Bill Belichick backs Eli Manning's Hall of Fame pursuit

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Eli Manning was named one of the semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s modern era ballot two weeks ago as he tries to get to Canton, Ohio, in his first year.

The former New York Giants star has a Hall of Fame worthy resume with two Super Bowl championships – both over Tom Brady and an undefeated New England Patriots team – as well as 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdown passes. Those statistics were among the highest in the NFL ever when he retired from the sport after the 2019 season.

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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, #10, throws a pass before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 11, 2011. (Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)

However, getting into the Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot is an uphill climb as he will have to last as long as Antonio Gates, Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne, Darren Woodson, Fred Taylor and a handful of others who have been on the ballot longer.

Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick appeared on ESPN’s "ManningCast" on Monday during the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings and threw his support behind the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback.

"Eli, you don’t look that good in that hoodie, but you're going to look great in a gold jacket," Belichick told Manning. "I'm sure that's going to happen, and you deserve it so much to join Peyton in a gold jacket too."

New York Giants former quarterback Eli Manning on the field before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Oct. 13, 2024. (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

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