A contentious back room debate over whether or not former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will be a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer moved one step closer this week as Manning was selected as one of 25 semifinalists for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
This is Manning’s first year of Hall of Fame eligibiity. Six other first-time eligible players also reached the semifinal stage. They are linebacker Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, defensive end Terrell Suggs, safety Earl Thomas, placekicker Adam Vinatieri and offensive lineman Marshal Yanda.
The group of 25 was selected from a group 167 Hall of Fame nominees that was created earlier this year.