Eli Manning is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history, and there is no doubt that he deserves to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Despite being somewhat underrated throughout his career, Manning has put up numbers that are more than worthy of enshrinement in Canton, Ohio. Here are just a few reasons why Eli Manning is a first ballot Hall of Famer.
Two-Time Super Bowl MVP
Perhaps the most significant argument for Eli Manning’s Hall of Fame credentials is his postseason success. Manning led the New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories, both against the heavily favored New England Patriots. In both of those games, Manning was named the Super Bowl MVP, throwing for a combined 551 yards and three touchdowns.
Manning’s clutch performances in those Super Bowls should not be overlooked. He made several key plays in each game, including the famous “Helmet Catch” to set up the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLII. In both of those games, Manning led fourth quarter comebacks to defeat one of the best teams in NFL history.
Career Statistics
Manning’s overall career statistics are also impressive. He ranks tenth all-time in passing yards, with 57,023, and tenth in touchdown passes, with 366. He also had a completion percentage of 60.3, which is respectable for a quarterback who often took chances downfield. A top ten quarterback should be a first ballot Hall of Famer.
Durability and Consistency
Manning’s durability and consistency throughout his career should not be overlooked either. He played in 236 games, starting 234 of them, which is a testament to his toughness. He also led the Giants to the playoffs six times, showing that he was able to sustain success over a long period of time.
Manning’s consistency is also worth noting. He threw for at least 3,000 yards in 13 seasons, and threw for at least 20 touchdowns in 12 seasons. He was a reliable and consistent quarterback for the Giants throughout his career, which is something that cannot be said for many of his peers.
Legacy and Impact
Finally, Eli Manning’s legacy and impact on the game cannot be overstated. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP, and was one of the best clutch performers in NFL history. He played in one of the biggest media markets in the country and led the Giants to some of the most memorable victories in franchise history.
Off the field, Manning was a model citizen and a great ambassador for the game. He was a true leader for the Giants and was beloved by fans and teammates alike. His legacy as one of the best quarterbacks of his era is secure, and he deserves to be recognized as such.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that Eli Manning is a first ballot Hall of Famer. His postseason success, career statistics, durability and consistency, and legacy and impact on the game make him a worthy candidate for enshrinement in Canton. Despite being somewhat underrated throughout his career, Manning deserves to be recognized as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. He was a clutch performer in big moments and was a model citizen off the field. Manning’s legacy as a great quarterback and a great person is secure, and he should be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as soon as he is eligible.
Featured Image Credit: Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons