NFL star requested not to be picked by one team in Draft and tried to keep it a secret

NFL legend finally admitted why he refused to play for the team that initially drafted him back in 2004, solving a 17-year mystery. The 2004 , where Manning was the main attraction, is often hailed as one of the greatest quarterback drafts in league history. Now, the 2025 NFL Draft is underway and full of unique stars across offence and defence, 21 years on from when Manning caused a ruckus while being picked.

Fans have been discussing the calibre of quarterbacks in this year's selections, bringing back memories of how good the 2004 Draft was - and also the saga that surrounded New York Giants icon Eli Manning. Despite his request not to, the Chargers picked Manning first overall, but later traded him to the in exchange for Philip Rivers and draft picks.

Manning went on to sign a six-year deal worth £33.9million ($45m) with the Giants, where he spent his entire career. In a 2021 interview on NFL Network's Kyle Brandt's podcast, the former New York star revealed that the decision to reject the Chargers was entirely his own - and not one influenced by his father Archie, the No. 2 pick in the 1971 NFL Draft.

"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.

"I quietly tried to say, 'Hey, please don't draft me, it can be our secret,' and they didn't keep the secret part very well. It wasn't my dad. He was trying to take the heat off of me; he knew I was going to get criticised.

"After that, the Chargers turned it around, they got Shawne Merriman, then Drew Brees started playing great, then Philip [Rivers] started playing great, they went to AFC Championship games, they're making playoffs and turned things around."

The 2003 NFL season was a tough one for the Chargers under Marty Schottenheimer's leadership, finishing with a dismal 4-12 record. They faced crushing defeats at the hands of teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, and Cincinnati Bengals.

In 2003, the Chargers' offensive efforts were led by Brees, who passed for 2,108 yards and 11 touchdowns, and LaDainian Tomlinson, who amassed 1,645 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Despite having defensive talents such as Marcellus Wiley and Donnie Edwards, the team struggled defensively, conceding the second-highest points per game in the league.

The 2004 NFL Draft stood out for its depth in quarterback talent, showcasing not only Manning and Rivers but also Ben Roethlisberger, who was selected at No. 11, and Matt Schaub in the third round.

Manning, who became a pivotal figure for the Giants, clinched two Super Bowl titles, as well as the overall MVP awards in both and earning four Pro Bowl selections.

But life could have been very different for the Manning family had the Chargers not ended up agreeing a trade with the Giants, and had instead stuck with their initial pick of the young QB in San Diego.