In keeping with our lists of events from 2006, here are some of the sports stories that Gothamist found compelling in the past year. It ranges from the playoff disappointment from the Mets and the Yankees to the welcome performances of last season's Rangers, this season's Jets and Rutgers. more ›

You know its been a tough season when Jets fans look back so fondly to last season's cardiac-inducing AFC Divisional playoff victory over the San Diego Chargers. Remember linebacker Eric Barton's penalty, which could have been the costliest in franchise history? Anyhow, with things looking down but not yet out for the Jets (2-5), a date with a San Diego (4-4) team that looks like last year was no fluke does not seem like an ideal situation, even after a bye week. more ›

After a season that saw the team reach a new low after respected General Manager John Butler died of cancer, the San Diego Chargers used the first pick of the 2004 NFL Draft to select Eli Manning. more ›

Collins's career with the Giants was all but over the moment the Giants made a draft-day trade for Eli Manning. The Giants traded the rights to Philip Rivers and several draft picks, including a first round pick in 2005, for the rights to Manning. The Giants had hoped that Collins would restructure his contract and remain with the Giants as either a starter or back-up next year, but Collins was unwilling to renegotiate. more ›