Pro Football Hall of Fame Reveals Finalists: Eli’s Manning Debate Begins
15 modern era finalists for Class of 2025 were announced by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and fans and analysts alike are anticipating and discussing. Two time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning, whose candidacy is likely to lead one of the most heated debates in some time, is among the names in the distinguished group.
Some familiar names, some new names, all finalists here this year. The list features nine finalists for the Class of 2024, five newly eligible players, and one player on this stage for the first time in his fourth year of eligibility.
The 2025 Finalists
The finalists span multiple positions, highlighting their impact on the game:
Eric Allen (CB): A standout special teams, cornerback with stints with the Eagles, Saints, and Raiders.
Jared Allen (DE): For the Chiefs, Vikings, Bears and Panthers, he is known for his relentless pass rushing ability.
Willie Anderson (T): A Bengals and Ravens dominant offensive tackle.
Jahri Evans (G): A key piece of the elite and championship won offensive line of the Saints during their run.
Antonio Gates (TE): Quite arguably one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history during his time with the Chargers.
Torry Holt (WR): A big part of the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf.”
Luke Kuechly (LB): Defensive leader, seven time Pro Bowler with the Panthers.
Eli Manning (QB): New York Giants’ two time Super Bowl MVP.
Steve Smith Sr. (WR): Fiery competitor for the Panthers and Ravens.
Terrell Suggs (OLB/DE): Ravens and Chiefs dominant edge rusher.
Fred Taylor (RB): A Jaguars’ backfield mainstay.
Adam Vinatieri (K): A postseason legend and the NFL’s all-time leading scorer.
Reggie Wayne (WR): A major part of the Colts’ Peyton Manning era.
Darren Woodson (S): A staple of the Cowboys’ defense of the ‘90s.
Marshal Yanda (G/T): Ravens’ reliable, versatile lineman
The Spotlight on Eli Manning
The inclusion of Manning has already brought the debate. In his career, the highs are dreamlike and the lows quite average.
The Case for Manning
Manning’s two Super Bowl wins, both against the heavily preferred New England Patriots, clinch his legacy. In those games, every time his left or right hand was needed in clutch, he delivered and his clutch performances earned him MVP honors in those games. But, with 366 touchdown passes and 57,023 passing yards, Manning’s numbers are just as good as many Hall of Famers.
The Case Against Manning
Manning has turnovers six away from Barry Bonds and Yogi Berra on the all-time list, but critics also cite his 117-117 career record as a starter and obvious three times league leading interceptions (2007, 2010, 2013). Undoubtedly, his postseason brilliance is undeniable, but his regular season inconsistency only asks the question — Does he belong in the Hall of Fame on the first ballot?
The Selection Process
These candidates will be debated by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, made up of 50 seasoned football writers and analysts, in the weeks ahead. Up to five living players from the modern era can be elected to the Class of 2025, who all must receive at least 80 percent of the vote to be enshrined.
In addition to the modern-era finalists, five other candidates are under consideration:
Seniors Category: Sterling Sharpe, Jim Tyrer and Maxie Baughan.
Coach Finalist: Mike Holmgren.
Contributor Finalist: Ralph Hay.
What’s Next?
Who will be the final vote to see which players earn their place among football’s greatest? For Eli Manning, this could set the pace for how his legacy will be remembered for decades. Manning’s career will stay a football world lightning rod whether or not he’s celebrated as a first ballot Hall of Famer.