Ironically, Drew Brees, who Rivers replaced in San Diego, and Eli Manning were among this year’s Hall of Fame finalists, along with Philip Rivers (until today). With Rivers dropping out, Brees & Manning are both likely going into the hall next year.

…the 2005 Giants 1st round pick. The Trade set up talent for the 2005 through 2007 seasons. And Manning won two Super Bowls

..used the team’s first draft pick to choose Eli. The New York Giants picked Rivers three picks later. Then the Giants and Chargers traded Manning for Rivers plus three draft picks (a third round in that same draft, and a 1st and 5th in the following year’s draft - - Shaun Merriman was selected with

The Chargers stated that they intended to draft Eli Manning. Eli Manning said “I refuse to play for San Diego.” Pre-Draft, the Giants talked about trading picks. In the process of discussions they discovered that Rivers was the Chargers’ second choice behind Manning. AJ Smith the SD general manager,

Required reading