NFL history has been riddled with great quarterbacks and this year a couple of the best from the past two decades are saying farewell to the league. Philip Rivers announced his retirement on Jan. 20 putting an end to his 17-year career, 16 of which he spent with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. In addition to Rivers, Drew Brees, another Chargers draftee, is also expected to leave the field behind after this past season in which he suffered 11 broken ribs and a collapsed lung. 

Over the past 20 years, Brees has reset the record books coming in first in career passing yards, touchdown passes and completions. On top of taking control of the passing records, Brees also managed to bring a Super Bowl to New Orleans and appear in 13 pro bowls. Before transitioning to the NFL, Brees was called too short to succeed at the next level and after his shoulder injury in 2005 people said he would never be the same, but he proved them wrong and put together a resume many could only dream of. While Brees’ retirement is not confirmed, it is expected because of injuries that left him out of four games this season. In addition, Brees has also been ridiculed for his depleting arm strength because of his tendency to throw mostly short check-down passes which is another reason people anticipate his retirement announcement.

In addition to the New Orleans legend, Rivers also decided to call it quits after this past season. Rivers, who spent sixteen seasons with the Chargers and ended his career in Indianapolis, was by far the best to play quarterback in a Chargers uniform. He managed to set franchise records in completions, passing yards and touchdowns, while also being  selected to eight pro bowls throughout his career. After he made a quick decision to retire, people speculated that he wanted to spend more time with his nine children, and while this probably played a part in it, Rivers gave his own reason.

“What has helped me come to this (decision) is the growing desire to coach high school football,” Rivers said. “That’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”