In less than a month, we’ll know whether or not former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Until then, we’re just going to have to speculate. But some are certain that Manning will be on the other end of the famous knock on the door congratulating and welcoming him to Canton this year.
Former Giants running back and teammate Brandon Jacobs is one of those people who believe Manning will get in his first shot.
“No question,” Jacobs said when asked by TMZ Sports.
Jacobs, who like Eli is a two-time Super Bowl champion, didn’t give many specifics on why he believes Manning should gain entrance on his first try.
“Well, (expletive),” Jacobs said, “he beat Tom Brady twice — that’s enough!”
“I think Eli is by far first-ballot Hall of Fame,” Jacobs continued, “and he definitely deserves to get in this year.”
Manning is one of 15 modern-era finalists on this year’s list for induction. There’s been a lot of debate among pundits and ex-players regarding whether Eli deserves to be in the Hall at all, never mind on the first ballot.
Jacobs, like many in the Giants’ orbit, has tuned that out. They know how much Eli meant to the franchise and where he stands in NFL history.
The two Super Bowl MVPs over Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are just the icing on the cake per Jacobs.
His numbers “are up there with just about all the guys that we consider great.”
