EMOTIONS SWELL UP FOR RIVERS
Bolts QB struggles to keep composure discussing future
KANSAS CITY, Mo.
Philip Rivers completed 31 passes in Sunday’s 31-21 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but the most memorable catch of the day was the emotion-soaked catch in his voice.
With his eyes red and nose runny, the Chargers quarterback struggled to maintain his composure, gripping the sides of his lectern and clenching his jaw to gather himself. Before him, an uncertain road unfurls.
At 38, Rivers wants to keep playing football, and feels he still has something to give. But with his team finishing 5-11, struggling to build a fan base in Los Angeles and starting a new chapter in Sofi Stadium next season, it could be time for both sides to part ways.
“Whether it’s exactly the end or not, which it still could be, but either way we’re probably on the 16th playing a little par-three with only two holes to go,” said Rivers, who had 11 fewer touchdown passes and eight more interceptions than last season. “I’m definitely on that backstretch, and there’s been times I’ve been a little emotional. Even at the house, talking through things and thinking about, man, the last blitz protection meeting, or the last bus ride.
“Those things I have gotten to every now and then. That’s when my wife says, ‘Shoot, if you try to hold it in, it will all blow up at some point.’ I have allowed myself to do that, but at the same point go, ‘Shoot, don’t let that ruin the moment that you’re in. Just be right here and enjoy it like I always have.’ ”
Rivers doesn’t believe his career is done, regardless of where he is next season. Asked if he would consider playing for another team, he said: “Yes, I plan to play football, so yes. Where that is going to be will get sorted out over the next few months. I’ve never been in this position; I don’t even know when the league year starts. We’ll just kind of see. I’m very thankful for the 16 years, and if there’s another, I’ll be thankful for that.”
His voice wavered when asked what’s made him most proud about his career. His 224 consecutive starts in the regular season top his list.
“I can say I gave it everything I had, every week,” he said. “Maybe that means an interception on fourth and 18 when you’re down by 10 because I don’t care that it’s going to say two interceptions (on the stat sheet), I really don’t. I ain’t quitting.”
sam.farmer@latimes.com