Eli Manning was named one of the semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s modern era voting two weeks ago as he tries to make it to Canton, Ohio, in his first year.
The former New York Giants star has a Hall of Fame-worthy resume with two Super Bowl championships, both over Tom Brady and an undefeated New England Patriots team, as well as 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdown passes. Those statistics were among the highest in the NFL when he retired from the sport after the 2019 season.
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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, #10, throws a pass 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 an uphill climb, as he will have to last as long as Antonio Gates, Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne, Darren Woodson, Fred Taylor and a handful of others who have been on the ballot the longest.
Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick appeared on ESPN’s “ManningCast” Monday during the Los Angeles Rams’ victory over the Minnesota Vikings and expressed his support for the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
“Eli, you don’t look very good in that hoodie, but you’ll look great in a gold jacket,” Belichick told Manning. “I’m sure that’s going to happen, and you deserve it too joining Peyton in a gold jacket.”
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning on the field before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on October 13, 2024. (Images by Brad Penner-Imagn)
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Manning told the New York Post last week that he wasn’t exactly so sure.
“I guess it’s different just because it’s all out of your control, 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 wonderful, amazing few days in New Orleans, and if I don’t, it won’t ruin everything for me. I’m not going to be in a bad mood, I guess.” I’m not going to be in a bad mood.
“Just being included in the top 15 this year is a huge honor, so I look at all of this as a positive and fun experience.”
Former New York Giants quarterback 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 City. York. (Images by Brad Penner-Imagn)
If he makes it in, the announcement ceremony would take place in New Orleans, Manning’s hometown.
