# NFL Week 15 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-nfl\ **Created:** [December 9, 2025, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554 "2025-12-09T14:42:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2025, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/21 "2025-12-09T20:27:03Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > > [@Superdude](#): > > > > The Colts are talking with the retired [Philip Rivers](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47251067/sources-colts-work-retired-qb-phillip-rivers). > > I love the title of this article. > > [https://defector.com/colts-audition-philip-rivers-in-possible-act-of-elder-abuse](https://defector.com/colts-audition-philip-rivers-in-possible-act-of-elder-abuse) > > And I love this theory: > > > Rivers turned 44 years old yesterday; because he finished his career as quarterback of these same Indianapolis Colts, and presumably still has friendly contacts within the organization, you probably cannot rule out that this is some sort of birthday-related stunt, or prank. And it looks like [Philip Rivers is unretiring to sign](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47257581/sources-qb-philip-rivers-unretiring-sign-colts) with Indianapolis. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2025, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/22 "2025-12-09T20:47:25Z")
Just to note, he’s signing to their **practice squad**. That makes sense because their healthiest QB (Brett Rypien, who himself is having some kind of knee issue last I heard) is the practice squad QB. So if he gets elevated to start, _somebody_ has to be there for practice. I’m sure they’re still scrambling to find someone because right now Rypien’s only backup will be a TE who I believe was in high school the last time he was a full-time QB, and I’m not sure that Rypien is guaranteed to be available. ETA: Sorry, Riley Leonard (a rookie who I forgot existed) is the guy who is hurt, so I assume he will get the start if he can, and if not it will be Rypien starting (as he isn’t needed for the practice squad with Rivers there). So they probably have enough to scrape together for this weekend’s game. Here is a story on Leonard: > **[Riley Leonard’s Unexpected Chance to Claim the Colts’ QB Job](https://www.stampedeblue.com/nfl-analysis-play-breakdowns/118872/riley-leonards-unexpected-chance-to-claim-the-colts-qb-job)** > > With Daniel Jones sidelined, Riley Leonard has four starts to prove he belongs in Indy’s 2026 QB plans. He is the presumed starter for the rest of the season if he’s healthy enough. I also saw elsewhere that Philip Rivers has a son almost as old as Riley Leonard. ---
**Author:** ![Wilson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/96bed5/32.png) [@Wilson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wilson)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2025, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/23 "2025-12-09T22:18:03Z")
I’m hoping the Jets follow this trend and reach out to the 49 year old Chad Pennington to see if he wants to come back. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2025, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/24 "2025-12-09T22:25:51Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Brett Rypien Nephew of _another_ retired NFL QB in Mark R., note. He’s 63, in case anyone was wondering if he could fill in… ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2025, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/25 "2025-12-09T22:34:14Z")
Somewhere, Jeff George waits by a telephone. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/26 "2025-12-10T00:16:45Z")
Dude still throws dots. ---
**Author:** ![Jegpeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jegpeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jegpeg)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/27 "2025-12-10T00:17:32Z")
What makes Rivers ineligable for the HOF for another 5 years? Has that already happened by signing for the practice squad or does he need to be in the active roster, or play a snap or something else? ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/28 "2025-12-10T00:24:09Z")
> [@Jegpeg](#): > > What makes Rivers ineligable for the HOF for another 5 years? From what I’ve read, a player must be retired for 5 years to become eligible. I would guess that coming out of retirement (which he has done) will reset that clock. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/29 "2025-12-10T00:27:47Z")
It doesn’t reset by joining the practice squad, but it will if he joins the active roster (whether he plays a snap or not). ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/30 "2025-12-10T00:40:22Z")
Do you have a cite? This is what the actual Hall of Fame web site says in their FAQs. [https://www.profootballhof.com/faqs/](https://www.profootballhof.com/faqs/) > Any fan may nominate any player, coach or contributor who has been connected with pro football simply by writing to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The only restriction is that a player and coach must have been retired at least five years before he can be considered. That is all they say; the player has to have been “retired”. What does that mean? Well, here is the NFL Players’ Association saying what that means: > **[How do I officially retire?](https://nflpa.com/former-players/faq/how-do-i-officially-retire)** > To be considered officially retired, you must be without a contract for a year from the expiration/termination of your last contract. From that one-year date, you are now officially retired and a notice will be sent to the NFL. Since Rivers signed a contract with the Colts, he won’t be considered retired again until a year after his contract expires. Now, maybe there is special language that differentiates between being a practice squad player and signing to the main roster for the purposes of Hall of Fame eligibility, but I can’t find that anywhere. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/31 "2025-12-10T00:51:50Z")
