In a moment that’s still remembered, former quarterback Eli Manning managed to avoid going to the then-San Diego Chargers when he was drafted, ultimately playing his whole career in the NFL as a member of the New York Giants.
Coming in the 2004 NFL Draft, the handling by Manning switched up the entire futures for both the Chargers and Giants. With the former, they moved Manning to the Giants in a trade, getting quarterback Philip Rivers in exchange. The Giants managed to get two Super Bowl championships out of Manning, while the Chargers still haven’t been to the “Big Game” since the 1994 campaign. (RELATED: Female NASCAR Driver Natalie Decker Completely Crashes Out, Rage-Quits Craftsman Truck Series In Middle Of Race)
Manning spoke about his choice to wiggle himself out of a situation with the Chargers. If he would’ve stayed in San Diego, he would’ve been a part of a franchise that was fresh off a 4-12 record with Marty Schottenheimer as the head coach. Most likely, he would have been behind Drew Brees and Doug Flutie on the depth chart. With the Giants, he got an immediate chance at QB1 over Kurt Warner.
“I just didn’t feel like they were the most committed team to winning at the time,” said Manning during an appearance on “Bussin’ with the Boys.” “Marty Schottenheimer was the head coach, who was awesome. Had great respect for him. But they came to work me out in New Orleans, went to dinner and there was just friction between the head coach, general manager (A.J. Smith), the owners (Spanos family). They are all yelling — kind of like fighting.
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Eli Manning explains what really went down with the San Diego Chargers pic.twitter.com/e8QDUHvxs0
— Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) May 16, 2026
“We are at a Marriott restaurant. Schottenheimer’s mad like, ‘We’re in New Orleans and we’re eating at a Marriott?’ He’s like pissed. They are kind of bickering. It just didn’t seem there was a lot of agreement on things and they were committed to building a great winning franchise at that moment.”
According to Manning, his parents weren’t supportive of him attempting to not get drafted by the Chargers, however, they did give him their blessing regarding letting him make his own decisions.
With the Giants, Manning was named a Pro Bowler four times, while also winning two Super Bowl MVPs. In one of his Super Bowl victories, he was a part of conquering the undefeated New England Patriots, beating the Tom Brady-led franchise in one of the greatest upsets ever seen in the NFL’s title game.
Manning’s career ended with 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdowns. In both passing yards and touchdown passes, he’s placed 11th all time. Manning is still waiting to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.