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NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history

By Hans Themistode

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Eli Manning
Eli Manning (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /

NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history: 16. The Chargers never trade Eli

It was virtually impossible to talk Eli Manning into staying but what if the Los Angeles Chargers did?

During the 2004 NFL Draft, Eli Manning was widely considered the best overall prospect. After several years of dominant play at Ole Miss, it was easy to see why. Manning threw for 3,600 yards, 29 touchdowns and only 10 picks in his final college season. For the Chargers, they were foaming at the mouth as they were envisioning Manning donning the white, gold and powder blue.

Yet, despite owning the number one overall pick, Manning made his feelings clear that he didn’t want to join their franchise. Given no other choice, the Chargers traded Manning to the New York Giants in exchange for Philip Rivers.

For roughly a decade and a half, Rivers put up monster stats. He’s currently the franchise leader with 59,271 passing yards and 397 touchdowns. Also, for the most part, he was generally viewed as a better player than Manning but none of that really mattered. The gaudy stats he put up were impressive but he never won a Super Bowl title or even played in the big game. Manning, on the other hand, pocketed two rings against arguably the greatest quarterback of all-time in Tom Brady and in one of those scenarios, he halted their undefeated season.

Considering the immense talent the Chargers had at their disposal year in and year out, would Manning have been able to bring this still titleless franchise a Super Bowl ring had he decided to stay? Without question.

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