“With the , uh, first choice of the 2004 NFL draft, the San Diego Chargers select Eli Manning, quarterback, Mississippi.” It was with these words that former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue kicked off the 2004 NFL Draft on April 24, 2004. To say this was a pick full of tension and drama would be an understatement to say the least.
Manning, the son of former Saints quarterback, Archie Manning, and younger brother of future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning , had had an illustrious collegiate career at Ole Miss. Eli finished his senior year fifth in the SEC all-time in passing yards, third in touchdowns and recipient of the Maxwell Award as the nation’s best all-around player.