Title: Philip Rivers Was 49ers’ QB Contingency Plan for Super Bowl, Says Kyle Shanahan
Introduction
In a surprising revelation, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan disclosed that the team had a contingency plan in place to bring veteran quarterback Philip Rivers out of retirement if they had advanced to Super Bowl LVII. This plan was devised due to the team’s persistent quarterback injuries throughout the season. Although the plan never materialized, it sheds light on the team’s determination to secure a reliable signal-caller for their Super Bowl aspirations.
The 49ers’ Quarterback Woes
The 49ers’ quarterback situation was plagued by injuries throughout the season. The team lost starter Brock Purdy to a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and backup Josh Johnson to a concussion during the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. These injuries, coupled with earlier setbacks such as Trey Lance’s broken right ankle in Week 2 and Jimmy Garoppolo’s broken left foot in December, left the team in dire need of a reliable quarterback.
Philip Rivers: The Contingency Plan
The 49ers’ contingency plan involved bringing Philip Rivers out of retirement to lead the team in the Super Bowl. Rivers, a seasoned veteran, had an illustrious career as the quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts. Despite being an eight-time Pro Bowler and winning the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award in 2013, Rivers never advanced past the AFC Championship Game. Joining the 49ers would have given him his first opportunity to play in a Super Bowl.
Rivers’ Retirement and Coaching Stint
Rivers retired from professional football in January 2021 and took on the role of coach for St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. Although teams reached out to him during the season to gauge his interest in playing again, Rivers made it clear that he did not foresee a comeback. He believed that teams were merely looking for a contingency plan due to injuries to their quarterbacks.
Garoppolo’s Potential Return
At the time of the 49ers’ quarterback crisis, Jimmy Garoppolo, who had been sidelined with a foot injury, remained optimistic about his potential return if the team advanced deep into the postseason. However, Garoppolo’s recovery did not progress as expected, and he was unable to make it back in time for the NFC Championship Game. Ultimately, the 49ers decided to move on from Garoppolo, leading him to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Shanahan’s Appreciation for Garoppolo
Despite parting ways with Garoppolo, Shanahan expressed his admiration for the quarterback’s contributions to the organization. He acknowledged Garoppolo’s role in their success and emphasized that his departure was primarily a financial decision. Shanahan’s response to questions about Garoppolo’s potential return was simply a reflection of the team’s circumstances.
Conclusion
The revelation of the 49ers’ contingency plan involving Philip Rivers highlights the team’s determination to secure a reliable quarterback for their Super Bowl aspirations. Although injuries derailed their plans, the willingness to explore all options demonstrates their commitment to success. As the 49ers move forward with new quarterback options, they will undoubtedly remember the contributions of Jimmy Garoppolo and his impact on the organization.