Two weeks ago, Eli Manning was named one of the semifinalists in the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Modern Era Ballot and was on track to join Canton, Ohio State in his first year.
The former New York Giants star won two Super Bowls against Tom Brady and the undefeated New England Patriots, and has a Hall of Fame career with 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdowns. . Those stats were among the best in NFL history at the time he retired from the sport after the 2019 season.
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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (number 10) throws a pass before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on December 11, 2011. (Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)
But to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in your first year on the ballot, you have to last as long as Antonio Gates, Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne, Darren Woodson, Fred Taylor, and several other Hall of Famers to date. It is an uphill climb. It's on the ballot longer.
Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick appeared on ESPN's “Manning Cast” on Monday during the Los Angeles Rams' playoff victory over the Minnesota Vikings to cheer on the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
“Eli, that hoodie doesn't really look good on you, but I think the gold jacket will look good on you,” Belichick told Manning. “I'm sure it will, and it's only fitting that you join Peyton in the gold jacket.”
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning stands on the field before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium on October 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Brad Penner Imagen Images)
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Manning said: new york post Last week, he wasn't so sure.
“I think that's different. It's just that it's all out of your hands, you're not campaigning for it, you're not talking to people about it, you're not trying to prove your point. “That's the only reason,” he said. “If I can make it, it's going to be a great, incredible few days in New Orleans, and if I can't make it, it won't ruin it for me. I'm not going to be in a bad mood. No, I'm not trying to be grumpy.
“Just being in the top 15 this year is such an honor, so I look at this whole thing as a positive and fun experience.”
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning sits courtside during the fourth quarter of the New York Knicks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2025 in New York City. (Brad Penner Imagen Images)
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If he plays, the announcement ceremony will be held in Manning's hometown of New Orleans.
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