‘Nunc Coepi.’ Quarterback Philip Rivers and Chargers agree to part ways
Let the record show: The final pass thrown by quarterback Philip Rivers in a Chargers uniform was intercepted by Chiefs safety Daniel Sorensen.
It happened on the Chargers’ last possession in the regular-season finale in December at Arrowhead Stadium, a 31-21 Chiefs victory.
Rivers’ time with the Chargers has come to an end, the team announced Monday morning.
“After stepping back a bit from last season, we reconnected with Philip and his representatives to look at how 2019 played out, assess our future goals, evaluate the current state of the roster and see if there was a path forward that made sense for both parties,” Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said in a news release on the team’s website. “As we talked through various scenarios, it became apparent that it would be best for Philip and the Chargers to turn the page on what has truly been a remarkable run.
“We agreed that making this decision well before free agency would allow everyone to put themselves in the best position for success in 2020.”
Rivers, who has played his entire 16 season NFL career with the Chargers, is 38 years old. He was picked for the Pro Bowl eight times and threw for 59,271 yards and 397 touchdowns, both Chargers franchise records.
The Chargers were 123-101 when Rivers started and he helped the team to playoff appearances in six seasons, totaling 11 games, including the 2007 AFC Championship Game.
“I never took for granted the opportunity to lead this team out on to the field for 235 games,” Rivers said on the Chargers website. “We had a lot of great moments, beginning in San Diego and then finishing in LA. I wish my teammates and coaches nothing but the best moving forward.
“I’m not sure what the future holds, but my family and I look forward to seeing what God has planned for us next.
“Nunc Coepi.”
Nunc Coepi is Latin for “Now I begin.”
As for where Rivers will play in 2020, a few NFL observers have thrown out potential landing spots.
NBC Sports’ Peter King thinks the Panthers could be a good fit.
USA Today’s Nate Davis agreed with the Carolina possibility and added the Cowboys, Colts, Saints, Buccaneers and Titans to his list.
The Orange County Register thought the Bears, Raiders and Patriots are potential matches as well.
Wherever he lands, Rivers will carry a streak of 224 consecutive starts to his new home team. The Chargers noted that is longest in franchise history and the third longest in the NFL since 1970, trailing Brett Favre (297) and Bruce Matthews (229).
The Chargers said Rivers’ 70 games with 300-plus passing yards are fourth in NFL history behind Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
“Through 16 seasons, 224 consecutive starts and more ‘dadgummits’ and ‘shoots’ than any of us can count, not only has Philip Rivers been our quarterback, he’s been the heart and soul of our organization,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in the news release. “He wore a bolo tie and cowboy boots to games. He introduced us to ‘Nunc Coepi.’ He always went out of his way to interact with the fans, and he even made fans of nuns. Over the years, I think he broke just about every team record in the book and, simply put, it was just fun to watch him play football.
“There’s only one Philip Rivers, and we’ve been fortunate to call him our QB1 for the better part of two decades. We cannot thank Philip enough for giving it his all on every single down and for the memories he created that will last a lifetime.”
Rivers finished with a 14-15 record against the Chiefs.
This story was originally published February 10, 2020 at 12:26 PM.
