Patriots Nemesis Eli Manning Reportedly Not Voted Into Hall Of Fame

Bill Belichick isn’t the only big name who won’t make this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

Eli Manning also didn’t receive the votes needed for Hall of Fame induction, according to The Athletic’s Dan Duggan and Ian O’Connor. The former New York Giants quarterback reportedly fell short as one of 15 modern-era finalists in his second year on the ballot.

The Patriots play a huge factor in Manning’s Hall of Fame case. He fortified his legacy by leading the Giants to two Super Bowl victories over Belichick and Tom Brady.

Manning thwarted New England’s quest for perfection in the 2007 season, steering Big Blue to a massive upset over the undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Four years later, he guided the Giants to another Super Bowl triumph in a rematch.

Some fans will argue that those victories alone should stamp Manning’s spot in Canton. Playing 236 games in 16 seasons, including a streak of 210 consecutive starts, he’s 11th in all-time passing yards (57,023) and touchdowns (366).

However, his candidacy also contains glaring blemishes. Manning went 117-117 in his regular-season starts, posting a modest 84.1 quarterback rating lower than the likes of Case Keenum, Sam Bradford and Mark Bulger. He threw at least 14 interceptions in 11 seasons and never garnered a first-team All-Pro selection.

Manning likely isn’t a no-brainer Hall of Famer like Belichick, who also must wait at least another year despite winning six Super Bowls as a head coach.