NFL: Decorated Veterans Who Deserve a Super Bowl

Aug 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

When Philip Rivers took over as the starting quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, he was thrown to the wolves. The expectations were unrealistically high, no matter how talented a group there was around him.

Roughly a decade later, he’s emerged as one of the best active quarterbacks without a ring—if not No. 1.

Rivers embodies what it means to be a competitor. He’s a gifted pocket passer with a rare combination of arm strength and pinpoint accuracy, all the while maintaining the toughness, elusiveness and size to be a pass-rusher’s worst nightmare.

By all means and measures, he’s one of the true stars of his generation.

Winning a Super Bowl would solidify Rivers’ place as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. It’d also help him rip the proverbial monkey off of his back with Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger emerging from the same draft class.

Rivers will be respected regardless, but he can reach new heights with a Super Bowl.

Next: One Final Year