Eli Manning and Matt Ryan: A Comparison of Quarterback Legacies

Eli Manning retired in 2019 and missed his first opportunity for Hall of Fame consideration in 2025. He faced criticism for not being inducted this year, with fans debating whether quarterbacks of his era were indeed more skilled.

This week, discussions on social media brought Matt Ryan into the spotlight. The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, who now serves as the team’s president of football operations, last played in the NFL in 2022. He announced his retirement in 2024 and will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2028.

“Matt Ryan was a better QB than Eli Manning…people just worship the ring. Agree or disagree,” read one post that circulated widely.

Manning seemed to respond to these comparisons by referencing the Super Bowls he won with the New York Giants. In a retweet, he stated, “I’ll think about this a lot while I play in the ring…”

On paper, Ryan’s stats are more impressive than Manning’s. He won the NFL MVP award in 2016, a title that eluded Manning. Additionally, Ryan is recognized as the best player in Falcons history, amassing over 62,000 passing yards compared to Manning’s 57,023 yards.

Both quarterbacks have been Pro Bowl selections four times, but the significant distinction lies in championship victories. Manning secured Super Bowls in 2007 and 2011, whereas Ryan reached the Super Bowl once but did not win it. During his second Super Bowl win, Manning had a record-breaking season, throwing a staggering 4,933 passes.

In contrast, Ryan contributed 284 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in a Super Bowl where the Falcons once held a 25-point lead, only to suffer a historic collapse against the New England Patriots.

The Falcons have made it to the Super Bowl only twice since their inception in 1998, still in pursuit of their first championship. Meanwhile, the Giants are gearing up to celebrate their 100th season in 2024, having won four Super Bowls throughout their lengthy franchise history.