Quarterback Philip Rivers announced his retirement from the NFL Wednesday after 17 seasons. The 39-year old Rivers played last season with the Indianapolis Colts after spending 16 seasons with the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers. He finishes his career ranked fifth all-time in completions, yards passing and touchdown passes. He had a total of 63,440 yards and 421 touchdowns. He won 134 career games – second most among quarterbacks who never won a Super Bowl. Additionally, his 240 consecutive regular-season starts was the second-longest streak since 1970 – behind only Hall of Famer Bret Favre. Rivers was part of the draft class of 2004 which included the retired Eli Manning and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have given defensive coordinator Keith Butler a one-year contract to return next season.
The Detroit Lions have hired Dan Campbell as their new head coach, replacing the fired Matt Patricia. Campbell had been the New Orleans Saints assistant head coach and tight ends coach over the past four seasons. He served as the Miami Dolphins interim head coach for 12 games in 2015.
Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes is still in concussion protocol, but as part of the protocol – he practiced yesterday. Mahomes was injured in the third quarter of the Chiefs Divisional playoff game against Cleveland last Sunday.