Retired Chargers and Colts quarterback Philip Rivers had a long impressive career. There were many highs and lows throughout his career which begs the question: will Rivers end up in the Hall of Fame?
There is a valid argument for both sides debating if Rivers deserves to be inducted into Canton. The most common arguments are that he never had the postseason success as others did. While this is true, Rivers broke many records while being an exceptional leader fighting through all sorts of adversity in his 16-year career.
While one can argue forever who deserves to make it. The most sensible way of determining if the player is worthy is by comparing them to others who have made it in the league’s history since 1963.
The game has evolved so much that it is unfair to compare Rivers to a throwback passer like “Broadway” Joe Namath in the 60s.
Since 2000, there have only been three quarterbacks who played a down in the past two decades inducted into the Hall of Fame. Brett Favre, Kurt Warner and Peyton Manning all succeeded at the highest level. However, there only being three inducted can be deceiving because this current time is the most quarterback-rich era in the league’s history.
There are three more guarantees to make it being Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. All six mentioned have a Super Bowl win.
Rivers was the victim of playoff heartbreak too many times, leaving him ringless. Comparing the major accolades of Rivers to the six recent Hall of Famers does not favor Rivers well.
The greatness of Rivers is undeniable, as he is an eight-time pro bowler and a one-time regular season passing leader. While this is great, the greats that have had historic playoff collapses such as Rodgers and Manning both have a Super Bowl win and an All-Pro award.
For 10 years Rivers was a top 10 or better quarterback who most remarkably never missed a start from 2006-2021, ranking second all-time only behind Favre.
The argument for Rivers deserving to make the Hall of Fame is beyond the numbers. While Rivers doesn’t stack up in the commonly looked at accolades perfectly in comparison to some of the greats, he does in other crucial ways.
Availability may not be truly the best ability, but it clearly is one of the best.
Rivers was as consistent as it gets in his durable career. He threw at least 25 touchdowns in every season from 2008-2018. This ten year stretch is comparable to the best and is something not even Aaron Rodgers could do.
Many franchise and league records were broken in Rivers’ prime, such as most consecutive passes completed in a game.
The infamous draft that featured Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, and of course, Rivers is one of the best quarterback drafts ever.
Many feel that Manning is a lock, Roethlisberger probably will make it, and Rivers will not. While Manning and Roethlisberger have the illustrious Super Bowl ring, they always had an elite defense and a top coach.
This debate of who is the best from the 2004 quarterback class could go on forever. But what is clear, is Rivers has the most career touchdowns of the three, the least interceptions, and the only one to go on a 10-year stretch of 25+ touchdowns.
It will likely take Rivers many years to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, if ever. However, if Manning and Roethlisberger make it, Rivers should as well.
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Featured image courtesy of Chargers.com
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