Philip Rivers has been brought back by the Indianapolis Colts. At the age of 44. One former quarterback finds this less than impressive.

Some people are cheering Philip Rivers’ comeback with the Indianapolis Colts. Because it’s a nice story. Others are critical, or at least surprised. And one former NFL superstar is even personally offended. Cam Newton wonders why the Colts didn’t call him. In his “4th & 1” podcast, Newton said it was “almost like a slap in the face. I’m not going to lie.”

Former MVP Newton, who played for the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots from 2011 to 2021, is now 36 years old, eight years younger than Rivers. Furthermore, he has never officially ended his career.

“I haven’t quit – and I’m not going to. For an opportunity like this… I don’t give a damn if Rivers is part of their family. He’s 44 years old, bro!“ Newton added.

Cam Newton: Creative search for reasons

In the podcast, Newton remained creative in his search for reasons why the Colts didn’t call him. ”I know why the Indianapolis Colts didn’t sign me… Because their newest member, Sauce Gardner, wears number 1,” he said. Newton also wore that number during his career. Whether a potential jersey conflict is a reason why the Colts chose Rivers instead is rather unlikely, however. Cam Newton has not played in an NFL game since 2021. During his brief comeback in Carolina, he took the field in eight games, five of them as a starter, but failed to secure a single victory. He ended up with four touchdown passes and five interceptions. Newton played his last full season in New England in 2020. There, he started 15 games and racked up eight touchdowns and ten interceptions.