In December 2025, Tom Brady, a former NFL superstar, discussed the return of Philip Rivers to the league during an appearance on FOX Sports’ 'The Herd'. Brady, now 48 and a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, shared his thoughts on the unprecedented age of players making comebacks in the NFL, particularly addressing Rivers, who is 44 years old and has rejoined the Indianapolis Colts as they seek to improve their playoff chances. Brady joked about the absurdity of Rivers returning, demonstrating a light-hearted camaraderie attained through their history as professional rivals. Brady further revealed that he believes he could still compete effectively, stating, 'Yes, I certainly could,' when asked if he could help a team win games. However, he emphasized that he is currently prohibited from unretiring due to his ownership stake in the Raiders. His previous retirement took place on February 1, 2022, but he made a brief comeback after only 40 days. Brady retired for good after the 2022 season following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ playoff exit. The discussion highlighted the ongoing physical and mental dedication required for the quarterback position. Brady acknowledged that his ability to command a game remains intact, pointing out that effective quarterbacking relies heavily on mental acuity. He noted that even as Rivers returned, the critical elements of quarterbacking involve mental preparation and decision-making, aspects that players can maintain without relying solely on physical ability. The Colts' decision to bring back Rivers stemmed from significant injuries affecting their current roster, particularly a season-ending injury to their starter, Daniel Jones. This left the team in a dire situation, forcing them to seek out an experienced player who could step in quickly. As Rivers practiced with the team, there was optimism observed about his potential impact. Brady's remarks serve not only to reiterate his own enduring prowess in the sport but also to validate the careers and contributions of aging athletes in a youthful league.