Despite winning six Super Bowls, Belichick failed to gain induction in his first year of eligibility. The decision stunned much of the football world, including Manning, who believes there may be no one more deserving of a place in Canton than the legendary coach.

“Bill Belichick not making the Hall of Fame is pretty shocking,” Eli Manning told ClutchPoints.com. “You have one of – if not maybe the greatest coach of all time — and what he built there in New England, and the amount of Super Bowls they went to, and AFC championships, let alone just the amount that they won, it was incredible. I can’t imagine a more deserving coach to make it in the Hall of Fame than him.”

The Hall of Fame could face bigger issues in 2028

With Manning — a two-time Super Bowl champion — and Belichick — a six-time champion — both missing out in 2026, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will face significant scrutiny moving forward.

Several prominent figures across the NFL, including Patrick Mahomes, expressed surprise at Belichick’s omission. Some speculate that lingering controversies from his career — including incidents like Deflategate — may have influenced voters.

However, Belichick’s snub also raises a larger question: What happens in 2028 when Tom Brady becomes eligible? Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, is widely expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. If voters penalized Belichick for past controversies, it could spark debate about whether similar scrutiny would apply to Brady.

Most fans and analysts expect Belichick to be inducted in 2027. But if he were to be passed over again, the Hall of Fame’s credibility would likely face serious criticism — especially with Brady’s first year of eligibility looming in 2028.

Just one day after Belichick’s snub—which even prompted Patrick Mahomes to send a message to the NFL—another legendary figure many believe belongs in Canton has been left out.

On Wednesday, The Athletic’s Ian O’Connor reported that Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, will not be part of the 2026 Hall of Fame class, failing to secure enough votes in his second year of eligibility.

Two controversial decisions by the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Following Belichick’s omission, several NFL stars voiced their frustration with the Hall of Fame’s decision-making process. While the institution operates independently, its choices undeniably impact the league’s image and public perception.

The back-to-back snubs of Belichick and Manning have raised eyebrows across the football world. Both were widely viewed as near-unanimous selections, yet neither reached the required 40 votes out of 50 needed for induction.

Manning, now denied entry for a second straight year after falling short in 2025, will have to wait at least one more year for another chance at enshrinement. The voters—made up of media members and football figures—will once again decide whether his legacy ultimately earns him a place in Canton.

The stage is set in Washington, D.C. for one of soccer’s most anticipated nights. On December 5, the draw that will shape the groups of the 2026 World Cup steps into the spotlight but the event itself promises far more than just balls and bowls.

At the heart of the ceremony stand many unmistakable names, slated to co-host the broadcast from the historic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Glamour, humour and Hollywood flair converge to usher in what many expect to be a global spectacle.

The ceremony also brings together sporting legends from across disciplines. Big stars will assist in revealing group-stage matchups, underscoring the global reach and crossover appeal of this expanded, 48-team FIFA World Cup.

Who will conduct the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final draw?

FIFA Legend and former England captain Rio Ferdinand will take on the role of lead conductor for the historic 48-team draw, alongside award-winning broadcaster Samantha Johnson. Together, they will guide the official proceedings that will determine the 12 groups for the expanded tournament.

“To conduct this historic draw is an unbelievable honour”, Ferdinand said. “As a player, I lived for these global stages — now I’m humbled to play a different, special role together with an incredible line-up to reveal the 12 groups of four teams that the whole world is waiting for”.

Which sports legends will serve as draw assistants?

The stage in Washington will also welcome a remarkable group of cross-sport icons serving as draw assistants. Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge and Shaquille O’Neal will step into the spotlight, representing American football, ice hockey, baseball and basketball respectively.

“Being part of the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup is an incredible honour — it’s the kind of global stage every athlete dreams of”, Brady said. Gretzky echoed that sentiment, highlighting the sport’s global reach, while Judge pointed to the personal significance of the final being set in the New York–New Jersey area.

Adding another layer of star power, two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning will serve as the event’s red carpet host, welcoming guests as the world’s attention turns to the beginning of the 2026 World Cup journey.

Who are the entertainment co-hosts for the World Cup draw?

The Final Draw will be co-hosted by three global personalities with very different backgrounds but equal mainstream impact. Supermodel, producer and Emmy-winning TV host Heidi Klum returns to the World Cup draw stage two decades after her first appearance ahead of the 2006 tournament in Germany.

