Eli Manning Reveals an Unexpected Sense of Pride Over Hall of Fame Vote

Eli Manning wasn't voted into the Hall of Fame, but he joked about being instrumental in helping one of the new members earn pro football immortality.

Feb 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC coach Eli Manning reacts after the 2025 Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While scores of New York Giants fans are upset over the Hall of Fame snub of quarterback Eli Manning, Manning himself is at peace with it.

It’s probably fair to say he’s even proud of how the vote turned out, even though he didn’t make the final ten candidates, let alone the final class as selected by a group of over 40 voters.

That’s what a reporter from TMZ Sports managed to get out of the unflappable Manning as the retired quarterback confidently strolled down Bourbon Street in New Orleans, appearing not to have a care in the world.  

#EliManning's clearly being a great sport about his Hall of Fame snub this week. #Exclusive story HERE: https://t.co/wyvgHMW3bu pic.twitter.com/LQHOZlHB05

— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) February 7, 2025

“I am happy for the guys that got in,” the New Orleans native told the reporter when asked how he felt about being snubbed by the Hall of Fame voters. 

Then, turning on that old Manning wit as only Manning can, he joked, “I feel like I was part of the moment because (Vikings defensive end) Jared Allen got in. He sacked me so many times I feel like I helped him get in. So, I feel like I got to be happy about that.”

Jan 3, 2010; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to the ball after he was sacked by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) and defensive end Brian Robison (96) in the third quarter at the Metrodome. Officials ruled Manning down. Vikings win 44-7. | Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

(For the record, Allen recorded three sacks and seven hits in regular season play against Manning. But to Manning, who had to absorb those hits and sacks, it’s understandable why he might feel he was sacked so many times by the newest Pro Football Hall of Fame member.)

Trying to get serious, the reporter asked Manning if he believed he might eventually hear his name called for the Hall of Fame.  

Manning once again didn’t miss a beat.

“Yeah,’ Manning said, dodging the question as though it were Allen coming after him to sack him for a loss. “I'm walking down Bourbon Street right now. You got the Super Bowl in my hometown in New Orleans. Life's good.”

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