Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was surprised when he wasn’t among the first inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the NFL Honors show in 2025. He graciously accepted the snub, congratulating the four players inducted this year: Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Sterling Sharpe, and Eric Allen.

Manning reflected, “I’m excited for those guys that got in. All of them are so deserving. Happy for them… I understand that. I’m totally at peace. It’s not gonna change my outlook on my career and how I feel about it.”

He noted that despite the disappointment, his remarkable career includes two Super Bowl MVPs against the legendary Patriots, as he thwarted Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s elite team in both matchups.

His performance included the iconic play where wide receiver David Tyree made a remarkable helmet catch, showcasing Manning’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. However, he acknowledged that not every moment was as triumphant, and despite his longevity in the league, he never achieved a winning record for a season, stating his career record stands at 117-117.

Manning added that while he was not among this year’s inductees, he still holds hope for eventual inclusion in the Hall of Fame, just not on the first ballot.