Lou Anarumo sees Philip Rivers from the other side.
Anarumo first entered the NFL in 2012, giving him eight years to cross paths with Rivers with the Chargers and Colts.
Now Indianapolis defensive coordinator Anarumo has only faced Rivers once as defensive coordinator, leading Cincinnati’s defense into Lucas Oil to battle Rivers in the quarterback’s final season.
advertise
Rivers threw for 371 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-27 win over the Bengals, despite a running game that yielded just 59 yards and a game plan that limited TY Hilton to one catch for 11 yards.
The Colts had not yet signed Rivers to the practice squad when Anarumo spoke to the media on Tuesday, but the veteran defensive coordinator was full of praise for the legendary quarterback.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but he’s on the Hall of Fame ballot, isn’t he?” Anarumo said. “That’s all you need to hear.”
Rivers has not played in a game since the 2020 season, making him eligible to be on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time in 2025.
advertise
If he makes the active roster, Rivers’ clock would reset, delaying his Hall candidacy another five years.
But Indianapolis’ desperate need for quarterback help after injuries to Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard forced the Colts to think outside the box, which prompted them to sign Rivers. The news came when offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter was available, a few minutes after Anarumo, and Cooter politely declined to answer two questions about the passer.
Rivers, 44, has not played in a game in five seasons.
Anarumo remembers the player as a tough test.
“A guy who’s super, super competitive and can make all the throws,” Anarumo said. “I’m telling you, he’s more than just a headache.”
advertise
Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts All season long. Get more coverage with IndyStarTV and the Colts Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared in the Indianapolis Star: Philip Rivers: Colts DC Lou Anarumo on QB: ‘He’s on Hall of Fame ballot’