“This time, on an even bigger stage involving three host countries and 48 teams, is an incredible honour”, she said, reflecting on her return to the event, according to the official FIFA website.

Joining her is Kevin Hart, one of the most successful comedians and actors of his generation, whose presence adds a high-energy, crossover appeal to the ceremony. Completing the hosting trio is actor and producer Danny Ramirez, who will connect with soccer legends in attendance and bring a distinct Hollywood flair to the broadcast.

“As someone who grew up playing football, getting to co-host the draw and meet and speak with World Cup legends at such a high-profile event is a dream”, Ramirez said, also highlighting his personal ties to the United States and Mexico.

After nine weeks, the Colts boast a 7-2 record (tied for the best record in the league), with Jones playing at an MVP level, revitalizing his career after a tumultuous tenure with the New York Giants.

Jones’ performances have turned a lot of heads, and the Colts have taken note of that. They are reportedly planning to keep the veteran on the roster for the long run and officially move on from Anthony Richardson, who was expected to become the team’s franchise quarterback before Jones showed up.

Eli Manning praises Daniel Jones amid remarkable season with Colts

During Thursday’s edition of “Up & Adams,” Giants all-time great Eli Manning shared his thoughts about Jones’ season and the rumored contract extension he would sign. While he recalled Jones took his job in New York, he lauded the quarterback for his work ethic.

“Just excited for Daniel. As I said, no one deserves it more, or has worked harder, and he did it from day one,” Manning began. “If you’re gonna lose your job to someone like I did [Jones took Manning’s starting spot with the Giants in 2019], at least it’s to someone that’s coming in and working really hard and earned the right, and prepared and studied.”

The Colts look like potential contenders this season. They made a big move ahead of the trade deadline, trading for star cornerback Sauce Gardner to improve their defense. They need to cash in on their big campaign and bring help to Jones if they want to win this season.

The outstanding showing by Steve Sarkisian’s starting quarterback saw him throw four touchdown passes — all in the first half — showcasing his full talent in a dominant display, and in many ways redeeming himself after last week’s showing against Ohio State.

Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t able to match the record set by both Eli at Ole Miss and Peyton at Tennessee — with each throwing six touchdown passes in a single game, their personal best in college football.

Still, Arch quickly put to rest any doubts about his talent, dismantling his opponent from the opening snap and leading his Longhorns to a dominant home victory.

A historic defeat for Eli and Ole Miss

Ole Miss legend Eli Manning showcased his elite talent in one of college football’s most memorable games, throwing for a career-high six touchdown passes in a single contest.

While the performance cemented his status as a top quarterback, the game itself is remembered for a different reason: a heartbreaking loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks on November 23, 2001.

In an epic seven-overtime battle, Manning’s incredible effort wasn’t enough to secure the win, leaving fans with a bittersweet memory of a legendary passing performance in a devastating defeat.

Peyton Manning’s College Football record

In what would be a preview of his future NFL greatness, Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Peyton Manning put on a masterful display, setting a career-high with six touchdown passes in a dominant victory.

This legendary performance occurred on November 22, 1997, as Manning picked apart the Kentucky Wildcats defense in a decisive 59-31 win.

The game served as a powerful exclamation point on a Heisman-caliber season, solidifying his legacy as one of the most prolific passers to ever take the field in college football.

Eli Manning is someone with extensive experience in this franchise and knows exactly what it means to play under pressure in New York—a reality the younger players will undoubtedly have to learn to navigate. Not only that, but they’ll also need to handle both the praise and the criticism that will inevitably come from the media.

Dart is a talent with great potential who, along with the other rookies, will need to adapt to these new career changes. If they can achieve this, they will surely make a name for themselves during their time in the NFL.

Manning’s key advice for young players

During the recent Fanatics Fest, Eli Manning, alongside his brother Peyton, shared valuable insights on navigating the demanding New York media. In a discussion with host Kay Adams, the former Giants quarterback specifically addressed how the intense media scrutiny in New York can significantly impact younger players.

“As a quarterback, as a leader of a team, you have to understand that when you have your great games, you’ve got to give credit to all your teammates. You give credit to everybody–how well they played and what they do, and say, ‘Hey, it’s not me; it’s them,’” he started.

“Opposite, when you have the tough games. You’ve gotta put it on your shoulders [and] take the blame for it…and that’s just part of being a quarterback.”

