Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning won’t be donning a gold jacket this year.
The Athletic’s Dan Duggan and Ian O’Connor reported the two-time Super Bowl champion missed the cut for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
This news comes on the heels of former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick failing to get the requisite votes in his first year on the ballot. Belichick and Manning’s candidacies were weighed through different procedures.
Manning’s HOF resume hinges largely on the two titles and pair of Super Bowl MVPs he won with the Giants. In those victories over the Patriots, he threw for 551 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
Set the Super Bowls aside and Manning had a very good career that doesn’t immediately jump out as being Hall of Fame-worthy.
The 45-year-old was a four-time Pro Bowler and never once cracked an All-Pro team. He never led the NFL in passing yards or touchdown passes, either.
Manning sits 11th all-time in both yards (57,023) and touchdowns (11), which is partially thanks to his longevity. He’s 21st in passing yards per game (241.6), which provides a better reflection of his performance.
But the two championship rings can’t be ignored. Being the full-time starter for a New York team across 15 seasons is an achievement on its own as well. Manning spent his entire run in one of the most unforgiving media ecosystems in the country.
A Hall of Fame nod is likely to arrive at some point. When that actually happens is anybody’s guess.