The four-member Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was revealed on Thursday night at ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøHonors, and two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning was not included.
In his first year on the HOF ballot, Manning had a shot to parlay his up-and-down 16-year career with the Giants into a quick induction due to his postseason play. But it was not to be.
The HOF Selection Committee instead went with Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Antonio Gates and Sterling Sharpe (Seniors finalist), none of whom were first-ballot candidates.
Manning said Friday on GMFB: OT that he had come to terms with the announcement and was looking forward to future ballots.
"I'm excited for those guys that got in. All of them are so deserving. … Happy for them. Texted a few of them, the guys that I knew and just congratulated them," Manning told ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøNetwork's Jamie Erdahl. "I had a feeling it wasn't going to be my night, and I understand that. I'm totally at peace. It's not gonna change my outlook on my career and how I feel about it."
The 2016 Co-Walter Payton ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøMan of the Year added he instead spent Thursday night celebrating Super Bowl week with family and friends in New Orleans, Manning's hometown.
Manning went 117-117 in 236 games with the Giants, leading New York to six playoff berths, three division titles, two Super Bowl appearances and two Super Bowl victories over the G.O.A.T. Tom Brady and the Patriots. Manning was prolific and clutch in the postseason but also struggled with turnovers over his career, thrice leading the league in interceptions; he finished with 366 touchdowns and 244 picks.
His HOF viability was a hotly debated topic ahead of Thursday's reveal and will continue to be so until Manning is enshrined and joins his brother, Peyton, in Canton -- or until his eligibility runs out.
For each year's class, the Selection Committee may elect up to five Modern-Era players; each must receive a minimum positive vote of 80% for election.
A quick glance at next year's potential class reveals some stiff competition for Manning and other Hall hopefuls. Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Jason Witten, Frank Gore and Manning's draftmate Philip Rivers are all slated to be first-time eligibles.
