NFL star retires on feast of St Sebastian

NFL star retires on feast of St Sebastian NFL quarterback Philip Rivers. Photo: CNS

NFL quarterback Philip Rivers is set to begin the next stage of his career as the head football coach at St Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama.

The former Indianapolis Colts  star announced his retirement on January 20, the feast day of St Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes. “Every year, January 20 is a special and emotional day. It is St Sebastian’s feast day,” Mr Rivers said upon announcing his retirement.

Principal of St Michael Faustin Weber said, “His football credentials are impeccable – by any objective measure, he’s up there with the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time. But what we’re most excited about is we believe he’ll promote our mission to form ‘scholars, leaders and disciples of Jesus Christ’ in a powerful, credible way.”

“He’s devout in his faith, he’s a good father and husband, and he’ll be a great leader and example to our young men,” Mr Weber said.

Mr Rivers attributed the happiness of his sporting years to God in his announcement.