Philip Rivers = Trash Talker??

There's been a lot of media attention on Philip Rivers lately. It would seem like a normal thing, since he's the starting quarterback of the San Diego Chargers, who face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game Sunday afternoon.

However, Philip isn't getting the positive attention that should go with where he's led his team. He's being labeled a trash-talker. He's being told he should grow up. Everyone seems to have Philip pegged as the NFL's new bad-boy QB.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

It all started with a Monday night game against the Denver Broncos. Near the end of the game, the ESPN crew showed Philip out on the field, looking at Broncos QB Jay Cutler, and saying some things. They called it unsportsmanlike, and unnecessary, for Philip to be talking. Following the game, when asked, Philip said that he was saying "'Atta baby, 'atta baby" to his defense, which had just made a play. Watching the video backs up Philip's explanation, as he can be seen saying exactly what he claims to have said.



What you may have noticed, even though ESPN didn't mention it, is that Cutler is talking also. So I guess that means it's OK for the losing QB to talk, but not the winning QB? When did the losers get the right to talk? Champ Bailey said that Philip wasn't "a respectable guy right now." I'm sure the fact that Philip is 4-0 as a starter against the Broncos didn't influence Mr. Bailey's opinion at all. So that's what got it all started.

The rhetoric had lightened up somewhat until last weekend, when the Chargers faced the Colts at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. At the end of the 3rd quarter, Philip left the game with a knee injury. As he was walking to the locker room, a camera followed, and Philip was seen talking to the crowd. He was saying "Thank you, I appreciate it" and "I'll be back."

At the end of the game, the cameras cut to Philip again, and he had his back to the field, saying something to the Indianapolis fans. What was he saying? Only Philip and the fans he spoke to know for sure.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Philip talking to the fans is what you should teach your children. However, having watched Philip for four years at North Carolina State, I can tell you that the talking he does is just the product of his spirit. He talks to anyone who will listen, and also to anyone who just happens to be near him. Non-stop.

The people who know more about Philip than just what ESPN reports know that he is a great husband, great father, and devout Christian. The words coming out of his mouth are not profane, and not insulting. As Philip described, "If you've followed me around since I was 5 years old, you'd see the same thing every Saturday afternoon in the backyard."

Former New York Giant quarterback and current broadcaster Phil Simms had this to say: "Some of the stuff on the field doesn't bother me the way it seems to bother other people. It's an emotional game. He's been an emotional quarterback. "

This Sunday, the Chargers travel to Gillette Stadium to face the unbeaten Patriots for a trip to the Super Bowl. Rivers, nursing a sprained knee, has been listed as doubtful by Coach Norv Turner, but most people, including Philip, expect him to play. Will he keep quiet? Philip had this to say:

“You saw it for 51 games at (North Carolina) State, and you'll probably catch something this weekend.”

Based on that quote, CBS should keep "Philip-cam" on alert this Sunday. - Daniel