Eli Manning Makes His Mark in Hall of Fame Race
Retired New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has secured his place among the 15 modern-era player finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a significant milestone in his journey toward enshrinement in Canton. The announcement came on Tuesday, marking Manning’s second consecutive year as a finalist since he first became eligible last year but fell short of the final cut.
Competitive Field of Finalists
Manning finds himself in formidable company as he vies for a prestigious spot in the Hall. Among his competitors are notable players like Drew Brees, who made his mark with the Chargers and Saints; Larry Fitzgerald, the legendary receiver for the Cardinals; Frank Gore, a running back with a storied career across multiple teams including the 49ers and Colts; and Jason Witten, the tight end known for his time with the Cowboys and Raiders. This year also features four candidates who made it to the final seven last year: tackle Willie Anderson, receiver Torry Holt, linebacker Luke Kuechly, and kicker Adam Vinatieri.
An Unmatched Legacy with the Giants
Manning dedicated his entire 16-year career to the Giants, a rarity in today’s NFL landscape. He missed only one game as a starter during his tenure, which came when then-head coach Ben McAdoo made the controversial decision to bench him in favor of Geno Smith. His accolades include two Super Bowl victories, where he was named MVP for both Super Bowl XLII and XLVI. Additionally, Manning earned four Pro Bowl selections and shared the 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year award with Fitzgerald, highlighting his contributions both on and off the field.
Record-Breaking Achievements
The former Ole Miss standout holds several noteworthy NFL records. He shares the league record for the longest touchdown pass at 99 yards and set the record for the most passing yards in a single postseason with 1,219 yards in 2011. Over his career, Manning completed 60.3% of his pass attempts, amassing 57,023 yards, 366 touchdowns, and 244 interceptions, culminating in a passer rating of 84.1.
Looking Ahead to Selection Day
The candidates in the Modern-Era Players category will be reviewed by the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee ahead of Super Bowl LX. The Class of 2026 is set to be announced on February 5 during the “NFL Honors presented by Invisalign,” which will be broadcast from the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Fans can tune in via NBC and NFL Network or stream through Peacock and NFL+.
As Eli Manning continues his pursuit of football immortality, the anticipation surrounding his potential induction into the Hall of Fame only grows.