The importance of getting along with veterans

Among other teachings that Manning dared to give to the new generation of players on the Giants, among them Jaxson Dart, he referred to one of the keys to being able to generate a good congruence with the most experienced players on the roster.

“You’re 22 years old in college, and you’re the same age as everybody. Now, [you] might have teammates who are 35 years old and have four kids. There are some grown men that are their teammates now, and they gotta say, ‘Hey, how do I be a leader of this guy?’” Manning said.

“And it’s from doing all the right things, coming in early, working out, being part of the community, handling the interviews, the media, [and] giving credit to the offensive line.”

Barber played as a running back and spent his entire professional NFL career with the Giants, from 1997 until his retirement in 2006. Known for his speed, versatility, and receiving ability, Barber amassed over 10,000 rushing yards and more than 5,000 receiving yards, becoming one of the most productive running backs of his era.

He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and remained a key piece in the Giants’ offense for a decade. Over the years, the New York franchise grew in strength and eventually won the Super Bowl in 2008, but shortly before that, Barber surprisingly retired at the peak of his career.

The surprising turn in Barber’s life

Although Barber never won a Super Bowl, he earned the reputation of a Giants legend. However, his relationship with Manning and head coach Tom Coughlin was tense, which, among other reasons, led him to make the striking decision to retire near the age of 30.

His life led him to pursue other passions related to media exposure. Barber quickly made the jump to television, working as a sports analyst and correspondent for NBC, appearing on shows like “The Today Show” and “Football Night in America.”

Barber’s arrival on Broadway

His career in entertainment continued until, in 2019, an unforgettable opportunity led him to leave the field and step onto the stage. That year, he surprised many by making his Broadway debut, starring as Don in the musical “Kinky Boots,” a show that combines music, humor, and a message of inclusion and acceptance.

The character Don plays an important supporting role in the story. Barber had a limited role replacing actor Daniel Stewart Sherman. However, just like in his playing days, his performance was well received by both audiences and critics.

In recent history, Eli Manning is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks the NFC has seen. He famously led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories over Tom Brady and the Patriots—a feat few quarterbacks can claim.

After a highly successful career, Manning decided to retire in 2020. However, his return to football could be on the horizon, as the Giants may be looking to bring him back in a larger role.

Rumors: Giants could be targeting Eli Manning’s return in a new capacity

Eli Manning will always be remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Giants history—if not the greatest. He led the NFC East franchise to two Super Bowl titles, toppling the dominant Patriots dynasty both times.

However, his retirement in 2020 left New York with a major challenge: finding his replacement. The Giants attempted to fill the void with Daniel Jones, but he failed to meet expectations and was released during the 2024 NFL season. Now, the team is once again in search of a franchise quarterback, and Manning could play a crucial role in that process.

Recent reports have revealed that the Giants are looking to sell a 10% stake in the team. Back in 2022, Manning expressed interest in becoming a minority owner if such an opportunity ever became available.

“It’s of interest, it’s just got to be the right fit,” Manning said in an interview with FOS in 2022, adding that “I don’t think the Giants are going to be for sale anytime soon.”

While he currently holds a business operations and fan engagement role within the organization, purchasing a stake in the team would give him greater influence over key decisions. His experience and leadership could prove invaluable in helping the front office build a more competitive roster in the near future.

What is the New York Giants’ current value?

According to Forbes, the New York Giants are currently valued at $7.3 billion, making them the fourth-most valuable NFL franchise. They rank behind the Patriots, Rams, and Cowboys, the latter of which leads the list at $10.1 billion.

The team is co-owned by John Mara and Steve Tisch, who each hold a 50% stake. The franchise was originally purchased by Tim Mara, John’s grandfather, in 1925 for just $500. The Tisch family later bought their share in 1991.

The Giants have struggled to find a true successor to Eli Manning since his retirement. The NFC East franchise has searched extensively for a franchise quarterback but has yet to find the right fit.

Now, the team faces a major decision. Holding the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and in desperate need of a quarterback, the Giants have Shedeur Sanders high on their radar as a potential solution.

Eli Manning sets the record straight for the Giants’ next quarterback

The Giants have had a difficult transition at quarterback since Eli Manning stepped away in 2020. A year before his retirement, the team selected Daniel Jones with the sixth overall pick, hoping he would be their long-term answer.

However, Jones’ tenure in New York fell far short of expectations. After a series of inconsistent performances, the former Duke standout parted ways with the franchise during the 2024 season.

