Peyton Manning was reportedly almost a member of the Miami Dolphins.
Former Dolphins head coach Jimmy Johnson told Dan Le Batard and Co. that he nearly pulled off a trade for the No. 1 overall pick – and Manning – before the NFL Draft in 1998.
“It would have taken my entire draft board, but I could have made a trade to move up to get Peyton Manning. In truth, I talked to Peyton and Archie about it this weekend,” said Johnson.
“That’s all the details I can give you. I probably gave you too much already.”
The Dolphins would have had an aging Dan Marino with a prodigy in Manning at the quarterback position. Ah, what could have been.
Jimmy Johnson saying he could have traded for Peyton Manning in the 98’ draft and had Marino (37) mentor him is NOT the news I was looking for today…..pain
— Dolphin Dynasty 🐬 (@DolphinDynasty1) August 11, 2021
Some Dolphins fans are having good perspective, though.
“The lack of patience from Dolphin fans would have made it hard to see success. Also if the picks would have been a ton, the Fins wouldn’t have had the stellar defense Jimmy built,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Ya he said the “Dan fans” would have lost it and I agree but he still would have worked out imo. Large price but in hindsight, worth it for Manning. Only stud we really lose on D would be Surtain that draft,” another fan added.
“Could you imagine Dolphins vs Pats as Brady vs Manning twice a year for a decade,” another fan speculated.
It worked out well for Manning, of course. He went to Indianapolis, where he became one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, have not won a playoff game since 2000.
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