Bill Belichick backs Eli Manning for Hall of Fame induction

Two weeks ago, Eli Manning was named one of the semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Modern Ballot as he attempts to head to Canton, Ohio, in his first year.

The former New York Giants star has a Hall of Fame-worthy resume, with two Super Bowl championships (both over Tom Brady and an undefeated New England Patriots team) and 57,023 passes. yards and 366 touchdown passes. When he retired after the 2019 season, those statistics were the highest in NFL history.

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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, #10, throws a pass before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on December 11, 2011. (Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)

However, getting into the Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot is an uphill climb as he has to be like Antonio Gates, Torrey Holt, Reggie Wayne, Darren Woodson, Frey De Taylor is hanging on, as are some of the others who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. It's longer on the ballot.

Following the Los Angeles Rams' playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick appeared on ESPN's “ManningCast” and gave the four-time Pro Bowl The quarterback expressed support.

“Eli, you don't look good in that hoodie, but you'll look good in a gold jacket,” Belichick told Manning. “I'm sure it's going to happen and you deserve to wear the gold jacket with Peyton.”

Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning takes the field before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 13, 2024. (Brad Penner – Image)

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Manning told the New York Post last week he wasn't so sure.

“I think it's different because it's all out of your control, you're not campaigning for it, you're not trying to talk to people about it or prove your point,” he said. “If I go in, it's going to be a great, incredible few days in New Orleans, and if I don't go in, it's not going to ruin everything for me. I'm not going to be in a bad mood, I'm not going to sulk.”

“It’s a huge honor to be in the top 15 this year, so I think it’s all been a positive and fun experience.”

Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning sits courtside during the fourth quarter of the game between the New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder on January 10, 2025, in Madison Square Garden, New York City. (Brad Penner – Image)

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If he is indeed selected, the announcement ceremony will be held in Manning's hometown of New Orleans.

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