Will Eli Make It?

Later tonight, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will announce its Class of 2025.

One of the names I am keen to see on - or off - the list is Eli Manning, who appeared on the ballot for the first time.

There's a lot of controversy over Manning (and there should be more following the upcoming announcement). 

Many people don't think Eli is a first-ballot shoo-in because they argue the former quarterback for the New York Giants hasn't enough going for him - in the stats - to make him worthy of an instant introduction to Canton.

For what it's worth, the numbers are 366 touchdowns and 244 interceptions. He never made an All Pro team at all during the sixteen seasons he played in the NFL. 

So there's those points.

But then there are these: Two. Super. Bowl. Rings.

Two.

Oh, and how about - Two Super Bowl MVPs on top of that?

He earned those by beating the New England Patriots. Twice. 

Those same people arguing that Manning doesn't have the credentials to be first-ballot (or any ballot, for that matter) are the same ones touting those New England Patriots as one of the best teams in history. 

Tom Brady was the QB for the Pats.

Eli Manning beat a dynasty on the biggest stage. Not once. Twice. That's historic. That's why I believe he should be in.

Whether he will be inducted is another thing entirely, however.