Eli Manning, the former New York Giants quarterback, was not elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot in 2025. This announcement was made at the NFL Honors ceremony, where several notable athletes were celebrated for their careers. Despite his impressive track record, including two Super Bowl victories and numerous franchise records, Manning’s candidacy faced stiff competition. Among those inducted this year were veteran tight end Antonio Gates, former cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe. Gates, who played 16 seasons with the San Diego Chargers, stands out with 953 receptions, 11,841 receiving yards, and 116 touchdown catches. Eric Allen, known for his ball-hawking skills, had 54 interceptions and 2 touchdowns during his 14-year career. Jared Allen, a dominant pass rusher, ranks fourth in NFL history with 136 sacks. Sterling Sharpe, with approximately 600 receptions and 65 touchdowns in his career, remains one of the all-time greats. As reported by NBC Sports, this year marks a pivotal moment in the Hall of Fame legacy as selected players are honored, while Manning’s journey continues during his next eligibility cycle.
