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“He Refused to Play for Them”: Caleb Williams Must Consider Pulling an Eli Manning, Advices RG3

Published 03/18/2024, 9:46 AM EDT

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As the NFL Draft approached, the spotlight on Caleb Williams continued to brighten with every passing day. The highly touted former USC Trojans quarterback is expected to be drafted early in the first round. Now, former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III offers a bold suggestion on his future, advising Williams to pull off a move like Eli Manning and assert his dominance in the professional footballing landscape.

Drawing parallels to Manning’s iconic draft, Griffin urged Williams to prioritize his career trajectory and choose a franchise that aligns with his dreams and aspirations for greatness. While Williams has decided to represent himself without an agent, questions about whether he could secure the best possible deal have been raised constantly. With the Bears trading Justin Fields to the Steelers, Griffin’s advice offers a new perspective on this highly followed move, which can shape the NFL in the coming years.

Griffin evaluates the best organizational fit for Williams

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Robert Griffin III reflects on Manning’s bold stance during the 2004 draft. He says, “Eli Manning had power in that 2004 draft,” edifying on Manning’s refusal to play for the San Diego Chargers due to concerns surrounding the team’s future directions and strategies. He underlines the need for Caleb Williams to also carefully assess whether the Chicago Bears, who are in pole position to sign him enjoying the first overall pick, would ideally offer him the best environment for growth and success in the league. Considering Manning’s stern decision not to play for the Chargers, he said, “He refused to play for them, even threatened to sit out an entire season if they drafted him, and they still drafted him.

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Griffin added, “What team out there gives him the best chance to be successful? Only he can deem that.” His insight into the situation underlines the pivotal decision that Williams faces as he navigates the pre-draft process. By strategically noting down all the factors for being a starter and an immediate success, metrics such as team culture, coaching staff, and organizational stability will be highly influential in making Williams make a calculated choice for a prosperous NFL career.

Exercising individual agency and power while deciding the perfect team

Robert Griffin III acknowledges the weight of Williams’ decision and urges him to take accountability for his situation as the best quarterback in the current class. “He does have power right now, and he should exercise it if he feels like Chicago is not where he should be,” Griffin asserts. Reminiscing about his experiences in the NFL, Griffin emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal and professional fulfillment over external pressures. His advice goes a long way for young athletes maturing into making their own decisions and trying to pave their way.

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With Williams’ roots tracing back to Washington and his father Carl also preferring the franchise, Griffin suggests that returning to his hometown could offer him the ideal setting for his NFL journey. The Commanders also enjoy the second overall pick and are expected to be in contention for Williams alongside Drake Maye, making the Draft even more exciting. While Griffin used Manning as a riveting example, he still asked Williams to prioritize his and his family’s long-term goals and targets while making this important step. Do you think he has what it takes to replicate Manning’s decisions? Let us know in the comments below.

Read Also:  “He Is Gonna Lose a Lot”: Caleb Williams Warned About Chicago Bears Ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

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Written by:

Rajveer Gupta

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One take at a time

Rajveer Gupta is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports. As a college football beat writer and a soccer athlete himself, Rajveer covers every angle related to the Colorado Buffaloes with an in-depth analysis of their training and playing style. His unique blend of expertise and relatability sets him apart in sports journalism.
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Edited by:

Tripti Sarda