NFL legend Eli Manning finally explained in 2021 why he refused to play for the team that first drafted him, breaking his silence after 17 years.
The 2004 NFL Draft, in which Manning was the headliner, is often hailed as one of the greatest quarterback drafts in the history of the league.
The upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, set to take place in Detroit from Thursday, April 25, to Saturday, April 27, has fans buzzing with similar anticipation. Many are speculating that USC quarterback Caleb Williams could be chosen as the No. 1 pick by the Chicago Bears.
This speculation has stirred up memories of Manning’s own draft drama back in 2004. Despite telling the team not to, the Chargers selected Manning and later traded him to the New York Giants in exchange for Philip Rivers and draft picks.
Manning then signed a six-year contract worth $45 million with the Giants, where he spent his entire career. During a 2021 interview on NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt’s podcast, the ex-New York QB confessed that the decision to refuse the Chargers was his own.
At the time, many believed it was a choice influenced by Eli’s father, Archie, the No. 2 pick in the 1971 NFL Draft. But the Giants icon claimed otherwise.
“It was my decision after talking with my agent, coaches, [general managers], and owners,” Manning said. Going through the draft process, I was just worried about the Chargers organization at the time. I felt it was the right decision, and I had a little pull.”