Eli Manning has emerged as one of the 15 modern-day finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, sparking a renewed debate over his storied career. The former New York Giants quarterback boasts an impressive resume, highlighted by his two Super Bowl MVPs, a feat that places him among an elite group of retired quarterbacks. Yet, despite his achievements, opinions on his candidacy remain divided.
Manning's career is marked by his ability to perform on the biggest stage. He led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories, including a memorable come-from-behind win over the New England Patriots, earning MVP honors in the process. Despite occasional inconsistencies, Manning's postseason performance was stellar, with six touchdown passes and just one interception.
His durability and consistency are undeniable. Manning made 210 consecutive starts from 2004 to 2017, the third-longest streak in NFL history. He never missed a game due to injury, underscoring his reliability as a team leader. However, his propensity for mistakes cannot be overlooked. Manning ranked 12th all-time in interceptions, with 244 at the time of his retirement, and led the league in this category during three separate seasons.
The debate over Manning's Hall of Fame candidacy mirrors the discussions that surrounded his playing career. Some voters argue that he was never among the top three players at his position for a prolonged period. Nevertheless, his overall record and remarkable durability are strong arguments in his favor.
"It's not Peyton [Manning] where you can say his name and put the mic down," – one voter
Tom Coughlin, Manning's former coach, staunchly supports his induction into the Hall of Fame. Coughlin praises Manning as a quarterback who excelled in high-pressure situations.
"In my opinion, he's the greatest big-game quarterback that I've ever been around," – Tom Coughlin
Sal Paolantonio also highlights Manning's impressive company in the Super Bowl MVP club.
"He's got two Super Bowl MVPs and the list of retired quarterbacks with two Super Bowl MVPs is very short: They are Bart Starr, Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, Tom Brady and… Eli Manning. That's the list." – Sal Paolantonio
While Manning's brother, Peyton Manning, was inducted as a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2021, Eli's path may not be as straightforward. Nonetheless, Coughlin remains optimistic about Manning's future in Canton.
"He's very, very worthy. It will happen," – Tom Coughlin
Many believe that while Manning's induction may not occur this year, it is only a matter of time before his contributions to the game are recognized. His resilience and critical performances on football's grandest stage leave a lasting impression.
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