Home / Sports / Grandfather Quarterback: Philip Rivers' NFL Comeback
Grandfather Quarterback: Philip Rivers' NFL Comeback
14 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Philip Rivers returns to NFL at 44, becoming a grandfather.
- Brett Favre was 41 when his daughter had a child.
- Athletes like Stan Musial and Gordie Howe were also grandfathers.
Philip Rivers is set to make an astonishing return to the NFL at the age of 44, just five days after his birthday and five years removed from his last professional game. What makes this comeback particularly extraordinary is that Rivers recently became a grandfather, adding a unique dimension to his already decorated 18-year career, which includes over 60,000 passing yards and eight Pro Bowl selections.
Rivers joins an esteemed group of athletes who have competed professionally as grandparents. Brett Favre, the former NFL iron man, became a grandfather at 41 during his playing career. In baseball, Julio Franco was a grandfather during his final MLB season, and Stan Musial hit a home run on the same day his grandson was born.
Other notable athletes include Robert Parish, who received a grandfather clock after a record-breaking NBA game while being a grandfather, and Gordie Howe, 'Mr. Hockey,' who had a grandchild born during his extensive professional career that spanned over three decades. These individuals showcase incredible longevity and the unique intersection of family milestones with high-level athletic performance.
