Jason Smith: "Eli Manning’s Not a 1st Ballot Guy, He’s a 2nd Ballot Guy”

Jason Smith and Mike Harmon are back, offering their lively reactions to the NFL Honors Hall of Fame announcement! While they discuss the players who made it in, the real drama unfolds over the surprising snub of former NFL quarterback Eli Manning, who didn’t make it on his first ballot. With two Super Bowl victories and a Super Bowl MVP under his belt, many expected Eli to get the golden ticket right away. But Jason and Mike aren’t holding back as they dive into a heated debate about why Manning’s impressive resume didn’t earn him a first-ballot spot. They break down the complexities of Hall of Fame voting, examine Manning’s legacy, and weigh in on what really counts when it comes to getting into Canton.

Jason Smith:

“The biggest Hall of Famers make sure they’re getting in on the first ballot, but the other Hall of Famers—those very good players who might not be as great as the best players—have to wait a year because they’re not on the same level as guys like Peyton Manning. Peyton’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but Eli isn’t. Eli’s a second-ballot guy, and I guarantee you that was part of the thinking behind why he didn’t get in.”

Mike Harmon:

“Year after year, what’s the ultimate event in the universe for television viewing, for gluttony, and for everything else? It’s the Super Bowl. And on that grandest stage, Eli Manning shone brightest—twice—against Tom Brady, everyone’s darling.”