1. All love for Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers had some big news Monday when he announced that he is retiring as a Charger.
The legendary quarterback, an eight-time Pro Bowler who holds more than 30 franchise records, said he will always cherish his time with the Bolts.
“Gratitude is the first thing that comes to mind. Just thankful. Thankful for my time there as a Charger,” Rivers said.
On Tuesday, Harbaugh and Herbert were asked about the franchise legend in their respective press conferences.
Herbert said Rivers’ career is the standard that he wants to reach himself.
“Obviously, we know how talented and how special he is, and how much he’s meant to this organization,” Herbert said. “I grew up watching him and the amount of respect I have for him as a teammate, leader, quarterback, father … he’s the prime example.
“He’s what every quarterback should look forward to be,” Herbert added.
Harbaugh recalled coaching against Rivers and loving the pure joy that the quarterback played with.
“Nothing but the highest respect for Philip Rivers, especially when you play the position,” said Harbaugh, a former quarterback. “He’s just so good. Just appreciate him in every way.
“The thing that always stands out to me is coaching against Philip, when the 49ers played the Chargers, his enthusiasm for the game, it’s right there with Derwin James,” Harbaugh added. “His ability to talk during the play, sometimes directly. He’s directly to the players, sometimes even directed to me. This guy can really talk smack, is what the young people are saying. And to do it without swearing is just another level of eliteness.
“Tremendous competitor. Everybody in the organization has deep love and appreciation for Philip Rivers. We’re excited he’s going to retire a Charger,” Harbaugh added.
James said with a smile: “I can think of all the times I thought he was saying curse words but he wasn’t. But it feels amazing, I love him as a teammate.”
James recalled a 2018 road game against the Steelers in which the Chargers trailed 23-7 at halftime before Rivers rallied them by with a monster second half. Rivers threw for 299 yards and two scores in the 33-30 win while posting a 115.4 passer rating.
“I can think back to 2018 in Pittsburgh. It was a Sunday night game and going into the locker room at halftime, we were down,” James added. “But I remember going back on the field and saying, ‘We’re going to win this game.'”
James said he expects Rivers to be invited to Canton, Ohio down the road.
“I look at Rivers … as a Hall of Fame-type guy,” James said.