Hunter S. Thompson is a legendary writer and pioneered his own form of journalism. When it came to NFL talent assessment, Thompson was decidedly less legendary.
Former San Diego Chargers quarterback Ryan Leaf shared a letter from Thompson to Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. Thompson informed Irsay he wouldn't provide a $30 million loan if the Colts were to select Peyton Manning but would do so with a commitment the team would select Leaf first overall in the 1998 draft:
Ryan D LeafSo I received this letter last week. It’s written by Hunter S Thompson to @Colts Owner Jim Irsay in 1998 a month before the NFL Draft.