Part 1/7:
The Controversial Journey of Eli Manning to the NFL
In the months leading up to the 2004 NFL Draft, Eli Manning found himself in a perplexing predicament. He was virtually guaranteed to be the number one overall pick; however, he harbored a significant concern—he did not want to play for the San Diego Chargers, the team set to select him first.
Though Manning refused to detail his reasons during his active playing career, citing an inability to recall, there has since been a clearer understanding of the circumstances that influenced his decision. Insights have emerged not just from Eli, but also from his family's perspective, particularly a pivotal phone call made by his father, Archie Manning.