“Philip has been out for a while now, and he’s been in broadcasting, so he hasn’t been just sitting around waiting to get back into football. I think that helps him, but at the same time, it’s still an adjustment to get back out there and play in a regular-season game.”
Moon added, “The biggest difference between practice and games is the speed of the game. You can’t simulate that in practice. The game is so much faster and the windows are so much smaller, so he’s going to have to be able to adjust to that.”
As for what advice Moon would give to Rivers, he says, “Just stay calm and try not to do too much. It’s going to be a big adjustment, but he’s been around the game for so long that he should be able to handle it. Just go out there and have fun.”
Rivers, 40, was signed by the New Orleans Saints this week after starting quarterback Jameis Winston went down with a torn ACL. He will now be the oldest QB to start an NFL game since Moon, who did it at 44 years old back in 2000.
It will be interesting to see how Rivers performs in his return to the NFL and if he can lead the Saints to victory. With Moon’s advice in mind, Rivers will hopefully make a smooth transition back to the field and show that age is just a number when it comes to playing quarterback in the NFL.
As a former professional football player myself, I understand the challenges that come with returning to the game after an extended period away. In the case of Philip Rivers, who has been away from the game for five years, my concerns are heightened.
Rivers may have stayed connected to the game through coaching and discussions with his colleagues, but there is no substitute for being on the field and experiencing the physical demands of playing football day in and day out. The grind of practicing, the toll it takes on the body, and the recovery after a week of intense training are all factors that could potentially impact Rivers’ performance.
Additionally, there is the question of whether Rivers, who was never known for his speed and athleticism like Michael Vick, still possesses the physical abilities required to compete at the highest level. Football has evolved over the years, becoming faster and more demanding, and Rivers will need to demonstrate that he still has the fast-twitch muscles and reaction time necessary to succeed.
Having played well into my 40s, I understand the challenges of maintaining peak performance as the body ages. While Rivers may have the experience and knowledge of the game, the physical aspect of returning to play after such a long hiatus is a significant concern. Only time will tell if Rivers can overcome these obstacles and make a successful comeback to the game he loves.
