Saturdays Feed My Soul

The 2004 NFL Draft was shaped by far more than the outstanding quarterback talent available. Eli Manning’s refusal to join the Chargers, Ernie Accorsi’s calculated gamble, and a franchise altering trade created a defining moment in draft history. At the centre of it all were three quarterbacks, Manning, Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger, whose careers would go on to shape the NFL for the next decade.

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, I've been reflecting on some of the most historic NFL Drafts. Few classes stand close to the legendary 1983 NFL Draft. Featuring John Elway, Dan Marino and Jim Kelly, alongside a remarkable depth of Hall of Fame talent. This was more than just a strong class, it was a turning point in NFL history.

Indiana’s first national championship was not built on five-star recruits or tradition, but belief, balance and nerve. From 100-1 outsiders to a 16–0 season, Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers completed one of college football’s most remarkable turnarounds with a gritty College Football Playoff final win over Miami.

"Are Indiana unstoppable?" was the unexpected Whatsapp message I received from my father-in-law the morning after the Hoosiers' stunning 56-22 thrashing of No.5 Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

College football is changing by the week. Welcome to a new order. The semi-finals of the College Football Playoff, in just its second season of an expansion to 12 teams, will feature two teams in the first game, Indiana and Oregon, who have never won a national championship.

Each November, Marshall University honours the 75 lives lost in 1970 through its “Play For The 75” Game, a tradition built on remembrance and resilience.