Eli Manning: I can’t remember why I didn’t want to be a Charger
By Mike Dyce
Remember when Eli Manning threw a fit when he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 2004 NFL draft? His complaining forced a trade to the New York Giants, and the Chargers wound up with Philip Rivers at quarterback.
“I forgot, I think. I just can’t remember, it’s been 10 years. It slipped my mind,” Manning said, via Conor Orr of the Star-Ledger. “Ten years ago, I don’t know. I can’t remember.”
It probably had to do with being on the pine behind Drew Brees for two seasons. It could have had something to do with being in the AFC with his brother Peyton Manning as well.
When Rivers did get in the Chargers weren’t horrendous. Rivers led the Chargers to 1 14-2 record in 2006, and an 11-5 record the following season. Still it all worked for Manning who has since won two Super Bowls with the Giants.
Just to be clear, Manning doesn’t have a problem with San Diego, just the Chargers.
“I have nothing against San Diego as a city,” Manning said. “We had our rookie symposium there and besides that, we’ve had a few other things, I know it’s a beautiful city and great weather. There’s a lot of great things to it.”