Philip Rivers’ stunning comeback at age 44 -- signing with the Indianapolis Colts and starting in Week 15 -- has reset his Pro Football Hall of Fame clock. A semifinalist this year in his first window of eligibility, Rivers now faces a five-year wait after his final game before he can be considered again.
This shift quietly aids Eli Manning, who is in his second year of eligibility and also reached the semifinalist stage. With Rivers sidelined from the 2026 class, Manning loses one of his most direct quarterback competitors.
The two have been inextricably linked since the 2004 NFL draft, when the New York Giants selected Rivers fourth overall before trading him (and picks) to the then-San Diego Chargers in exchange for Manning.
Their careers have invited constant comparison ever since -- similar longevity, statistical profiles, and debates over postseason success.
The irony runs deeper.
Rivers replaces injured Daniel Jones, whom the Giants drafted in 2019 to succeed Manning. After Manning’s retirement, Jones took over in New York, was released last season, spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, and signed with Indianapolis this offseason.
Rivers will even don Jones' No. 17 jersey.
While no outcome is certain -- Manning’s Canton case remains hotly debated -- this development removes a prominent side-by-side rival from the conversation, giving Eli’s bid a modest but meaningful lift.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: What Philip Rivers' return means for Eli Manning's Hall of Fame bid