Eli Manning Talks Hall of Fame, Giants, Arch, Super Bowl and More in B/R Interview
Eli Manning may have fallen just short of being named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
But he still feels like he's part of the 2025 class in his own way.
"I competed against Jared Allen, so I feel like I was very helpful in getting him to the Hall of Fame just because he sacked me so many times," he told Bleacher Report on Friday while laughing. "So I feel like in some way I'm a part of this class. I also went against Antonio Gates and watched his career unfold in unbelievable fashion."
Manning was one of the 15 modern-era player finalists announced in December, although Allen, Gates, Sterling Sharpe and Eric Allen were the only four selected in the smallest class since 2005.
It is a testament to Manning's career that he was named a finalist in his first year of eligibility, which is a promising sign he will eventually be selected.
The discussion and debate surrounding his initial chances dominated the news cycle for this year's selection process. On the one hand, he was 117-117 and never made an All-Pro Team during his career while sometimes being overshadowed by other quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers and his brother, Peyton.
On the other hand, he played 16 years as the face of the New York Giants in the country's largest media market and sits in 11th place on the NFL's all-time list for passing yards (57,023) and passing touchdowns (366).
Manning was also a two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Super Bowl MVP, which was the centerpiece of his candidacy. After all, they were not just any Super Bowls, as he defeated Brady and the dominant New England Patriots twice.
One of those times came when he ended their undefeated 2007 season.
While he surely appreciates those who advocated for him, he wanted to keep the focus on those who were honored and said, "I'm happy for the four guys who got in. All of these guys are very deserving, and I'm happy for them and their families."
With the Hall of Fame selection now in the rearview mirror, attention across the league turns to Sunday's Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City is looking to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Lombardi Trophies, which would further cement Patrick Mahomes as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play.
There may be nobody better suited to give advice to an NFC East team facing an ongoing dynasty with a legend at quarterback than Manning, but he doesn't think the Eagles need any pep talks in what will be a Super Bowl rematch from two seasons ago.
"These guys don't need any advice," he said. "They've been to this big game, they know the circumstances. They've played against the Chiefs and had them on the ropes a few years ago in the Super Bowl. Obviously they made an impressive deal in free agency in getting Saquon Barkley, and I think he can be the difference-maker this year. He's had an unbelievable season, and I think he's going to break one late in the game for the Eagles to get this win."
Manning was one of the first NFL players to see what Barkley is capable of since they were teammates on the Giants for the 2018 and 2019 campaigns. All Barkley did in that first season together was win the Offensive Rookie of the Year with 2,028 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns.
"He's going to have a big game," Manning said. "I know [Chiefs defensive coordinator] Steve Spagnuolo is trying to draw up some defenses to slow him down and not let him take over this game, but that's easier said than done. It only takes a little room for him to get going."
The Chiefs defense against Barkley may be the matchup to watch in the Super Bowl, but there is another one to pay attention to before the game even kicks off.
After improving to 3-0 against his brother in the Pro Bowl Games by coaching the NFC to yet another victory in last Sunday's matchup, Eli will face Peyton once again in the FanDuel Kick of Destiny 3 during Fox's pregame coverage.
The Manning brothers will square off in a 25-yard field goal kicking competition, which gives fans the chance to win a share of $10 million in bonus bets if they back the right one.
"I think it definitely gives me a mental edge," he said of the momentum generated in the sibling rivalry from the Pro Bowl Games. "I think Peyton's kind of down, he's been moping around a bit the last few days. The loss is weighing on him a little bit. I know he's been working hard trying to get revenge in the Kick of Destiny, but I just don't think he's ready. I don't think he's mentally tough enough to handle this scenario."
In addition to the Kick of Destiny, Manning partnered with Verizon as part of its Super Bowl campaign. That campaign included the "House of Verizon" in New Orleans, which will have musical performances by T-Pain and Doechii, food, a bowling challenge, and an opportunity for fans to win Super Bowl LIX tickets.
"I've been associated with Verizon for a long time, and I'm really just grateful for everything they do for NFL fans," Manning said. "Whether you're at the stadium or you're at home, they just help everyone stay connected. They've also invested significantly in my hometown of New Orleans this Super Bowl week to make sure everybody has wonderful coverage."
Verizon is going beyond just New Orleans, though, with the Verizon Super Bowl FanFest in all 30 NFL cities. Fans will have the chance to watch the big game inside of the various NFL stadiums during events that will also feature music, food and appearances by players.
"The Super Bowl is a national holiday now, everyone is always asking, 'Hey, where are you going for the game?' Imagine going to the stadium in your local city and being on the field and watching the Super Bowl with food and drinks with live entertainment," Manning said.
Unfortunately for Giants fans, the FanFest will be the closest they have gotten to the Super Bowl since Manning was under center.
They are coming off a 3-14 season and have won just one playoff game since lifting the Lombardi Trophy to end the 2011 campaign. They also went through a quarterback carousel in 2024 with Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle, which is not exactly a list of superstar difference-makers.
New York's quarterback position is under the spotlight this offseason after moving on from Jones in particular, and that could mean selecting a signal-caller with the No. 3 overall pick of the draft. If Miami's Cam Ward or Colorado's Shedeur Sanders are still available, the Giants could look to pair one of them with star receiver Malik Nabers for years to come.
"They need a quarterback, and they've got to make a decision whether there is a quarterback to take in the No. 3 spot or whether they get a veteran," Manning said. "Maybe both might be the solution because I know it is hard for a rookie quarterback to come into that New York market and have success early. Dealing with that does take a little bit of time.
"Everybody wants that Jayden Daniels, but that just doesn't happen that often where a quarterback comes in and makes such an immediate impact on the way to the playoffs. If they feel like there is one this year then they'll go and take that one."
The best quarterback prospect from the college game might not even be eligible for the 2025 draft.
After all, Arch Manning was the No. 1 overall prospect in the recruiting class of 2023, per 247Sports' composite rankings. While the nephew of Eli and Peyton was a factor in Texas' offensive approach at times this past season and even started two games, he has largely waited his turn behind Quinn Ewers.
Now he is set to take over as the starter of a national championship contender in 2025, although he will immediately be put to the test with a road showdown against the reigning national champion in Ohio State in the opener.
"I'm happy for Arch, I know he's excited to take over the reins for the Longhorns this year," Manning said. "I'm just proud of how he's handled everything these past few years in learning and being prepared and being ready and just waiting for his time. I know he's excited, and I'm proud of him for how he's handled everything.
"But it's not an easy way to get your first game of the season to face the defending champions at their place. It should be an awesome college atmosphere."
It might just be an atmosphere that helps prepare him to become the next great Manning in the NFL.
