Philip Rivers is 'a true inspiration': NFL world reacts to legendary QB's retirement

Philip Rivers called it a career on Wednesday after 17 seasons -- 16 with the Los Angeles Chargers and one with the Indianapolis Colts.

Though the quarterback never made it to a Super Bowl, he ranks fifth in NFL history with 63,440 passing yards, behind only Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. His 421 career touchdown passes also rank fifth in league history, and he could be bound for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in five years.

Former competitors such as Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, retired New York Giants QB Eli Manning (who was traded for Rivers in 2004) and Houston Texansdefensive linemanJ.J. Watt, among others, got onto social media to pay tribute to Rivers as he transitions to coaching high school football: