Former North Carolina State University quarterback Philip Rivers mixed football stories with advice about life on Saturday morning when he spoke to more than 5,200 graduates at PNC Arena.
Rivers urged graduating seniors to identify priorities in their life, saying life is too short to simply "go through the motions."
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"You are on the brink of your greatest challenge yet; don't take that step without a firm commitment to your priorities," Rivers told graduates. "On what foundation will you build your future?"
Rivers, who set Wolfpack and NCAA records in four seasons as a starting quarterback, graduated from NC State in 2003 with a degree in business. He led NC State to four bowl games and a 34-17 record in 51 games a starter before seeing his No. 17 jersey retired.
"It wasn't too long ago, December of 2003, that I was sitting in your seat," Rivers said. "I was somber, but I was also eager to face the next challenge. I wasn't certain what the future held, but I knew if I stayed focused on my priorities, I'd be ready for life."
Rivers will begin his ninth season with the San Diego Chargers in September. In his career in the NFL, Rivers has thrown for more than 24,000 yards and 163 touchdowns while compiling a 95.5 quarterback rating.
On Saturday, Rivers said it was "privilege" to play football at NC State.
"I gotta tell you, standing here in front of my NC State family makes me want to run out of the tunnel at Carter-Finley Stadium just one more time."
Eighty-six NC State student-athletes representing 20 sports were part of the graduation ceremonies on Saturday, the highest number ever for a single ceremony.