Now, the Giants are preparing to draft a new quarterback. Holding the third overall pick, they must wait for the Titans and Browns to make their selections before knowing who will be available when they’re on the clock.

Many mock drafts project Shedeur Sanders to still be on the board when the Giants pick. In anticipation of his potential arrival, Eli Manning outlined in a recent interview on “Up & Adams” the key qualities the team must evaluate in their next quarterback:

1. Is he going through his progressions?
2. Is he getting the ball out on time?
3. Is he throwing before receivers come out of their breaks?
4. Is he taking unnecessary sacks?

These criteria should be closely examined when considering Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward—both potential targets for New York. Regardless of who they select, the new quarterback will be under heavy scrutiny, especially with Eli Manning keeping a watchful eye.

Will the Giants trade up in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Unfortunately for the Giants, they are not in an ideal position in this year’s draft. The Titans and Browns, both in need of a quarterback, hold the first and second overall picks, making it a challenge for New York to land their preferred choice.

A trade-up is possible, but prying the top picks away from Tennessee or Cleveland could come at a steep price. With both teams likely focused on securing their own future quarterbacks, moving up in the draft may be too expensive for the Giants to pursue.

In a recent one-on-one interview with ESPN, Manning discussed his goal of showcasing much more of his game moving forward. He also stated that his style of play will not resemble that of his uncles during their time in football.

Manning was asked about who he believes he plays most similarly to and gave his take on the matter: “I think probably like my grandfather. He could run around, make plays, use a little more of his athleticism, but I like to take bits and pieces of everyone’s.”

Despite this, Arch was quick to highlight the positive traits of both Eli and Peyton, acknowledging the strengths they brought to the game. “(Of Peyton) His preparation, his accuracy, the way he leads other guys and gets the best out of his teammates.”

He also added: “I really like how Eli, nothing really fazed him. He was up in New York with the media and they’d have good years or bad years, he stayed level-headed. He would throw for 400 yards or four interceptions and you couldn’t tell the difference. I really respected that.”

The moment to shine at the Longhorns

Last season, Quinn Ewers took charge of the Texas Longhorns’ first-team offense. After his decision to make the leap in his career and potentially enter the NFL, Arch Manning will now have his chance to shine and give Steve Sarkisian’s team an opportunity to make a deep run in the tournament.

“Hopefully, it gets more deserving in the next few months,” Manning told ESPN. “I don’t think I’ve done enough yet to be taking a lot of pictures at restaurants and signing autographs, but maybe that’ll come eventually.”

Although the start of the next season is still some time away, there are high expectations for the Longhorns, who fell short of reaching the National Championship Game last season after being eliminated in the NCAAF playoffs.

Today, the former Ole Miss Rebels player is one of the candidates for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024, which has generated an incredible disparity of opinions on the matter. And, as expected, the new head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels also spoke out about it.

In a recent appearance on the Coach Podcast, Belichick did not hide his admiration for Manning, even after having suffered against him in key games throughout his NFL career. Without a doubt, this is something that demonstrates the camaraderie and legacy of these figures in American football.

“He seemed like he always played his best against us and on the biggest stages,” Belichick started. “I have a ton of respect for Eli Manning and what he did. He was a tough competitor. As much as I wish that we would’ve beaten him—and I mean, I wouldn’t be saying this—the fact was he did more than we did on those two days, and I’ve got to give him credit.”

“Not just for that, but he had a tremendous career,” Belichick added. “Not only the best player but also the face of the franchise. He was always a model guy in terms of doing the right thing, saying the right thing, and leading his team in tough as well as good situations. He was there when it was going against the wind too, and I have a lot of respect for Eli Manning.”

Manning had a remarkable career in the NFL

Eli Manning, former quarterback for the New York Giants, had a distinguished career in the NFL with numerous achievements. Among his greatest successes are two Super Bowl victories (XLII and XLVI), both against the New England Patriots, with the first being a stunning win over the undefeated team lead by Tom Brady.

In addition, he was named Super Bowl MVP in both appearances, showcasing his performance in key moments. Manning was also selected to the Pro Bowl twice (2004 and 2008), reinforcing his excellence as a quarterback.

His candidacy for the Hall of Fame has sparked much debate in the world of American football. While Manning is a two-time Super Bowl champion, his .500 career win-loss record and lack of consistent dominance in the regular season have been significant points of contention.