Eli Manning’s omission from the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class sparked plenty of debate across the NFL world.
As a two-time Super Bowl champion and one of the most iconic quarterbacks of his era, many believed his induction would be a sure thing. Instead, the New York Giants legend will have to wait at least another year.
While some analysts argued his numbers weren’t dominant enough for a first-ballot selection, others pointed to his postseason heroics as the ultimate Hall of Fame résumé. And who was among those who couldn’t believe the snub? None other than NFL (and MLB) legend Deion Sanders.
Deion Sanders on Eli Manning’s Hall of Fame Snub
On a recent live episode of the “Nightcap” podcast, Sanders made his stance crystal clear with just eight words:
“I’ll tell you what I can’t believe. I can’t believe they did that to Eli.”
“I’ll tell you what I can’t believe.
I can’t believe they did that to Eli”– Deion Sanders pic.twitter.com/DweUNuoSGJ
— awthentik (@awthentik) February 7, 2025
For years, fans have gone back and forth on whether Manning deserves a spot in Canton, Ohio, in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, Sanders doesn’t think it should be a question.
Never one to hold back his opinions, the Hall of Fame cornerback expressed what many Giants fans and former players were thinking.
Sanders knows what it takes to be enshrined in Canton, and to him, Manning had already done more than enough to earn his gold jacket.
A Career Built on Big Moments
Manning’s legacy is about more than just statistics. While his numbers may not be overwhelming — never won an MVP, never made an All-Pro team, and finished with a 117-117 career record — his ability to shine under the brightest lights separated him.
He is one of just two quarterbacks to defeat Tom Brady in a Super Bowl, doing it not once but twice. His unforgettable playoff runs in 2007 and 2011 saw him take down multiple powerhouse teams, leading the Giants to eight combined wins — seven of them against opponents with at least 13 regular-season victories.
Beyond his two championship rings and Super Bowl MVP awards, Manning was the face of the Giants for 16 seasons, embodying durability, leadership, and clutch play when it mattered most.
Manning Remains at Peace
While Sanders and many others voiced their frustration over Manning’s snub, the man himself took the news in stride. Instead of being upset about it, he shared a calm and collected response, stating that he was “at peace” with the decision.
His time in Canton will come, as history suggests quarterbacks with his playoff pedigree don’t wait long. But for now, Manning remains patient, knowing that when his moment arrives, it will only add to the legacy he built over 16 incredible seasons.