Like many other guys (and some women) that I know, I spent this past weekend eagerly glued to ESPN and its wall-to-wall coverage of the NFL Draft. The fever surrounding the draft was greater than any in my recent memory. Who would go where? What blockbuster trades would be made? Would my beloved Browns land Robert Gallery?
But then, as seems to be the case in most sporting events, there was an athlete who had to act like he was bigger than the system he was becoming a part of. That led me to ask the question:
Eli Manning, just who do you think you are?
The son of Archie and brother of Peyton used his last name to change his future in the league, which also had a significant impact on the draft. One unproven college athlete who had never donned a professional jersey was stating who he would play for and who he would not.
Does anyone else see a problem with this?
Prior to the draft, the Manning family publicly stated Eli was prepared to sit out an entire season if he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers. When draft day rolled around, the Chargers brazenly selected Manning with their first selection on Saturday.
Manning took the podium amid waves of booing and sarcastic catcalls, held up a Chargers jersey and faked a smile. It was obvious that no person associated with the deal was pleased.
I, however, was laughing. Serves him right, I thought. If the Chargers were so bad last season that they were awarded the first pick in the draft, then they should have the right to pick whichever player they feel will most benefit their organization. In this case, it was Manning.
Manning was saved, however, a mere three picks later when the New York Giants drafted quarterback Philip Rivers.
But wait a minute! In a blockbuster deal, the Giants swapped Rivers for Manning and also acquire three additional draft picks including one first-round pick next year. Manning got what he wanted and the Chargers made out like bandits. If Rivers turns out to be a bust, San Diego has a first-round pick next year to consider another quarterback.
So Eli is spared from a fate worse than death: living and playing in a city with one of the best climates in America. I should be so lucky.
I know I am not a football player, no matter how much I may dream. The closest I will get to the field is the press box and that’s fine with me. I’ve had some success as a writer at the college level but I don’t think I would consider myself a fully-qualified professional journalist.
Consider this: If my dad had won a Pulitzer, would I have the right to demand that Rolling Stone picks me up as an editor? I highly doubt it. If my brother was an accomplished novelist, would some major publisher have to pick up my novel because I demand it? Negative. Without a proven professional track record, who would I be to demand anything?
And who was Manning to do the same?
Sorry Manning, but you went from fans who were willing to pin their hopes on your back to some of the most fickle fans in America – New York fans. Put up or shut up time will come real quick for you, and for your sake, I hope you’re ready to handle it.
After all, we’d hate to see you become the next draft pick the Chargers blow on a quarterback. Ryan Leaf anyone?
Adam Jardy is the Lantern sports editor and a third-year senior majoring in journalism. Commiserate with him on the Browns’ awful draft at [email protected].
