New York Giants legend Eli Manning named a 2025 Hall of Fame finalist

New York Giants legend Eli Manning is among 15 former NFL players who have reached the final stage of enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Modern-Era Player category for the Class of 2025 presented by Visual Edge.

Manning is one of six first-time finalists to be named to the list along with wide receiver Steve Smith, Jr, linebacker Luke Kuechly, kicker Adam Vinatieri, offensive lineman Marshal Yanda and defensive end Terrell Suggs,

Nine players who reached this stage last year were also named: Cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, tackle Willie Anderson, guard Jahri Evans, tight end Antonio Gates, wide receiver Torry Holt, running back Fred Taylor, wide receiver Reggie Wayne, and defensive back Darren Woodson.

The Class of 2025 will be announced on February 6 in New Orleans during the run-up to this year’s Super Bowl.

From the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

The Selection Committee may elect up to five Modern-Era Players for the Class of 2025; each must receive a minimum positive vote of 80% for election. Five others — Seniors category Finalists Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer; along with Coach Finalist Mike Holmgren and Contributor Finalist Ralph Hay(Opens in a new window) — also are candidates for the Class of 2025. Voting on these five is done separately as its own group distinct from the Modern-Era Players; a minimum of one person and a maximum of three from these combined categories may be elected under the Hall’s bylaws.

While there is no set number for any class of Enshrinees, the Hall of Fame’s current selection process bylaws stipulate that between four and eight new members will be selected.

Official Pro Football Hall of Fame profile of Eli Manning:

Times as Finalist: 1 | Year of eligibility: 1
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 220
NFL Career: 2004-2019 New York Giants
Seasons: 16 | Games: 236
College: Mississippi
Drafted: 1st Round (1st Overall), 2004
Born: Jan. 3, 1981, in New Orleans, La.

First overall selection in the 2004 NFL Draft … Played entire career (16 seasons) with New York Giants … Super Bowl XLII MVP while handing the New England Patriots their only loss of the season … Super Bowl XLVI MVP … One of only six players to earn multiple Super Bowl MVP awards … Selected to four Pro Bowls (2019, 2012-13, 2016) … Shared 2016 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year recognition with Larry Fitzgerald … Led the NFC in passing touchdowns in 2005 (24) and 2015 (35) … Played in 236 regular-season games, including a streak of 210 consecutive starts … Threw for 57,023 yards and 366 touchdowns … Upon retirement, possessed 22 regular-season records for the Giants, including passes completed (4,895), longest pass completion (99 yards against the Jets in 2011) and most games with 300 or more yards passing (51) … Among his nine franchise postseason records are passing yards (2,815) and touchdowns (18). Departed Ole Miss owning 47 game, season or career records.