Another former NFL player with Mississippi ties will have a shot at being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame next year.
Eli Manning, who played at Ole Miss from 2000-03 and went on to win a pair of Super Bowls with the New York Giants, was one of 15 modern era finalists announced by the Hall on Tuesday. Manning’s movement toward Canton comes after Mississippi native and former Pittsburgh Steeler L.C. Greenwood was named a finalist earlier this month in the senior category.
Manning helps headline the group of modern era finalists that also includes former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. Others are Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans, Frank Gore, Torry Holt, Luke Keuchly, Terrell Suggs, Adam Vinatieri, Reggie Wayne, Kevin Williams, Darren Woodson, and Marshal Yanda.
The 50-person selection committee will vote on the 15 finalists next month with the results announced Feb. 5 at NFL Honors. Between three and five finalists will be inducted. In addition to the modern era finalists, the committee will consider senior candidates Greenwood, Ken Anderson, and Roger Craig, coaching candidate Bill Belichick, and contributor Robert Kraft. Between one and three of those will make it to the Hall.
Manning made it to this stage in the process in 2024, his first year of eligibility after retiring following the 2019 season, but fell short. It’s not unusual for players of his caliber to quickly make it to the doorstep of Canton before having to wait a period of time before finally getting in. If selected by the committee this time around, he will join his brother, Peyton, as a Hall of Famer.
Manning played prep ball in New Orleans before following in the footsteps of his father, Archie, and signing with Ole Miss. In Oxford, he became one of the most-decorated quarterbacks in program history – setting or tying 47 records and bringing in a plethora of accolades like All-SEC nods, two Conerly Trophy wins, and being a finalist for the 2003 Heisman Trophy. He was the top selection in the 2004 NFL Draft and went on to enjoy a 16-year career with the Giants, one that included Super Bowl wins in 2008 and 2011 and accompanying Super Bowl MVP awards.
Manning’s final NFL stat line landed at 57,023 passing yards and 366 passing touchdowns, both marks that place him 11th all time. He had a 118-118 record as a starter.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.