Eli Manning and Bill Belichick-two names forever linked by Super Bowl lore-just found themselves connected in a whole new way. And this time, it’s not about a game-winning drive or a defensive masterpiece. It’s about the Hall of Fame-and the fact that neither got in on their first try.
Yep, you read that right. Manning, the two-time Super Bowl MVP who twice toppled Belichick’s Patriots on the game’s biggest stage, didn’t get the first-ballot nod last year. And now Belichick, the architect of six Super Bowl titles in New England and two more as a defensive coordinator with the Giants, finds himself in the same boat.
Welcome to the “Not-Quite-First-Ballot Club.” It’s not exactly the club anyone aims to join, but it’s a reminder of just how unpredictable Hall of Fame voting can be in the NFL.
Let’s start with Manning. Sure, his regular season numbers sparked debate-some critics pointed to his win-loss record, his interceptions, or the lack of Pro Bowl nods.
But when the lights were brightest, he delivered. Twice.
Against a dynasty. With MVP performances in both Super Bowls.
That’s not just clutch-it’s legacy-defining.
Then there’s Belichick. His résumé doesn’t just speak for itself-it shouts.
Six rings as a head coach. Two more as a defensive coordinator.
Countless playoff runs. A defensive mind that helped shape the modern NFL.
If coaching greatness had a blueprint, it would look a lot like Belichick’s career. So what more is he supposed to do?
And yet, here we are. Both men, giants of the game in their own right, left waiting.
Now, let’s be clear: this doesn’t feel like a permanent snub. Manning is still in the running this year, and Belichick’s induction feels more like a “when” than an “if.” But the fact that neither cleared the first-ballot hurdle is one of those quirks that makes you pause.
Because when you think about legacy in the NFL, these two are right at the heart of it. They weren’t just participants in some of the most iconic Super Bowls of the 21st century-they were central figures.
One orchestrated unforgettable game-winning drives. The other built a dynasty that defined an era.
So yeah, it’s a little surprising. Maybe even a little disappointing.
But if history has taught us anything, it’s that greatness doesn’t always follow a straight path. Sometimes, even legends have to wait their turn.