The debate continues. In any case, he is moving forward. Eli Manning is part of the list of 25 players announced by the Hall of Fame committee this Tuesday for the 2025 vintage.
These are the semi-finalists. The next step will be a reduction to 15 finalists, who will then have to obtain the approval of at least 80% of the committee's voters to be admitted into the American Football Hall of Fame. Officially, three to five players can be chosen each year.
Five years after his retirement, Eli Manning is in his first year of eligibility. Its legitimacy to enter the Hall of Fame has already been debated for several years in these pages. A debate which resurfaced in the editorial staff as soon as this list was announced.
Eli Manning, textbook case
On the one hand, two Super Bowls won, each time with the title of MVP of the match, and some ultra-decisive passes. On the other, a checkered career, and a player who has never really been among the very best in his position.
His record in the regular season: 117 victories… for 117 defeats. Never less than 10 interceptions per full season, and even peaks at 25 or 27 interceptions (2013)!
Eli Manning was never All-Pro.
For now, it's okay. But the competition will be fierce to be in the fifteen, and especially in the final selection. Adam Vinatieri, Antonio Gates, James Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Luke Kuechly, Steve Smith and Marshal Yanda, among others, have serious arguments to make.
The final verdict will be given just before the next Super Bowl, in February.
The 25 semi-finalists for the 2025 vintage of the Hall of Fame
QB Eli Manning
LB Luke Kuechly
WR Steve Smith Sr.
S Earl Thomas
K Adam Vinatieri
BY Jared Allen
LB Terrell Suggs
TE Antonio Gates
G/T Marshal Yanda
LB James Harrison
DT Vince Wilfork
OT Willie Anderson
WR Torry Holt
WR Anquan Boldin
WR Reggie Wayne
G Jahri Evans
S Rodney Harrison
CB Eric Allen
BY Robert Mathis
RB Fred Taylor
WR Hines Ward
RB Ricky Watters
OT Richmond Webb
G Steve Wisniewski
S Darren Woodson