> [@smithsb](#): > > Somewhere, Jeff George waits by a telephone. What’s Johnny Unitas up to these days? ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/32 "2025-12-10T00:54:23Z")
From **Superdude’s** link above: > Rivers is currently a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. Per the Hall of Fame, Rivers signing to the Colts’ practice squad has no effect on his eligibility. However, if he signs to the Colts’ active roster, his eligibility clock would reset, whether or not he takes a snap in a game, and he wouldn’t be eligible again until 2031. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/33 "2025-12-10T01:07:49Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > From **Superdude’s** link above: Thank you, I _did_ miss that. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![SwissMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e79b87/32.png) [@SwissMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SwissMan)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/34 "2025-12-10T01:12:55Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > What’s Johnny Unitas up to these days? Pushing things up, daisies to be specific. ---
**Author:** ![Clawdio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d07c76/32.png) [@Clawdio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clawdio)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/35 "2025-12-10T11:30:16Z")
If Rivers ever actually plays, i wonder if this would be the longest gap between NFL games played by a player ever. I’ve tried googling, but its a tough stat to pin down. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/36 "2025-12-10T15:12:26Z")
Does Rivers have any shot of making the HoF anyway? He’s a very good QB, but no MVPs or All Pros. He had a grand total of 5 playoff wins, with his best result was a loss in the AFC Championship. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/37 "2025-12-10T15:45:04Z")
> [@AlsoNamedBort](#): > > Does Rivers have any shot of making the HoF anyway? He’s reportedly a “semifinalist” for induction in 2026, whatever that means. He was an 8 time Pro Bowler. But you’re right that he doesn’t come to my mind when I think HoF QBs. He was definitely very good, but I dunno. He was reportedly 7th all time in career TDs and 6th all time in passing yards, so he at least gets credit for throwing it a lot over his career. I don’t know what else stands out. He holds a lot of records for the Chargers, but we aren’t talking about the Charger Hall of Fame. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/38 "2025-12-10T16:39:16Z")
What is the thing with Romeo Doubs’ helmet (Green Bay Packers)? I do not think I have ever seen anything like it before. I assume it is some added protection but then you’d think everyone should have that added protection. I noticed this when watching the Bears/Packers game last Sunday. Just curious. [![](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_1271,y_0,w_6863,h_3860/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/51/01k6vzn7vjz5zfvd63zj.jpg) ](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_1271,y_0,w_6863,h_3860/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/51/01k6vzn7vjz5zfvd63zj.jpg) (if this it not the proper thread for this let me know and I will move it or mods can move as they see fit) ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/39 "2025-12-10T16:43:35Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > He’s reportedly a “semifinalist” for induction in 2026, whatever that means Anybody can be nominated. Just send the HoF an email and they’re on the list. The committee does an initial review and reduces this to 25 names who are semi-finalists, which eventually gets further reduced to a list of 15 finalists. The committee does the in-person meeting on some weekend next year to select the actual inductees from those 15. So, Rivers is currently on the 25 person shortlist in the process. That’s not grossly erroneous at this point of the proceedings. Not to mention, mistakes have been made in the past. Some undeserving folks have gotten in and very deserving people left out. On the whole they’ve gotten it more or less right, but these sorts of things are always rife with debate. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554/40 "2025-12-10T16:48:02Z")
Since, in any discussion of QBs of a certain age and the HoF, Phillip Rivers and Eli Manning get mentioned in the same breath. And, going by almost every single career stat, Phillip Rivers is way better a QB than Eli Manning. Rivers has a higher career completion percentage (64.9% to 60.3%), 6417 more career yards, 55 more touchdowns, 35 fewer interceptions, higher yards per attempt (7.8 to 7.0), an insanely higher passer rating (95.2 to 84.1), and a higher winning percentage (56% to 50%). While I agree that Phillip Rivers does not belong in the HofF, I will say he is a way better candidate than Eli Manning. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-15/1025554.md?page=3)