Eli Manning was selected first overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft. Shortly thereafter, the New York Giants selected quarterback Philip Rivers with the fourth overall pick after the two teams agreed to a pre-draft agreement. Manning joined the Giants and Rivers, along with linebacker Shawne Merriman and kicker Nate Kaeding went to the Chargers – trade that worked out for both teams. In his rookie season, Manning served as backup to Hall of Famer Curt Warner, until the Giants went with Manning to start against the Atlanta Falcons at Giants Stadium on November 21st.

This offered white mesh road jersey was worn by Eli Manning during his rookie season of 2004 and has been photo matched by Sports Investors Authentication to the December 26th game in which Manning completed 19 passes for 201 yards. This size 50 Reebok jersey features Manning’s number “10” sewn on in red and blue tackle twill on the front back and shoulders. “GIANTS” is embroidered in blue at the base of the V-neck collar. The collar itself is blue with a red base and the “NFL EQUIPMENT” shield patch sewn on. “MANNING” is sewn on in blue tackle twill on a matching white Spandex nameplate. The inside collar has a patch that reads “04-50” and the Reebok tag with the “ 2”L.B.” and “50” flags are sewn on the bottom front left tail. This jersey displays light use with puckering of numbers. This style jersey was the last one used by the Giants in 2004 as they went without blue on their road jerseys starting in 2005. The sleeve length, nameplate shape and lack of a Giants 80th Anniversary patch are all consistent with Manning’s rookie road jersey.

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