For 16 seasons, Eli Manning was the face of the New York Giants. The two-time Super Bowl champion built a career defined by clutch performances, durability, and poise under pressure.
Yet when the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its 2025 class, Manning’s name was noticeably absent. Despite ranking in the top 10 all-time in passing yards and touchdowns when he retired, the former Giants great was left waiting another year.
While some players might have taken the snub personally, Manning responded in the same calm, collected manner that defined his career.
Eli Manning Responds to Hall of Fame Snub
Most famously, Manning became one of just two quarterbacks to ever take down Tom Brady on football’s biggest stage — doing it not once but twice. His game-winning drives in Super Bowls 42 and 46 remain some of the most legendary moments in NFL history, cementing his legacy as one of the most unshakable quarterbacks to ever play the game.
In an interview on “Good Morning Football,” Manning addressed the Hall of Fame decision with his usual even-keeled approach: “I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be my night, and I understand that. I’m totally at peace. It’s not gonna change my outlook on my career and how I feel about it.”
Eli Manning on HOF "snub" to @JamieErdahl on @gmfb OT: "I had a feeling it wasn't going to be my night, and I understand that. I'm totally at peace. It's not gonna change my outlook on my career and how I feel about it."
— Jeremy Bergman (@JABergman) February 7, 2025
True to form, Manning didn’t let the disappointment shake him. He’s always been about perspective — never too high, never too low — and that mentality seems to have carried over into his post-playing days.
A Career Defined by Championships
Manning’s legacy goes far beyond stats. Though his numbers may not scream “first-ballot Hall of Famer” to some, his ability to deliver on the biggest stage separates him.
His two Super Bowl-winning playoff runs remain among the most clutch performances by any quarterback in history. In those two postseasons, he led the Giants to eight combined wins — seven of them coming against teams with 13 or more regular-season wins.
Statistically, Manning’s career wasn’t defined by the usual Hall of Fame benchmarks. He never won an MVP, never made an All-Pro team, and finished with a balanced 117-117 record as a starter.
His 60.3% completion rate is comparable to the likes of Jason Campbell and Jon Kitna, and his passer rating of 84.1 sits just above Mark Brunell. But those numbers pale in comparison to what he accomplished when it mattered most.
His Super Bowl MVP performances, including the helmet catch game against the previously undefeated New England Patriots, are what make him a football icon. Manning didn’t just win rings; he took down arguably the greatest dynasty the sport has ever seen … twice.
What’s Next for Manning?
Manning’s impact goes beyond what he did on the field. His off-field contributions, including winning Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2016 and his continued presence as a media personality, only bolster his standing as a franchise icon.
He was the face of the Giants for 16 years and remains a beloved figure in the sport.
He will have another chance at the Hall of Fame in 2026, and while he may not admit it, his time is coming. History has shown that quarterbacks with his playoff pedigree don’t wait long before receiving their gold jacket.
For now, though, Manning remains at peace, focused on life after football. Whether it’s breaking down film on Monday Night Football with Peyton Manning, continuing his charity work, or simply being a dad, he’s keeping things in perspective.
His Hall of Fame moment will come. And when it does, you can bet he’ll handle it with the same quiet confidence that made him a New York legend.