The Greatest NFL Starting Job Thefts of All Time

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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Los Angeles Chargers: Philip Rivers takes over for Drew Brees

At the time, the San Diego Chargers were faced with a situation that would be considered enviable for any team given the privilege of hindsight.

Drew Brees suffered a devastating injury just two years after the Chargers used the number one overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft on Eli Manning, trading him later to the New York Giants for Philip Rivers.

Rivers, the fourth overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, patiently waited for his time in San Diego and the Chargers opted to move on from Brees after his injury at the end of the 2005 season. The decision to acquire Rivers gave the Chargers the peace of mind they needed to move on from Brees and move forward into a new era at the quarterback position.

Brees would sign with the New Orleans Saints and Rivers would go on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Chargers.

To this point, both players (who will each be in the Hall of Fame one day) have just one Super Bowl title between them (Brees) but neither the Saints nor the Chargers have had to worry about the quarterback position for the better part of the last two decades.

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