Eli Manning Misses Hall of Fame Cut for Second Straight Year

The legendary quarterback remains hopeful despite consecutive snubs in his first two years of eligibility.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Eli Manning, the two-time Super Bowl MVP who had a decorated 16-season NFL career with the New York Giants, was not selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, marking the second consecutive year he was snubbed for the honor in his first two years of eligibility. Manning opened up about the missed milestone, revealing he's not bitter about it and is focused on the positive memories from his playing days.

Why it matters

Manning's Hall of Fame candidacy is seen as one of the most complex cases, with his two Super Bowl wins over Tom Brady's Patriots often cited as a key argument for his induction. His consecutive snubs have sparked debate about the criteria for enshrinement and whether Manning's accomplishments warrant a spot in Canton.

The details

In a new interview, Manning said he's "not gonna be bitter" about missing out on the Hall of Fame, adding that he's focused on the "touchdowns and my buddies and wins and plane rides home" rather than the "interceptions" and "bad stuff." The 45-year-old retired quarterback was announced as a finalist for the second straight year but was ultimately not selected for the Class of 2026, which included inductees such as Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald and Adam Vinatieri.

  • On Dec. 30, 2025, Manning was announced as a Hall of Fame finalist for the Class of 2026.
  • The Hall of Fame selection committee met ahead of the 2026 Super Bowl in February to discuss the candidates.
  • The Class of 2026 was unveiled at the NFL Honors on Feb. 5, 2026.

The players

Eli Manning

A legendary quarterback who had a decorated 16-season NFL career with the New York Giants, including being named a two-time Super Bowl MVP.

Drew Brees

A quarterback who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Larry Fitzgerald

A wide receiver who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Adam Vinatieri

A kicker who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

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What they’re saying

“It doesn't keep me up at night. I'm not gonna be bitter at it. I'm not bitter at the game of football. I loved my teammates. I love the relationships, the friendships, the championships, the parades.”

— Eli Manning (Barstool Sports)

“When I think about football, I think about touchdowns and my buddies and wins and plane rides home. I don't think about the interceptions. I don't think about the bad stuff. I think about the positive things.”

— Eli Manning (Barstool Sports)

“And so if I ever get in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, I'll take it as a positive and I'm not gonna think about the years I had to wait to get in.”

— Eli Manning (Barstool Sports)

The takeaway

Eli Manning's Hall of Fame snub for a second straight year highlights the complex and sometimes controversial nature of the selection process, as his two Super Bowl wins over Tom Brady's Patriots are often cited as a key argument for his induction. Despite the disappointment, Manning is focused on the positive memories from his playing career rather than dwelling on the missed milestone.