Eli Manning Misses First-Ballot Hall of Fame Induction, But Case Remains Strong

New York Giants legend Eli Manning will have to wait for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after falling short in his first year of eligibility. Despite being a top-15 finalist, the two-time Super Bowl MVP didn’t even crack the top 10 in voting, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding his candidacy.

Manning’s legacy remains a polarizing topic due to his regular-season record, but his postseason heroics—including two legendary Super Bowl wins over Tom Brady’s New England Patriots—keep his Hall of Fame case strong.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter defended Manning’s credentials on Get Up, emphasizing his undeniable impact on NFL history.

“When I was a voter briefly, the one thing that people said is, can you write the history of the sport without this person?” Schefter said. “Eli Manning is a two-time Super Bowl MVP who twice put down the Patriots and prevented them from having an undefeated season. You can’t write the history of the sport in recent years without Eli Manning, which is why he’s going to go. He just didn’t go in his first year of eligibility.”

Manning’s career regular-season record (117-117) has often been cited as a reason for hesitation, particularly due to the Giants’ struggles in his final seasons. However, his postseason excellence—coupled with his clutch performances on football’s biggest stage—continues to make him a strong candidate for eventual enshrinement.

According to Schefter, the voting committee was split, leading to Manning’s omission in his first attempt.

“When there’s that much debate and that much division, inevitably, you’re not going to get in on the first try,” Schefter explained.

While Manning will have to wait, his two Super Bowl MVPs and iconic playoff moments suggest his Hall of Fame call is only a matter of time.