North Carolina State University Athletics
Rivers Hits the Practice Field for Chargers
5/7/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
May 7, 2004
By Tony Haynes
Philip Rivers is all about playing, practicing and studying the game of football, which is exactly why he'll be back in his element this weekend when he participates in his first NFL minicamp with the San Diego Chargers. NC State's record breaking quarterback, who was the fourth player selected in last month's NFL Draft, was among 29 Chargers rookies who checked in at the club's practice facility on Thursday night.
"I don't know what to expect, other than what you see on ESPN - guys getting tied to the goalpost," Rivers told Chargers.com. "That's part of being a rookie. I'm excited. I think my four years as a starter helped prepare me. I saw the practice field lined off and I'm excited to get out there."
Rivers set an NCAA mark by starting 51 consecutive games at NC State, which is just one of a bevy of records he set during an incredible career with the Wolfpack.
Thursday night's gathering included a rookie orientation dinner at Chargers Park.
On Friday morning, Rivers and the rest of San Diego's first-year players were scheduled to workout with the rest of the team's veterans, including quarterbacks Drew Brees and Doug Flutie.
Saturday and Sunday's practices will be for rookies only. The Chargers will hold their first official full-squad minicamp from June 11-13.
Rivers, the ACC's all-time leader in passing and total offense, was initially drafted by the New York Giants before being traded to the Chargers for top pick Eli Manning on draft day. Since that time, he has been preparing to move his family out to the west coast by flying back and forth between Raleigh and San Diego.
Two of Rivers' teammates - wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery and guard Sean Locklear - participated in their first rookie minicamps last weekend.
