As a member of the Manning football dynasty, Eli Manning could be on his way to Canton next year. After seeing his brother Peyton Manning got inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2021. It could be time for Eli to get his flowers as the HOF’s class of 2025. Although he is only one of the 25 players announced as semi-finalists, some believe Eli doesn’t deserve his spot ahead of others.

Mike Golic, co-host of Gojo and Golic had his say on Eli’s potential as a first-ballot HOF. When Mike was asked, “Eli Manning, who has the name, the fame, and the two Super Bowl victories over the New England Patriots. When you look at this Pro Football Hall of Fame class, is he a first-ballot guy?” Golic Sr. put forth other names instead of backing Eli’s claim to the title, “Eli is not a first-ballot Hall of Famer in my eyes—two locks and possibly three. I think Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs should be first-ballot HoFers.”

Although former Ravens pass-rusher Terrell Suggs does have a claim to the HOF, having won two Super Bowls, seven Pro Bowls and NFL Defensive Rookie and Player of the Year in 2003 and 2011, respectively. Golic mentioning Luke Kuechly of the Panthers ahead of Eli could raise some eyebrows. While Kuechly also won the Defensive Rookie of the Year himself in 2012 and claimed the same title as a sophomore the next year. He never won a Super Bowl compared to Eli’s two against Brady’s Patriots, not only once, but twice.

He remains the only sixth player to ever win the Super Bowl MVP twice in his career. Upsetting the greatest Patriots team under Bill Belichick, who was coming off a record-breaking 16 regular season wins. His Super Bowl XLII remains one of the biggest Super Bowl upsets in the league’s 104-year history. Those achievements should only increase his chances of making it through the final stages of voting. But his records are not only pushing his claim to the HOF class of 25. He is the only QB this year out of 167 nominees, which included players like Tony Romo, Steve McNair, and Rich Gannon.

As for Golic, he isn’t the only one surprised to see the former Giants QB make the list. Fans are also questioning the Pro Football Hall of Fame committee with Eli’s name up there before others.

Eli Manning’s trip to Canton put to the sword by fans

Although the San Diego Chargers selected Eli Manning as their first No.1 pick in 04′, they ended up trading him to the Giants on the same day. Well, we all know how that decision panned out for the Giants. As he remained the face of them until his retirement in 2019. Going on to start 234 regular season games, the Giants had a record of 117-117 with Manning at the center. But there are some Giants fans who still don’t rate Manning highly, “I’m the only Giants fan that doesn’t think that highly of Eli Manning. He was not a great QB. He was kiddish a pick magnet. He’s not a first ballot hall of fame.”

This fan’s opinion on Manning could come from him averaging more than one turnover per game. He never had a 2-1 TD-to-interception ratio in his illustrious career. And that’s not where it all ends. Manning never completed 60% of his passes in the NFL. Those stats might have ruffled some fans the wrong way, “I don’t think Eli Manning is a Hall of Famer when we all agree Phil Simms was a better Giants QB but only won 1 SB, and that’s why he’s not in.” 

Although this fan could be right in his argument that Manning is preferred for his two Lombardis. Another possible Giants fan called his career to be built upon just a few clutch throws, “He’s not a HOFer, period, tbh. He made a couple of clutch throws in two Super Bowl wins, where his defense was the primary reasons they were even in position for him to make clutch throws. It’s not like he lit the world on fire those playoff runs. And the rest of his career is meh.” While fans and analysts are pulling down Eli’s claim to a first-ballot HOF spot this year.

He would surely be a candidate for the future, even if he doesn’t make it to Canton this season. Whether it be as a first-ballot or second-ballot, Eli’s destiny has a HOFer written in the stars. And it would only be a matter of time before he adds that all-elusive title to his name.