New York Giants legend Eli Manning is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
Unsurprisingly, that reality has led to fierce debate over Manning’s candidacy and whether or not he deserves to be enshrined as a first-ballot Hall of Famer or enshrined at all.
That conversation began long before Manning even retired and the camps are split fairly evenly. Some believe his unimpressive regular season record of 117-117 is disqualifying while others point out that his two Super Bowl victories overshadow everything else.
Manning hears and respects both sides of the argument. He understands that his candidacy is not exactly cut and dry, and jokes that could actually benefit him long-term.
Is Eli Manning a FIRST BALLOT HOF'er?
The 2x SB Champ @EliManning LOVES the attention that comes with the highly debated BARguement 😂@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/vMygJnNMhW
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) January 31, 2025
“Maybe I like the attention,” Manning said during an appearance on Up & Adams. “Maybe I want to extend this a few more years; it keeps me in the news and keeps me relevant if they have this debate. Hopefully, I can prolong this for years and years and years so it gives people things to talk about.”
Although he jokes, Manning would love to receive word in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana that he’ll soon be wearing a gold jacket and forever immortalized among the NFL’s all-time greats. But if that doesn’t happen, Eli doesn’t plan to sulk, either.
Voting has already concluded and Manning’s Hall of Fame fate will be revealed at the NFL Honors on Thursday, February 6.
