Manning later spoke of a similar situation when he played with James in 2004. “I mean, he’s going to be good, but like I said, there’s a reason we have to be in training camp. It’s important to me,” he said. “I remember the 2004 game. We had a couple turnovers in that game … anyway … I’m over that game. 2004. I’m over it. It’s been 20 years.”

Eli Manning was covering the game with Peyton Manning, and he responded, “It looks like you’re not over it. It looks like you’re still mad about it. Did anybody hold out? Who held out?”

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Peyton said, “Well, Edgerrin stuck with it. Edgerrin stuck with it. And he fumbled. Look, Edgerrin is the best running back I’ve ever played with, but when you miss training camp, you notice it. It makes a difference.”

James played with Manning from 1999 to 2005 and became one of the NFL’s top running backs. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1999 after rushing for 1,533 yards and 13 touchdowns, while catching 62 passes for 586 yards and four touchdowns. In his seven seasons with the Colts, James had five seasons in which he rushed for at least 1,200 yards. And of those five seasons, the former Miami Hurricanes alumnus rushed for at least 1,500 yards in four of them. James’ production played a major role in Manning winning the MVP award in 2003 and 2004.

Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers on August 30. He was nearly traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the 49ers worked out a new deal with him. Aiyuk was selected No. 25 overall by the 49ers in the 2020 NFL Draft and was named to the All-Pro Second Team in 2023 after catching 77 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.