Many people will question the career of Eli Manning, but no one can question his accomplishments along with his character. There’s no question that his brother Peyton Manning stole the spotlight in that family but behind that spotlight, we saw Eli play his brand of football. It’s certainly the end of an era but people won’t forget what he did for the New York Giants.
The Career of Eli Manning
The NFL Draft
Eli played all four years of college at Ole Miss where he passed for over 10,000 yards and threw 81 touchdowns. He was named the SEC offensive player of the year in his last year of school in 2003. The then-San Diego Chargers took Manning with the first overall pick in the 2004 Draft. Eli never wanted to play for the Chargers and he got his wish. He never played a snap in San Diego. After voicing his thoughts, he was traded to the Giants for their fourth overall pick, which came out to be quarterback Philip Rivers. This is one trade the Giants thought would help the team and it did in many ways.
Statistics
Manning’s career has been up and down. His numbers are very solid but people also question his career. The numbers don’t lie, they are what they are but he has the respect of many.
- 57,023 passing yards
- 366/244 touchdown to interception ratio
- 117-117 record
- Four-time pro bowler
- Two-time Super Bowl champ
- Two-time Super Bowl MVP
Those numbers aren’t bad at all, especially the last three accomplishments. People will look at the TD/INT ratio or the record but what people will focus more on the two Lombardi Trophies he won. There’s always been one question surrounding Eli and has been the most asked question recently. Is he a Hall of Famer?
Hall of Famer?
Why He Should Be
Some numbers prove why he should be in the hall of fame. As mentioned above, he won two Super Bowls, he is a two-time Super Bowl MVP and a four-time Pro Bowler. He also has some other all-time numbers to show for it. He ranked seventh all-time in passing yards (57,023) and he also ranked seventh in touchdown passes (366). He’s had some big moments in his two Super Bowl wins over the New England Patriots. In Super Bowl 42, Eli somehow escaped the Patriots pass rush and threw it up to David Tyree who pinned it against his helmet and in super bowl 46 against the Patriots, he threw a strike to Mario Manningham down the sideline. These two moments will for sure help his case.
Why He Shouldn’t Be
Eli’s numbers were solid but not great. He didn’t put fear in the eyes of defenses. His career 117-117 record as a starter could be better. Other than the two playoff runs, he never won another playoff game. His 244 interceptions don’t help his case either. Manning isn’t even considered one of the best quarterbacks of his era. He’s had a very mediocre career and many say his two Super Bowl’s were a fluke. There is a case for why he should just as much as there is for why he shouldn’t be in the Hall of Fame.
Final Word On Eli
He doesn’t have the numbers of his brother and he doesn’t shine like all others but he did enough to help his franchise win. Is that enough for votes? Maybe. Whether he’s a Hall of Famer or not, he still had one heck of a career. Whether it’s good or bad, watching Manning play got people on the edge of their seats. No matter which one, a Manning will never be forgotten.
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