Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was on the Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot for the first time in 2025. A lot of Giants fans were hoping he would get inducted into the hall of fame in Canton, Ohio.
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Feb 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC lineman Dexter Lawrence (97) and wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) pose with coach Eli Manning during the 2025 Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Manning made it as a finalist, but he did not get the call to Canton. A lot of Giants fans were upset that he did not get in. Will the former New York quarterback get in during the 2026 selection or will he have to wait until later to get in?
FOX Sports Analyst Thinks That Former New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning Has An Uphill Battle To Climb To Get Into Canton
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Feb 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge interviews NFC coach Eli Manning during the 2025 Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
With the class of 2025 getting inducted into the hall of fame last weekend, many are looking ahead to what the class of 2026 could potentially look like. Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will be on the ballot for the first time next year and there is no doubt that both of those players will get in on the first ballot.
However, many are wondering if Manning will make it in 2026 as well, or if he will have to wait to get in. Well, FOX Sports reporter Eric Williams thinks that the former Giants quarterback has potentially an uphill climb to get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame next year. Williams said,
“A two-time Super Bowl champ and Super Bowl MVP, Manning’s performance in the postseason is worthy of the Hall of Fame. The issue for voters is how he performed during the regular season. Manning finished 117-117 as a starter, including 9-26 in his final three seasons. His career 84.1 passer rating is No. 60 in NFL history. Manning was never an All-Pro and went to only four Pro Bowls, so he was never considered among the elite QBs during his time in the league. “
Well, there is a lot of debate about whether Manning should be in the hall or not. There will be continuous debates about it. Not making the hall of fame in 2026 may not be an issue. However, it could become an issue if guys like Philip Rivers of the Los Angeles Chargers and Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers make it to the Hall of Fame before Manning does.
There is no doubt that the former Giants quarterback should get into the hall of fame at some point. His brother, Peyton Manning was a first ballot hall of famer. It was a little surprising that Eli didn’t make it in 2025 after making it as a finalist. If he does not get the call in 2026, there is a chance he could be waiting a while sadly.
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