NEW ORLEANS — The buzz around Eli Manning and the Pro Football Hall of Fame is still going strong. Manning, who had a standout career with the New York Giants, did not make it into the Hall in his first year of eligibility. The 2025 class was announced Thursday evening during the NFL Honors show, just days before the Super Bowl.
This year’s inductees included prominent names like Chargers tight end Antonio Gates and Vikings pass rusher Jared Allen. Despite the excitement surrounding Manning, he will have to wait until next year to hear if he joins the ranks of these legends.
Eli Manning’s case for the Hall of Fame has sparked plenty of debate. He won two Super Bowl titles but never captured an MVP award. In his 16-season career, he made only four Pro Bowls and led the league in interceptions but not in major passing categories.
Making it to the list of 15 finalists in his first year is a glimmer of hope for Manning. Fans who championed his induction will have to rally again in 2026. Although he didn’t seem fazed by this year’s result, it’s clear he values what the Hall of Fame represents.
During Super Bowl week in New Orleans, Manning shared his thoughts on the honor of being inducted. “It would be a great honor to be in the Hall of Fame,” he told Yahoo Sports. “It’s not just about me; it’s about my family, my teammates, and the Giants organization.” His words reflect how much he values the shared experience of the game.
Although Manning missed out this time, many players have also faced delays. Terrell Owens is a notable example, having been passed over multiple times before finally being elected. Manning stated that the timing of his induction isn’t a priority for him. “I don’t know if it matters what year you get in,” he explained.
When considering Manning’s legacy, two Super Bowl games shine bright. He was crucial in leading the Giants to victory against the New England Patriots in both the 2007 and 2011 seasons, earning the Super Bowl MVP title each time. His memorable performance in Super Bowl XLII, where he orchestrated a last-minute drive culminating in the famous “Helmet Catch,” remains one of the most iconic moments in NFL history.
Manning’s record is impressive, too. He sits 11th on the all-time passing yards list, with a total of 57,023 yards and 366 touchdowns. Notably, he’s ahead of Hall of Famers like John Elway and Fran Tarkenton. Still, some argue against his Hall of Fame candidacy. He was never considered the best quarterback in the league, and while he had two superb playoff runs, he didn’t win a playoff game in 14 other seasons.
As more quarterbacks like Drew Brees and Philip Rivers become eligible in 2026, Manning’s wait may grow even more challenging. For now, he continues to stand on the sidelines, hopeful for what the future holds.
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