With their quarterback room wiped out by injuries, the Indianapolis Colts made a call few expected ever to happen. Philip Rivers, who hadn’t played since the 2020 playoffs and had settled into high school coaching in Alabama, worked out early in the week and was signed to the 53-man roster.
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By Sunday, he was set to start against the Seattle Seahawks. This officially ends a four-year NFL absence and delivers one of the most improbable comebacks in recent league history.
On the surface, the move looks like a last-ditch football decision from a team clinging to playoff hopes. But according to an injury analyst, Jeff Mueller, the timing isn’t just convenient, it’s brilliant. Especially for Rivers. By returning to active NFL status, Rivers re-enters the league’s player benefits structure under the NFLPA and CBA, which includes full medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible dependents. With ten children, that coverage alone is estimated to be worth roughly $4,500 to $5,500 per month.
Philip Rivers’ children qualify as “eligible dependents” and are covered through the NFL Player Insurance Plan based on the rules via NFLPA and CBA.
Medical, Dental, and Vision.
Likely anywhere from $4,500-5,500 per month for 10 kids.
Holy smokes, genius move. https://t.co/p8tyRM9lN4— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) December 14, 2025
NFL health insurance doesn’t last forever after retirement, and Rivers’ return comes just as that post-career clock was nearing its end. For a quarterback with a household that rivals a position group, restarting that clock carries massive real-world value. As Kurt Benkert noted, when you’ve got a 20-deep roster at home, sometimes the smartest plays have nothing to do with the box score.
However, as another fan pointed out, “He’s got to be worth $80-100 million from his earnings and compounded interest on his savings. I doubt the insurance expense is an issue for him.”
Philip Rivers’ net worth sits at $100 million, according to Marca. This figure reflects both his long NFL career and the various earnings, bonuses, and endorsements that came with being a top-tier quarterback. It’s hardly plausible that the first thought in his mind when asked to rejoin the Colts was health insurance.
