Controversy Erupts in NFL After 'Pick Magnet' Eli Manning Leads Nominees for 2025 Pro Football HOF
Eli Manning, a member of the legendary Manning football dynasty, could be heading to Canton next year. The former New York Giants quarterback follows in the footsteps of his brother, Peyton Manning, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. As Eli emerges as a candidate for the Hall of Fame class of 2025, not everyone is cheering him on. Although he is just one of 25 players announced as semi-finalists, debates are already swirling about whether Manning deserves his spot over others.
Mike Golic, co-host of Gojo and Golic, added his voice to the discussion about Eli’s Hall of Fame potential. When asked about Manning’s chances, Golic didn’t hold back: “Eli Manning, who has the name, the fame, and two Super Bowl victories over the New England Patriots. When you look at this Pro Football Hall of Fame class, is he a first-ballot guy?” Golic continued, putting other names forward: “Eli is not a first-ballot Hall of Famer in my eyes—two locks and possibly three. I think Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs should be first-ballot Hall of Famers.”
Although former Ravens pass-rusher Terrell Suggs does boast impressive credentials—including two Super Bowl titles, seven Pro Bowl selections, and both NFL Defensive Rookie and Player of the Year in 2003 and 2011 respectively—Golic’s mention of Luke Kuechly ahead of Manning raised eyebrows. Kuechly, who claimed Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2012 and then Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore, never won a Super Bowl, unlike Manning, who famously defeated Tom Brady’s Patriots not once, but twice. Manning remains one of only six players to win the Super Bowl MVP twice in his career, with his epic upset of the undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII standing out as one of the greatest moments in NFL history.
These historic achievements strengthen Manning’s case for induction, but there’s more to it. He’s also the only quarterback this year out of 167 nominees, which include well-known names like Tony Romo, Steve McNair, and Rich Gannon. But despite his resume, not everyone believes he deserves the honor.
Although the San Diego Chargers selected Eli Manning as their first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, they ultimately traded him to the Giants the very same day—a decision that worked out well for the Giants. Manning went on to become the face of the Giants franchise, starting 234 regular-season games and leading them to a 117-117 record by the time he retired in 2019. However, not all Giants fans have a favorable opinion of Manning.
One outspoken fan remarked, “I’m the only Giants fan that doesn’t think that highly of Eli Manning. He was not a great QB. He was kiddish—a pick magnet. He’s not a first-ballot Hall of Famer.” Such criticism stems from Manning’s career stats, as he averaged more than one turnover per game, never achieving a 2-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and falling short of a 60% pass completion rate. These numbers have given some fans pause. “I don’t think Eli Manning is a Hall of Famer,” another fan argued, “especially when we all agree Phil Simms was a better Giants QB, but only won one Super Bowl, and that’s why he’s not in.”
As debate around Manning’s potential Hall of Fame status continues, there’s no denying that his career has been polarizing. Whether you love him or doubt him, Eli Manning’s name is set to stir discussion as we move closer to the final vote for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2025.
