It’s not very often that an NFL general manager’s team faces a quarterback he once played against, but that’s exactly what will happen on “Monday Night Football” when John Lynch watches the 49ers take on Philip Rivers and the Indianapolis Colts.

Lynch gave KNBR’s “Murph & Markus” show a history lesson Friday ahead of the prime-time matchup, recalling how Rivers’ first NFL action with the then-San Diego Chargers came courtesy of a sack by the former Denver Broncos safety.

“So we were playing them in ’05, I believe. I’m a member of the Broncos, and that was right when the Chargers were turning around,” Lynch reflected. “They had a loaded roster. They were coming off some tough times, but Drew Brees was the quarterback … I came off the corner. I sacked Brees. He goes in to get the ball, and he dislocates his right shoulder and walks right to the tunnel and walks off the field.

“In comes Philip Rivers … and that was Philip’s first action. Our kids ended up going to the same school down in San Diego, we became buddies and we always have fun with that, that I kind of got him his opportunity in the NFL.”

The game marked Rivers’ first real opportunity with the Chargers after the second-year signal-caller was unable to beat out Brees for the starting job entering the 2005 NFL season. Following the brutal injury to Brees, which occurred late in the second quarter, Rivers completed 12 of 22 passing attempts for 115 yards with one interception and two fumbles in an eventual 23-7 loss.

Brees signed with the New Orleans Saints the following season, and the rest was history for Rivers and the Chargers. He went on to lead San Diego to a 14-2 record in his first year as starter and took the team to the divisional playoff round, eventually becoming an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and winning NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2013.

“I can’t believe that Philip’s playing, and here’s a guy that I played against,” Lynch continued. “I don’t think half the players or more know that. So, it’s an interesting deal. I respect the heck out of Philip. He’s as unique of a person, as good of a person as you’ll meet, and respect what he’s doing right now. And man, like I said, he had his team in position to win in a really tough place to do that, and that speaks to the type of player he is.”

After a red-hot start, the Colts (8-6) have cooled down and currently have an 11 percent chance at reaching the postseason following quarterback Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles tear. Rivers, 44, came out of retirement for a second stint with Indianapolis and will make his second start of the season against the 49ers (10-4) on Monday night at Levi’s Stadium.

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