Philip Rivers has officially put a bow on his 17-year NFL career. 

The quarterback concluded his professional journey as a Charger on Monday by signing a one-day contract, an event celebrated with an emotional tribute video released by the team.

“I’m Philip Rivers, quarterback, and I’m retiring a Charger,” he began.

Rivers hasn’t suited up for an NFL game since playing for the Colts 2020, but he had never formally announced his retirement. 

“Gratitude is honestly the first thing that comes to mind. There were so many exciting Sundays filled with highlights. But what I truly miss and am most thankful for are those relationships,” Rivers reflected. “It’s the behind-the-scenes moments. The everyday life. Those days at Murphy Canyon and on the practice field. I miss those times.”

Rivers played 16 of his 17 NFL seasons with the Chargers, including 13 years while the franchise was still located in San Diego.

“I remember driving down the hill into Qualcomm Stadium, thinking, wow, everyone’s fired up today,” Rivers recalled, his voice filled with emotion. “Seeing all the flags and the smoke rising from the grills. That feeling never grew old.”

Rivers was an eight-time Pro-Bowler, and he passed for at least 20 touchdowns in each of his last 15 years in the NFL. 

“Just growing up in the yard playing the game, I just loved to play. Loved to compete. And so that part never left me,” Rivers said. “There are some clips that I’ll look at and just shake my head, and then some I go, ‘Dang, that was a lot of fun.’”

Rivers went on to reference some of his favorite wins, including the Chargers’ 23-17 playoff win in 2009, plus thrilling victories over the Bengals in 2006, over the Broncos in 2013 and over the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in 2018.

He then began praising some of his stalwart offensive lineman from over the years when four of them – Jeromey Clary, Marcus McNeill, Nick Hardwick and Kris Dielman – surprised him mid-video in a heartwarming moment.

“I’m thankful for those 16 years and for entrusting me to be the quarterback, and I certainly never took it for granted,” Rivers concluded. “Never took it for granted, getting to suit up and lead the Chargers for, shoot, two hundred and forty something games in a row.”