Philip Rivers‘ unexpected reunion with the Indianapolis Colts did more than fill a roster hole. It sent the league spinning back in time, prompting fans to revisit the names of quarterbacks who once defined entire eras.
Whenever that kind of conversation begins, Troy Aikman did not hesitate when asked whether Rivers‘ decision meant anything for him. During the December eight episode of Sports Media with Richard Deitsch, Aikman offered a clear and honest answer about why the door is firmly shut.
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“I have always had the ability to throw a ball whether it’s baseball, football or basketball, I have always had an ability to put where I wanted to put it. And that hasn’t changed. I think my accuracy would still be on target,” Aikman said. “It wouldn’t get there as fast, and I wouldn’t be accurate as far down the field.”
Hearing Aikman talk about his arm is a reminder of how gifted he was during his 12-year run in Dallas. But ability is not the same thing as readiness. He retired at 34 after chronic back problems limited the way he moved, practiced, and prepared.
Rivers’ return revived a long-dormant question, but Aikman’s answer has not changed
The Colts‘ move is unusual for the modern NFL. Rivers is 44, content in his post-playing life, and had not hinted at a desire to return. Yet head coach Shane Steichen wanted someone he trusted, and Rivers accepted when the call came. The decision created a ripple effect, stirring memories of quarterbacks who once left fans wondering if they had walked away too soon.
Aikman has been through a version of this before. One year after retiring, while he was in the middle of a broadcast, then Eagles head coach Andy Reid phoned him with an unexpected pitch. Donovan McNabb was injured, and Reid wanted Aikman to take over. According to Aikman, Reid kept pushing the idea until he sought the advice of Norv Turner, who by then was coaching the Chargers.
