Revisiting the Chargers-Giants Eli Manning-Philip Rivers Trade

Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning was THE can't-miss prospect in the 2004 NFL Draft. Unfortunately for the San Diego Chargers, Manning refused to play for them, citing what he felt was the less than stellar way that the organization treated current and former players.

That stubbornness prompted a draft day trade that sent Manning to the New York Giants with Philip Rivers coming back to San Diego in return.

The Chargers also received the No. 12 overall pick in 2005, which became Shawne Merriman, a third-round pick in 2004 (Nate Kaeding), and a fifth-round pick in 2004 (tight end Jerome Collins).

While Manning just retired after spending his whole career with the Giants, winning two championships while breaking into the top 10 in passing yards and touchdowns along the way, Rivers is still going strong, having just left the Chargers for the Indianapolis Colts.

Rivers' numbers, including passing yards, touchdowns, interceptions, passer rating, and Pro Bowls, are all better than Manning's tally. However, by virtue of some underperforming Chargers rosters, overmatched coaches, and plain old bad luck, Rivers hasn't even appeared in a Super Bowl, while Manning took down Tom Brady twice in the sport's biggest game.

Who Won the Trade?

We might never get an answer, as the "winner" likely depends on personal preference. If you value championships, you'll probably think the Giants won this swap. If you value statistical greatness, you're more inclined to lean Chargers. Unless Rivers matches Eli's championships, which is unlikely, this will be one of the great sports bar debates that will be argued amongst bickering friends for decades to come.