Hall of Fame voters expect ‘fireworks’ in complex Eli Manning induction debate

Before long, the 50 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee will convene virtually via Zoom to deliberate and evaluate the 15 modern-era finalists being considered for induction into the Hall of Fame in Canton.

Among the five first-time nominees is Eli Manning. Is his selection guaranteed? Definitely not.

According to discussions with several committee members, the former Giants quarterback and two-time Super Bowl winner is not a sure bet for induction this year. It is anticipated that the debate surrounding his candidacy will be divisive and, as one committee member put it, could include “some fireworks.” This is expected as those strongly opposed to Manning’s induction in his first year of eligibility voice their objections.

Statistical evidence can be used to argue in favor of Manning’s candidacy, but there is also significant subjective evaluation, as well as a shortage of individual accolades, which weakens his case. His most notable accomplishment, undoubtedly, is the exceptional feat of winning multiple Super Bowl MVP awards—honors he earned after the 2007 and 2011 seasons. During those years, the Giants twice defeated Tom Brady and the Patriots within a four-year span, securing two Lombardi Trophies that now sit proudly in their team facility. Without those remarkable playoff performances and Super Bowl triumphs, Manning’s longevity and career passing statistics alone would not place him anywhere near Hall of Fame consideration.

Ultimately, quarterbacks are frequently evaluated based on championships, and Manning has two to his name—one of which came in a monumental upset against an undefeated Patriots team often regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history.

“Eli Manning is undoubtedly a Hall of Fame quarterback, and in my opinion, he deserves to be a first-ballot inductee,” said Sal Paolantonio of ESPN, who has been a Hall of Fame voter for the past 12 years, in an interview with The Post. “What solidifies his place, in my view, are his two Super Bowl MVP awards. The fact that he achieved those victories against the Patriots dynasty adds significant weight to his legacy.”