Eli Manning has explained for the first time why he refused to play for the Chargers after they selected him first overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. The former quarterback described a tense pre-draft dinner that convinced him the organization lacked commitment to winning.
During a recent appearance on the Bussin' with the Boys podcast, Manning detailed the 2004 visit by Chargers officials to New Orleans. He said friction among head coach Marty Schottenheimer, general manager A.J. Smith and members of the Spanos family left him unimpressed. Manning recalled that Schottenheimer was upset about eating at a Marriott restaurant and that the group appeared to be bickering throughout the evening. He concluded that the team did not seem united or focused on building a strong franchise at the time. Manning also stated that his father, Archie Manning, did not influence the decision and in fact supported him publicly after the controversy arose. The Chargers later traded Manning to the New York Giants, where he won two Super Bowls. The team received Philip Rivers and several high draft picks in return.