Eli Manning’s Hall of Fame Debate: First Ballot or Long Wait?
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Eli Manning has always been a quarterback who thrives in the face of doubt. Remember the 2007 playoffs? Back then, the New York Giants were underdogs, and Manning was seen as a player who might crumble under pressure. Yet, he silenced critics by leading the Giants to a historic Super Bowl victory over the undefeated New England Patriots. That win wasn’t just a fluke; it was a statement.
But let’s rewind to the start of that playoff run. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber famously said before their wild-card matchup, “Manning can be had, we know that.” At the time, Manning was known for being mistake-prone. However, on that day, he was flawless, throwing two touchdown passes and zero interceptions in a 24-14 win over the Bucs. That victory was just the beginning. Manning went on to throw six touchdown passes and only one interception during the playoffs, earning Super Bowl MVP honors after orchestrating a stunning comeback against the Patriots.
Fast forward a few years, and the doubters returned with the infamous “Is Eli elite?” debate. Manning’s response? Another Super Bowl win, another MVP trophy, and another victory over Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. If that doesn’t scream clutch, what does?
Now, as Manning stands on the doorstep of the Pro Football Hall of Fame as one of 25 semifinalists for the Class of 2025, the debate rages on. Will he be a first-ballot inductee, or will he have to wait his turn?
The Case For Manning
When Manning won his second Super Bowl, many thought the debate was over. Two Super Bowl wins in four years, 15 touchdown passes, and just one interception during those playoff runs—those are numbers that demand respect. Manning didn’t just win; he thrived under the brightest lights and the most intense pressure. He led two last-minute, game-winning drives in those Super Bowls, cementing his legacy as a big-game performer.
“In my opinion, he’s the greatest big-game quarterback that I’ve ever been around,” said his former coach, Tom Coughlin. That’s high praise from someone who’s seen it all.
And let’s not forget the company Manning keeps. He’s one of only five quarterbacks with two Super Bowl MVPs, joining Bart Starr, Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, and Tom Brady. As ESPN reporter and Hall of Fame voter Sal Paolantonio put it, “Three of them [Starr, Montana, and Bradshaw] are in. We know Brady’s going in. Eli’s got to go in.”
Beyond the Super Bowls, Manning’s career numbers are nothing to scoff at. When he retired, he ranked seventh all-time in completions (4,895), passing yards (57,023), and touchdowns (366). While those stats alone might not guarantee a Hall of Fame spot, combined with his postseason heroics, they create a compelling case.
Durability is another feather in Manning’s cap. He made 210 consecutive starts from 2004 to 2017, the third-longest streak in NFL history behind Brett Favre and Philip Rivers. And here’s the kicker: he never missed a game due to injury. As the saying goes, the best ability is availability, and Manning embodied that throughout his career.
The Case Against Manning
Of course, not everyone is convinced. As one Hall of Fame voter put it, the “hurdles are significant” for Manning, especially if he hopes to make it in on his first try.
For starters, Manning was never considered one of the top three quarterbacks in the league during his career. He never finished higher than sixth in QBR in a single season and only cracked the top 10 twice (2008 and 2009). He was also never named an All-Pro, a distinction that even players like Tony Romo, Cam Newton, and Carson Palmer managed to achieve at least once.
Then there’s his regular-season record: 117-117. A .500 record doesn’t exactly scream Hall of Fame, does it? Critics also point to his penchant for turnovers. Manning led the league in interceptions three times and retired with 244 career picks, ranking 12th all-time in that category.
Some voters have even compared Manning to former Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett, the only other two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback not in the Hall of Fame. Like Manning, Plunkett had a modest winning percentage and a knack for postseason success, but his overall career left voters unconvinced.
The Process
Manning is now among the 25 modern-day semifinalists for the Hall of Fame. That list will be trimmed to 15 finalists before the full selection committee meets to vote on the Class of 2025. To be inducted, a player must receive approval from 80% of the voters, with three to five modern-era candidates making the cut each year.
It’s worth noting that Manning faces stiff competition. First-time candidates like Luke Kuechly and Earl Thomas are in the mix, along with holdovers like Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, and Reggie Wayne. The logjam at certain positions, particularly wide receiver and offensive line, could make it tough for newcomers like Manning to break through.
Even if Manning doesn’t make it on the first ballot, it’s not the end of the world. Giants legend Michael Strahan didn’t get in on his first try, despite six All-Pro selections and the single-season sack record. He was inducted in his second year of eligibility.
As Coughlin said, “He’s very, very worthy. It will happen. The question is when.”
Originally Written by: Jordan Raanan
