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Join Telegram ChannelEli Manning was named one of the semifinalists in the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Modern Era ballot two weeks ago as he attempts to make it to Canton, Ohio, in his junior year.
The former New York Giants star has a Hall of Fame-worthy resume with two Super Bowl championships – both against Tom Brady and an undefeated New England Patriots team – as well as 57,023 passing yards and 366 catches of touchdown. Those stats were among the highest ever in the NFL when he retired from the sport after the 2019 season.
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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, number 10, throws a pass before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, December 11, 2011. (Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)
However, getting into the Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot is an uphill climb, as he will have to last as long as Antonio Gates, Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne, Darren Woodson, Fred Taylor and a handful of others who were elected. on the ballot longer.
Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick appeared on ESPN's “ManningCast” Monday during the Los Angeles Rams' playoff victory over the Minnesota Vikings and lent his support to the four-time quarterback Pro Bowl.
“Eli, you don’t look very good in that hoodie, but you’re going to look great in a gold jacket,” Belichick told Manning. “I'm sure it will happen, and you so deserve to join Peyton in a gold jacket too.”
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning on the field before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 13, 2024. (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
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Manning told the New York Post last week that he wasn't really sure.
“I guess it's different just because it's not all up to you, you're not campaigning for it, you're not trying to tell people about it or prove your point,” he said. -he declared. “If I get in, it's going to be a great, amazing few days in New Orleans, and if I don't, it's not going to ruin everything for me. I'm not going to be in a bad mood, I'm not going to don't sulk.
“Just being included in the top 15 this year is a great honor, and so I consider it all a positive and fun experience.”
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning sits on the court during the fourth quarter between the New York Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2025 in New York . (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
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If he gets in, the announcement ceremony will take place in New Orleans, Manning's hometown.
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