Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, Drake Maye spent time in Mobile, Alabama, working with veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, receiving key advice on playing in the league.
So, when the New England Patriots quarterback heard that the 44-year-old quarterback had signed with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad, and even has a chance to start this weekend, the smile on his face said it all.
‘I think it’s awesome. I think it’s pretty cool,” Maye told reporters on Wednesday. “When we were down there – I did draft training in Mobile, and he lives around there somewhere. The biggest thing is he still throws it well. I mean, that was, shoot, two springs ago. So, not the last one, the one before. He was slinging it well. So, what a quarterback, what a competitor. He’s the ultimate competitor. I’m sure he knows the offense well, and I’m sure still slings it great.
“So, I saw a little bit of his press conference; I thought it was pretty funny, but no, he seems like a great guy. When I was around him, he’s been great to me. So, it’s pretty cool, something like that, whatever happens there, but it’s pretty sweet.”
So, does Maye plan to still be playing when he’s 44 years old?
“Shoot, if I’m moving around a little bit still, I hope so,” he responded. “Play as long as I can.”
Former Patriots QB Cam Newton Sounds Off At Colts Decision To Sign Philip Rivers
Getty Philip Rivers of the Indianapolis Colts
At the age of 44, Rivers is determined to prove that he’s still got it. But one other former NFL player isn’t pleased with the Colts for not giving him a call first.
During an episode of his “4th&1 Podcast, Cam Newton sounded off on Indianapolis for not reaching out to him.
“It’s almost like a slap in my face, bro,” Newton said. ” I ain’t gonna lie.”
Newton’s cohost Omari “Penny” Collins chimed in, saying that teams might not have realized he was interested as he’s so involved in the media now.
“Did Philip Rivers send any type of sign that he was available?” Newton responded. “Why you asking me to do something that everybody else didn’t do?”
Newton went on to point out that he has yet to retire, having last played for the Carolina Panthers in 2021. He is 36 years old.
Philip Rivers’ Madden NFL 26 Rating Revealed
GettyPhilip Rivers of the Indianapolis Colts
According to Kay Adams, Rivers received a 70 overall rating for EA Madden NFL 26, as well as revealing his individual ratings.
- 83 Throw Power
- 81 Throw Accuracy Medium
- 86 Throw Accuracy Short
- 88 Play Action
- 59 Speed
- 57 Agility
- 49 Juke Move
- 65 Acceleration
Here’s What Philip Rivers Had To Say At His Introductory Press Conference
Rivers had many great moments during his introductory press conference, with some incredible quotes.
“I had not given any thought of playing again until about 48 hours ago, to be honest with you,” Rivers said on Wednesday.
But the Colts made it too hard to say no.
“They wanted me,” Rivers added. “I try to keep it as simple as that. A game I love to play. A game that I thought I was done playing. Certainly, I wasn’t really hanging on any hope of playing again. I kind of thought that ship had sailed.
“But something about it excited me. Just kind of one of those deals – a door opens and you can either walk through and find out if you can do it or run from it. I know that there’s risk involved obviously in what may or may not happen. But the only way to find out is to go for it.”
Patriots’ Drake Maye Reacts to Philip Rivers’ Surprise NFL Comeback