Philip Rivers $92M Contract Extension: Quotes

The San Diego Chargers made a verbal commitment to quarterback Philip Rivers when they let Drew Brees escape to New Orleans three years ago. Today they made a financial commitment, giving Philip a six-year contract extension good for $92 million ($38.5 million is guaranteed). Clearly, this is the quarterback of the future for the San Diego Chargers.

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers / Photo: Newscom

The deal makes sense. Philip is one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL and his 36-18 record (including the playoffs) proves it. So the Bolts were determined not to let him get away. And they put him in a happy place for the 2009 season in the process. Now he must accomplish what peers Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning—who also got this kind of cash—did. Philip needs to follow-up with a Super Bowl victory. That is what the Chargers hope they’re paying for.

Here are some of Philip’s thoughts following the announcement:

“The one thing I’ve said throughout the summer was that my contract was never going to become a distraction for this team. I was focused on the season. I’m obviously grateful that it got done and that I’m going to be a Charger for years to come. I’m very appreciative to the Spanos family for keeping me around and allowing this to get done. You never are guaranteed that you will be here, but I hoped I would be for a long time. I’ll never get the South out of me, but San Diego is definitely home. Three of our four children have been born out here. I love the people, love the town and love being part of the city.”

Sources: Chargers.com, NFL.com