasn't.' It will be interesting if you hear from some guys, how they feel about it in a few weeks and some guys that maybe were thinking about it and didn't if they wish they did two weeks down the road." 

As he continues to seek his first Super Bowl title, Rivers wasn't ready to live with any potential regret that came with sitting out. He doesn't begrudge those who chose differently either. It just wasn't going to work for him.

"Do I think someone that does consider it or does opt, do I think they're crazy?" Rivers said. "No. I think it's really up to each person and their family to do what's best for them."