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The San Diego Chargers had the first pick in the 2004 draft, and they chose Eli Manning, a quarterback from the Ole Miss and the brother of NFL superstar Peyton Manning. Eli demanded a trade, and the Chargers traded him to the New York Giants in exchange for rookie QB Philip Rivers, a 2004 third round pick, and 2005 first and fifth rounders. Those picks turned into kicker Nate Kaeding, their starting kicker, linebacker Shawne Merriman, who would be defensive rookie of the year and Wesley Britt, who is no longer with the team. Rivers, out of NC State, was a great college QB and will be the Chargers starting quarterback, so they seem to be very satisfied with the deal.
Marty Schottenheimer, the head coach of the Chargers, will have Rivers on a short leash for the first few seasons. It’s a good thing they have LaDainian Tomlinson who is argueabley the best running back in the NFL. He has been able to be effective carrying the ball for 20-25 times a game in addition to catching 100 balls each season. If he isn’t the best back in the league he is the most well rounded runner in the league. They also have All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates for Rivers to throw to. Rivers will be set up to succeed. Now all we can do is sit back and see if he takes advantage of this opportunity.
The San Diego Chargers have been members of the NFL since the merger from the AFL in 1970. Since then, they’ve won five division championships and made seven playoff appearances out of the AFC West. Their only Super Bowl showing came in 1994 when they were beaten by the San Francisco 49ers.
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