Eli Manning was in the news earlier in February when his Hall of Fame snub gave way to major debate. NFL legend and former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is among those who weighed in on the decision.
The two-time Super Bowl MVP didn’t receive enough votes to make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first try, despite taking down Tom Brady twice on the sport’s biggest stage.
Drew Brees Was Surprised Eli Manning Didn’t Make Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2025 class was announced at the NFL Honors in New Orleans. It included Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Sterling Sharpe, and Eric Allen, leaving Manning on the outside looking in. The results surprised Brees, who will be eligible for Canton next year.
“I was surprised there were only four guys. It feels like over the years it’s been at least five or six,” Brees said.
He acknowledged that many deserving players missed out, but he believes Manning’s time will come. “It’s only a matter of time before all these guys are [in].” Brees also made sure to shout out his former Chargers teammate, Antonio Gates, calling him a clear first-ballot talent.
Manning, meanwhile, is taking the setback in stride. The New York Giants legend addressed his omission on “Good Morning Football,” saying, “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.”
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
The quarterback remains one of the most debated Hall of Fame candidates due to his mixed regular-season résumé—he was never an All-Pro, made only four Pro Bowls, and finished with a 117-117 career record. However, no one can deny his postseason heroics and two Super Bowl MVPs. He wished the best to all four legends who were inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“I’m excited for those guys that got in. All of them were so deserving … and (I’m) happy for them. I texted a few of them, the guys that I knew,” Manning said.
According to The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov, Manning wasn’t even close to induction this year, with voters favoring Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri as stronger first-ballot candidates. “There’s something to be said for being a first-ballot guy, but I think all those guys will get in at some point,” Brees said.
2-time Super Bowl champion @EliManning talks @saquon's rookie season and Coach Spags in the big game 🤩 pic.twitter.com/bjQScQLpXg
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) February 7, 2025
Manning may have to wait, but his enshrinement remains possible, even if he ends up sharing the spotlight with another Hall of Fame quarterback.
