As a player, Manning never found controversy — his HOF candidacy, though, is certainly that
A contentious back room debate over whether or not former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will be a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer moved one step closer this week as Manning was selected as one of 25 semifinalists for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
This is Manning’s first year of Hall of Fame eligibiity. Six other first-time eligible players also reached the semifinal stage. They are linebacker Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, defensive end Terrell Suggs, safety Earl Thomas, placekicker Adam Vinatieri and offensive lineman Marshal Yanda.
The group of 25 was selected from a group 167 Hall of Fame nominees that was created earlier this year. Next, the group of 25 will be cut to 15 players for consideration by the Selection Committee during Super Bowl week.
Manning’s Hall of Fame worthiness is always a source of debate.
Former Giants defensive end Justin Tuck certainly backs his quarterback:
Justin Tuck is backing Eli Manning as a 1st ballot Hall of Famer @JustinTuck | @Realrclark25 @EliManning | #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/S1xVBTcZis
— New York Revival (@NewYorkRevival) November 13, 2024
“I got to see that dude work every day for alost 11 years. I don’t even understand how it’s a question,” Tuck said.
“What Eli did as long as he did in this city, to win those Super Bowls in the fashion that he helped us win them, I don’t understand why it’s even a question.”
There is also this from the Hall of Football Substack:
Eli is an interesting case. He shows up with two Super Bowl MVPs but not a single All-Pro honor. Nada. Nichts. Pfft. But forget that he has the fewest honors of any candidate in this class. We expect discussion on his validity as a first-ballot inductee to dominate meetings. Seniors selector Gary Myers is expected to lead the charge, but it will be a hard sell.
