Why Philip Rivers' NFL comeback story is resonating with Christians

40 Days for Life CEO Shawn Carney talks to Fox News Digital about how Philip Rivers is inspiring Christians with his return to the NFL.

Philip Rivers made an incredible NFL comeback this season, coming off the sidelines as a high school football coach to put the pads on for the Indianapolis Colts in their time of need.

Rivers’ commitment to his team and his expression of humility are something that has resonated with Catholics and Christians across the U.S.

Shawn Carney, the founder of Catholic faith organization 40 Days for Life, shed some light on why that was in an interview with Fox News Digital following the Colts’ close loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks on in the second quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on Dec. 22, 2025. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)

"Philip Rivers has always been pretty open about his faith, not that he runs around and brags about it, but his comeback in the NFL, I think during a time where Americans need really good news, is so inspiring – not just for us Catholics but for all Christians," Carney said. "I think it’s great to see somebody who comes out of retirement, lives a great life, lives a life like most people want to live, which is be a good dad and be a good husband. And that just overall gets overlooked too often."

Carney said he believed the average Catholic or Christian can take away important things from Rivers’ comeback journey.

"I think the average Catholic or Christian in America looks at Philip Rivers and says, ‘The way I live my life is the way he’s trying to live his life. I want to be a good father. I want to be a