In a surprising twist this year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame class has left out two prominent figures: former Giants quarterback Eli Manning and legendary Patriots coach Bill Belichick. This decision has sparked reactions from many, including former Giants safety Antrel Rolle.
Rolle, who shared the field with Manning during the Giants' Super Bowl XLVI victory over the Patriots, expressed his disbelief. “Eli Manning is the guy who took down Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback ever, not once, but twice in the Super Bowl,” Rolle pointed out.
“That’s no small feat. His career was exceptional, marked by leadership and clutch performances.
Missing out on the Hall of Fame twice? It’s baffling.”
The conversation didn’t stop with Manning. Rolle also weighed in on Belichick’s absence from the Hall.
“Leaving out Bill Belichick? Are we serious?”
he questioned. “He’s the best coach the NFL has ever seen.
While someone like Andy Reid might have a shot at that title in the future, Belichick stands unmatched right now.”
Rolle raised concerns about the voting process itself. “I’m not sure how the voting works these days, but it seems like it needs a revamp,” he remarked.
“Those deeply involved in the game should have more influence. When it’s left to writers and others, personal biases can creep in.
Some deserving individuals are overlooked, while others who might not have earned it get in.”
He concluded with a sentiment shared by many fans: “It’s subjective, sure. But saying Eli and Belichick aren’t first-ballot Hall of Famers? That’s just absurd.”