Joe Namath can see Trevor Lawrence pulling an Eli Manning

Trevor Lawrence has more say on his NFL future than any pundit

However, when that pundit is a Hall of Famer, Lawrence has to at least listen. New York Jets legend Joe Namath doesn’t think Lawrence’s decision to turn pro is so simple, especially with the presumed No. 1 overall pick — his Jets — are playing like absolute garbage. Adam Gase’s future is still up in the air, which should scare any potentially prophetic prospect out of his mind.

So, what are Lawrence’s options? He could either return to school for his senior year in hopes that literally any other team is putrid enough to take him in 2022. Or, Lawrence could take a page from Eli Manning’s book.

By copying Manning, Lawrence could try and control his own destiny

“Anything could happen in this world, damn near anything — except for the Jets maybe making the playoffs this year,” Namath said Friday in a phone interview with ESPN. “It’s happened before, so why would it shock anybody?”

In the 2004 NFL Draft, Manning avoided being selected by the Chargers, and instead finessed his way to the New York Giants via trade. It was a long, grueling process, but it worked thanks to a family effort. Does Lawrence have that in him?

“Thinking back to the Manning family and Eli Manning and San Diego, there are some people that may not want to go [to a certain team] for whatever reason,” Namath continued.

Sure, it has happened before. Plus, Lawrence hasn’t fully committed to entering the 2021 NFL Draft class. The Jets already have Sam Darnold in tow, but they appear ready to punt on his development in favor of Lawrence.

If anyone can relate to Lawrence’s situation, it’s Namath himself. In 1965 he was drafted to the now-defunct AFL, essentially agreeing to go to the highest bidder between the AFL and NFL.  Lawrence doesn’t have to choose between two leagues, but the excitement around this can’t-miss prospect is eerily similar to he and Manning.

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