NFL QB Philip Rivers, Coaching In Fairhope, Al

[LSUDad]

NFL's Philip Rivers to coach in Fairhope

by James Gordon

Thursday, January 21st 2021

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 18: Philip Rivers #17 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates his teams 31-27 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

 

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WPMI) —

NFL Quarterback and Alabama native Philip Rivers has retired from playing football. Now he's moving on the next phase of his career in Fairhope. Saint Michael High School has been keeping his seat warm for a few months now.

Rivers has been the "coach in waiting," at St. Michael since last May. He made his retirement official Tuesday night. Within moments, he got the call - "Are you coming to Fairhope ?" And he said yes.

Showing off the school's new field house under construction, St. Michael's Athletic Director says a stadium is next. It's all in preparation for the future of football and its new head coach Philip Rivers. 

“His excitement and his love and joy for football and for his faith is just contagious," said Athletic Director Paul Knapstein.

Rivers has held several summer football camps here and has committed to moving his family to Fairhope. The devout Catholic wants to make the Eastern Shore his new home.

"I think when you have nine children of your own, you understand the psychology of dealing with young adults," said Knapstein.

Micah Farrell, a junior wide receiver on the football team, says Rivers is a dream come true. 

"I think we are all looking forward to just being around him and him teaching us things we don’t know. Helping us become more of a brotherhood together," said Farrell.

Rivers is ending his 17-year career as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in NFL history.

Rivers, who spent this past season with the Indianapolis Colts after 16 years with the Chargers organization, said in a statement this week that playing quarterback in the NFL was his "childhood dream."

The school is now proud to make what will likely be a stellar football program a childhood dream for so many others.

"In my experience, high school kids especially are all about faith and joy and excitement. They feed off each other and off their leader, in this case coach rivers, and it’s going to be exciting to see," said Knapstein

Rivers said in his statement that he wanted to announce his retirement on January 20, which is the Roman Catholic Church's feast day for St. Sebastian. St. Sebastian is often referred to as the patron saint for athletes.

[LSUDad]

I’m still in Fairhope, but leaving tomorrow, heading West. My friends here said Rivers is building a big place, next trip, gonna try to make a pass by there.