When an Open Door Appears
Philip Rivers, The Colts, and the Courage to Say Yes
It would be easy to frame Philip Rivers’ short-term contract as quarterback with the Indianapolis Colts as a comeback story. But that would miss the point.
Philip Rivers never stopped being involved with football.
During Rivers’ five years away from the NFL, he was coaching high school football at St. Michael Catholic in Fairhope, Alabama—teaching fundamentals, mentoring teenagers, and shaping the character of young men. He was also living a full family life as a father of ten and a grandfather.
Football didn’t disappear. It simply changed forms.
From 2016–2019, before either were with the Colts, Shane Steichen served as Rivers’ quarterback coach with the San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers. After retiring from the Colts in 2021, Rivers stayed in conversation with Steichen—talking play concepts, strategy, and the evolving game.
When the call came, Rivers didn’t need to become someone new.
He simply needed to say yes to the open door.
The Power of Veteran Presence
Rivers signed a short-term practice squad deal at the NFL veteran minimum. His role wasn’t about money. (He has an approximate net worth of $100 million.) It was about being prepared on game day.
With his previous Colts experience, Rivers offers calm in the huddle and clarity in the film room. That kind of leadership can’t be rushed—or replaced.
As the Colts prepare for potential snaps against the Seahawks, Rivers brings with him decades of NFL pattern recognition, emotional intelligence that comes with age, and a 14-year relationship with Coach Steichen.
A Lesson for the Rest of Us
I don’t know if any Older, Bolder & Better! readers expect to get a call from the NFL.
But we will get calls—from former colleagues, managers from a decade ago, someone we met at a conference years ago, a former neighbor. The invitation is often unexpected—it asks us to step into an encore season of life. An invitation to teach. A Board of Directors position. A chance to mentor. A part-time role that reignites purpose. A creative pursuit shelved years ago. A volunteer opportunity that becomes something more.
Too often, we assume our best days are behind us because the shape of opportunity has changed. But wisdom knows this truth:
Opportunity doesn’t disappear with age—it evolves.
An open door doesn’t always announce itself with certainty.
Sometimes it looks like:
* A conversation that keeps resurfacing
* A nudge you can’t quite ignore
* A role that feels smaller—but truer
There is courage in not having to prove anything to onlookers, family or friends. There is courage in showing up for yourself.
For those of us who have taken what others consider “a step back” in our careers—moving from leadership positions to individual contributor roles—we know careers are not always linear.
My hope for Older Bolder & Better! readers is this:
If a door opens—walk through it.
Not to relive the past, but to bring forward everything you’ve learned.
Write your book.
Apply for the grant.
Register for the class.
Book the “bucket list” trip.
Start your own Substack (invite me—I will subscribe).
Have a joyful week ahead!
Note from Brenda— If this resonates with you, please share this post with someone who may appreciate this message. Sharing is caring
Brenda, you make aging, retirement, and giving back very refreshing. Every time I read your posts, I am filled with gratitude for being alive and aging, and I can't help but look forward to retirement, serving on boards, and continued mentorship. Your post is yet another great reminder that there is meaning at every stage in life.
One of your best posts Brenda. Speaks to me on so many levels. Love your title 😉 and imo your best writing. Great job! Closed doors can reopen. We just have to listen for the knock.