It’s the mask: Rivers, Reich laugh over missed connection to open Colts camp

Frank Reich (From Videoconference)

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Hey, Coach … your new quarterback just tried to say “hello.”

This is how the Philip Rivers-Frank Reich era begins in Indianapolis. Rivers spots his old offensive signal caller walking through the weight room, shouts out a greeting to grab Reich’s attention, and … incomplete pass.

“I just kind of glanced over and waved because someone was walking with me and I was talking with them and because Philip (Rivers) had a mask on, I didn’t even recognize it was him,” Reich said.

“He walked right by,” Rivers said and laughed. “I think I kind of hollered and he kept walking and he didn’t know who hollered at him, nor should he.”

“I’m telling you it’s a little bit of a challenge in these masks and things that we are wearing.”

On Wednesday, the missed connection is about the only aspect of Rivers and Reich’s relationship that isn’t on the same page right now.

After just a few days of on-the-field work at Colts training camp, it is clear how much admiration exists between the pair.

“When you work with a guy for three years in this business, that’s a long time,” Reich said. 

“You get closer, you grind it out, you go through some big-time highs and lows together and those – there’s something that’s formed in battle there. There’s something going through those times together that brings you close, and I think we’re seeing that here with our team here.”

On a completely different note, Rivers, a father of nine, was asked whether he seriously considered opting out of the 2020 NFL season amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“No, there really wasn’t,” Rivers said. “There wasn’t any consideration. Again, I think the health and safety of my family is the upmost importance, but I just think again – I’m not going to pretend to be an expert.”

“I feel like we have to trust, be thankful, be safe and do the best we can. Another reason is I think at this point, making that decision for me would’ve been making the decision to be done period – retiring, which is nowhere on my mind.”

With Rivers locked and loaded at training camp, a fresh start for one of football’s greatest competitors ever is officially underway.