Veteran NFL quarterback Phillip Rivers officially announced his retirement on Wednesday. He is set to become the football coach at a high school in Fairhope.

A native of Decatur and a graduate of Athens High School in Alabama, Rivers ends his professional career with the fifth-most passing yards of all time. He played 16 seasons with the Chargers, ending his time as a professional with the Colts in 2020.

Rivers, 39, announced his retirement in an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, and later issued a gracious statement thanking those who surrounded him during his time in the league.

In a return to his home state, Rivers will now assume the role of head football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School, a private institution in the Baldwin County town of Fairhope.

Rivers, a devout catholic, was often outspoken about his faith in God during interviews. He ended his statement announcing his retirement with the Latin phrase “NUNC COEPI,” a personal motto of Rivers he often wore embroidered on hats. It translates to “Now I Begin.”

He was first announced in May 2020 as the high school’s coach-in-waiting, a position that was held open for him until he decided to retire.

One of the most durable starting quarterbacks of all time, Rivers started every single game for his team between September of 2006 and January of 2021. All told, Rivers played 240 straight games — including playing the 2007-2008 AFC Championship game six days after tearing his ACL.

“What has helped me come to this (decision) is the growing desire to coach high school football,” Rivers told the Tribune. “That’s what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s been growing. I can’t wait.”

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.