Eli Manning was named one of the semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame voting for the modern era two weeks ago as he tries to make it to Canton, Ohio, in his first year.
Former New York Giants star has a Hall of Fame resume with two Super Bowl championships – both over Tom Brady and the undefeated New England Patriots – as well as 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdown passes. Those stats were among the NFL’s highest ever when he retired after the 2019 season.
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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, #10, passes before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on December 11, 2011. (Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)
However, getting into the Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot is a tough climb as he will have to last as long as Antonio Gates, Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne, Darren Woodson, Fred Taylor and a few others who have been on the ballot longer.
Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick appeared on ESPN’s “ManningCast” Monday during the Los Angeles Rams game a playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings and threw support behind the four-time Pro Bowl running back.
“Eli, you don’t look so good in that hoodie, but you’ll look great in the gold jacket,” Belichick told Manning. “I’m sure it will happen, and you deserve so much to join Peyton in the gold jacket.”
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning on the field before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 13, 2024. (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
Manning said New York Post last week he wasn’t so sure.
“I guess it’s different just because it’s all out of your hands, you’re not campaigning for it, you’re not trying to talk to people about it or prove your point,” he said. “If I get in, it’s going to be a great, amazing couple of days down in New Orleans, and if I don’t get in, it’s not going to spoil it for me. I’m not going to be in a bad mood, I’m not going to sulk around.
“Just to be included in the top 15 this year is a great honor, so I look at all of this as a positive and fun experience.”
Former New York Giants guard Eli Manning sits courtside during the fourth quarter between the New York Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2025 in New York. (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
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If he does get in, the announcement ceremony will be held in New Orleans – Manning’s hometown.
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