Eli Manning is a semifinalist for the Corridor of Fame as soon as once more.
The previous Giants quarterback is among the many 26 candidates for the category of 2026 who superior to the semifinalist portion of the voting within the modern-era gamers class, the Corridor introduced Tuesday.
Manning, a two-time Tremendous Bowl MVP, is in his second 12 months on the poll. He was a finalist final 12 months however was not elected.
This 12 months’s group of semifinalists consists of two different quarterbacks in Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, each of whom are of their first 12 months of eligibility.
The opposite newcomers on the record are large receiver Larry Fitzgerald, tight finish Jason Witten and operating again Frank Gore.
Among the many 19 returning semifinalists are offensive lineman Willie Anderson, receiver Torry Holt, linebacker Luke Kuechly and kicker Adam Vinatieri, all of whom have been assured to achieve this stage after ending throughout the prime seven of voting final 12 months.
Tuesday’s group of modern-era nominees was whittled down from an unique pool of 167. It will likely be lower down to fifteen finalists later this 12 months.
Manning is considered one of six gamers in NFL historical past to win Tremendous Bowl MVP at the least twice, together with Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Patrick Mahomes, Bart Starr and Terry Bradshaw.
Montana, Starr and Bradshaw are Corridor of Famers, whereas Brady is ready to develop into eligible in 2028 and Mahomes continues to be lively.
A four-time Professional Bowl choice, Manning ranks eleventh in NFL historical past in passing yards (57,203) and passing touchdowns (366). He by no means missed a sport as a result of damage throughout his 16-year profession from 2004-19, at one level making 210 consecutive begins.
However Manning faces stiff competitors this 12 months.
Brees, who ranks second in NFL historical past in passing yards (80,358) and touchdowns (571), is anticipated to be a first-ballot inductee, as is Fitzgerald, who ranks second all time in catches (1,432) and receiving yards (7,492).
Offensive linemen Jahri Evans and Marshal Yanda, receivers Reggie Wayne and Steve Smith Sr., linebacker Terrell Suggs, operating again Fred Taylor and defensive again Darren Woodson are all semifinalists once more after being finalists for the category of 2025.
Between 4 and eight candidates are inducted to the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame yearly, with nominees from the seniors class of voting additionally thought of.
Tom Coughlin, who was Manning’s head coach for the Giants’ victories in Tremendous Bowl XLII and Tremendous Bowl XLVI, is a semifinalist within the teaching class.
Final 12 months, move rusher Jared Allen, cornerback Eric Allen and tight finish Antonio Gates have been the Corridor’s modern-era alternatives, whereas large receiver Sterling Sharpe was chosen by the senior committee voters.
This 12 months’s class might be unveiled on the “NFL Honors” ceremony in February.
