Philip Rivers

December 8, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Philip Michael Rivers was born on December 8, 1981. He is considered one of the most famous football quarterbacks in the United States. He has played in the National Football League (N.F.L.) for 17 seasons and was primarily associated with the Chargers franchise. He attended North Carolina State University and was drafted fourth overall in the 2004 N.F.L. Draft by the New York Giants, who traded him to the San Diego Chargers during the draft. Rivers was a member of the Chargers for 16 seasons overall and played his final season for the Indianapolis Colts.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Philip Michael Rivers

Nickname:

The Flood

Birth date:

December 8, 1981

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Sagittarius

Height:

6' 5"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$80 million

Background

Philip Michael Rivers was born on December 8, 1981, in Alabama, the United States, to Steve, the head coach of the Decatur High football team, and his wife, Joan, a teacher. He has two siblings, Stephen and Anna Rivers. Rivers aspired to be a Minnesota Vikings player right from his childhood. He made his goal clear in fifth grade when for a school project, he was asked to make a poster about his dreams and aspirations.

His official start in football happened in the year 1994 when he was in the seventh grade. Since ninth grade, he has worn only the number 17 jersey to honor his father, who wore the same number during his student days in high school. Rivers was a member of the Athens High School football team after his father became the head coach there. Despite receiving offers from Auburn and Alabama, Rivers established himself as the best prep passer in the state. To have more playing time, he finally decided to join none. He was eventually recruited as a quarterback by North Carolina State. Rivers broke nearly every N.C. State and A.C.C. passing record during his collegiate career.

After his first two seasons in a backup role, he served as the Chargers’ starting quarterback from 2006 to 2019. During this time, he was named to eight Pro Bowls while leading the team to four division titles and six post-season appearances. In 2007, he assisted the franchise in winning its first playoff game since 1994 and reaching the A.F.C. Championship Game. Although he was not successful in the post-season and never made a Super Bowl appearance, he is still considered one of the greatest quarterbacks to never have played in a Super Bowl. In 2001, he married Tiffany, his high school sweetheart.

Career timeline

2000

His First Win

As a freshman, Rivers leads N.C. State Rivers to a win against Minnesota in the MicronPC Bowl.

2002

His Next Win

Rivers leads the Wolfpacks to victory in its first nine games.

2003

He Breaks a Record

Rivers throws for 4,491 yards and scores 34 touchdowns in 12 games, becoming the most productive and reliable quarterback in the history of the A.C.C.

2003

A.C.C. Player of the Year

Rivers is named the A.C.C. Player of the Year for the football season.

2004

New York Giants

Rivers is drafted by the New York Giants in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2004 N.F.L. draft.

Why We Love Philip Rivers

He’s charitable
Rivers and his wife established a foundation, Rivers of Hope, where they assisted foster children in finding permanent and loving homes. Unfortunately, the foundation shut down, but the couple still remains passionate about this cause.
His jersey number
Since high school, he has worn the same number 17 jersey his father wore when he played football. It seems this jersey has been quite lucky for him!
He adores his wife
Rivers and his wife, Tiffany, started dating in school. They have completed two decades of happy married life together.

5 Surprising Facts

He has nine children
Rivers and his wife and high school sweetheart, Tiffany, have nine children: seven girls and two boys.
He was passionate about sports
Since his father was a football coach, Rivers mastered the art of dribbling at the age of two and is quite passionate about sports.
He had other goals
In an interview, he stated that he wanted to be a professional musician when younger.
He wasn't the first choice
During the N.F.L. draft, there were doubts regarding his arm strength and unusual side-arm throwing technique, so he was not the first choice as a quarterback.
He signed a $40 million deal
He entered into a six-year contract with the San Diego Chargers for $40.5 million as their third quarterback option in 2004.

Philip Rivers FAQs

How many rings does Philip Rivers have?

Rivers failed to reach the Super Bowl during his career. Nevertheless, he is the highest in touchdowns, passer rating, TD–INT ratio, completion percentage, and Pro Bowl honors of the three.

What will Rivers do after retirement?

Rivers announced his retirement from the N.F.L. after 17 seasons in January 2021, as well as his intention to retire with the Chargers. He wants to be the head coach of Alabama’s St. Michael Catholic High School football team.

Is Philip Rivers a future Hall of Famer?

Rivers is one of the most prolific passers in N.F.L. history and only had to be retired for about 90 seconds for some to declare him a ‘first-ballot Hall of Famer.’ Others pronounced him a ‘sure-fire hall of famer.’