Eli Manning and Bill Belichick Snubbed for Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction in 2026
Football/Sports

Eli Manning and Bill Belichick Snubbed for Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction in 2026

Eli Manning and Bill Belichick were both denied spots in the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class, despite their impressive careers.

Bill Belichick won’t be the only one missing from the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2026. Recently reported, Belichick, with eight Super Bowl wins including six as head coach of the New England Patriots, did not secure enough votes for induction during his first eligibility. Additionally, Eli Manning, the quarterback who defeated Belichick’s Patriots in two Super Bowls, also reportedly won’t make it this year.

Manning, who led the New York Giants from 2004 to 2019, failed to gain sufficient votes for his second year of eligibility, as confirmed by The Athletic. He is among 15 finalists, which notably includes quarterback Drew Brees, who is expected to gain induction on his first try.

Manning’s exclusion is significant, even if it doesn’t generate the same public outcry as Belichick’s. He is one of only six players with multiple Super Bowl MVPs, yet all three eligible Hall of Famers from that group—Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, and Bart Starr—were inducted on their first eligibility. Other quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes are projected to follow suit.

Critics often cite Manning’s even 117-117 regular season record and 60.3% career completion rate as reasons for his lack of induction, comparing him to Joe Namath, who had a sub-.500 record and was inducted mainly for his role in the Jets’ Super Bowl III upset over the Colts. Like Namath’s, Manning’s career featured significant victories; his throws in Super Bowl XLII helped the Giants shock the Patriots, marking one of the biggest upsets in NFL history.

Manning’s strong playoff performances have also been noted, leading in attempts, passing yards, and touchdowns during his two Super Bowl runs. His playoff run in 2011 is particularly highlighted, finishing with a 65% completion rate, 1,219 yards, and nine touchdowns across four games.

Ultimately, despite his record and feats, Manning did not earn enough support to join his brother, Peyton Manning, in the Hall of Fame this time.

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