Former Ole Miss and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was announced as one of 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 on Saturday.
Manning, along with Baltimore Ravens great Terrell Suggs, headlines a group of five first-year eligibles. Joining those two looking to immediately be inducted after waiting the mandatory minimum of five seasons since their final snap are former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, former New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, and former Ravens offensive lineman Marshal Yanda.
Rounding out the list of modern-era finalists are Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans, Antonio Gates, Torry Holt, Steve Smith, Sr., Fred Taylor, Reggie Wayne, and Darren Woodson.
🚨NEWS🚨
The Modern-Era Player Finalists have been selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, presented by @visualedgeit. #PFHOF25
Full story: https://t.co/vVCKLL6I6a pic.twitter.com/sbV8kmyrVA
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) December 28, 2024
It’s no surprise Manning quickly made his way to the doorstep of Canton, considering the former Rebel won two Super Bowls and currently ranks eleventh all-time in both passing yards (57,023) and touchdowns (366). If selected by the committee, he will join his brother, Peyton, as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
After a successful prep career at the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Manning followed in the footsteps of his father Archie to Ole Miss, where he became one of the most decorated signal-callers in the university’s storied history. During his time at Ole Miss, Manning set or tied 47 records. The accolades launched the youngest Manning brother to becoming the No. 1 selection in the 2004 NFL Draft.
Manning went on to enjoy a 16-year career with New York, compiling an even 118-118 record but leading the franchise to a Super Bowl victory over New England in 2008, making for the team’s first title since 1991. Four seasons later, in 2011, Manning and the Giants once again took down the Patriots to win another Super Bowl. During both games, Manning was named MVP.
Upon his retirement in January 2020, additional accolades for the championship-winning Manning began to roll in. His No. 10 jersey was retired by both Ole Miss and the New York Giants. He was inducted into the Giants Ring of Honor, the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame, the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame, and most recently the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. Now, Manning will look to earn the game’s highest nod by being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Class of 2025 will be unveiled publicly on Feb. 6 with up to five modern-era players allowed to be selected. The new Pro Football Hall of Fame class will be enshrined in August.
