Who Are the NFL 2025 Hall of Fame Candidates? Eli Manning Headlines 1st Time Nominees

The deserving players are finally getting their honors from the league! On Wednesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame just “revealed its list of 167 modern-era players for the class of 2025,” and guess what? It’s a star-studded group.

However, among multiple star names, one player that stands out is Eli Manning, who made his official debut on the ballot. Manning, who played for 16 seasons with the New York Giants, is a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl MVP, and is one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in NFL history. In addition to that, he is ranked in the top 10 for career passing yards (57,023), completions (4,895) and touchdown passes (366).

Apart from him, fifteen of them are “in their first year of eligibility.” And you know what? Eli Manning isn’t the only player to represent the Giants this time. There are seven other Giants legends nominated this year, which include running back Tiki Barber, tight end Jeremy Shockey, guard Chris Snee, defensive end Justin Tuck, linebacker Jessie Armstead, and punters Jeff Feagles and Sean Landeta. In addition to them, Colts former player Antoine Bethea is also nominated for the 33rd team, 2024 Hall of Fame.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Sharing the proudful news on his official X account, Bethea, who is an SBXLI champion, wrote, “It’s an honor to be considered!!” There is no doubt that being nominated for such a prestigious honor brings a sense of pride and happiness to the players and their loved ones. Hence, the players’ fans too didn’t stay behind in pouring in their congratulatory messages for Bethea, Eli Manning, and other nominated names of this time.

Apart from that, in total, “the roster of nominees consists of 94 offensive players, 56 defensive players, and 17 special teams players.

What’s the next process of selection?

Currently, after the nominations, there are around 167 players who are considered for the Hall of Fame. But all of them can’t be the final achievers. Hence, this list will be reduced to 50 next month (mid-October) by the Screening Committee. And then again, “the full 50-person selection committee will cut the list down to 25 semi finalists and then 15 finalists for the annual meeting before the Super Bowl LVIX that will produce the new class.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

USA Today via Reuters

In order to be inducted, a player needs to get at least 80% of the votes. According to Hall’s rules, via ESPN, “between three to five players can get in as modern era candidates.” Furthermore, there are special categories as well – “three senior candidates, grouped with one coach and contributor.

Now, all eyes are on the next month’s decision. Who will be in the top 50?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Till then, do check out our latest Think Tank exclusive interview with Doug Sanders, which is packed with multiple insights – be it current NFL season, college football, or even NIL.

Latest news
Related news