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Earlier this month, retired New York Giants legend Eli Manning was passed over for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
The great tight end Antonio Gates, who was elected to Canton this time around after being bypassed last year, has some solid advice for Eli on how to handle the disappointment.
From TMZ Sports:
The legendary Charger — who was inducted into the 2025 class last week after being snubbed for the 2024 one just 12 months ago — told TMZ Sports out at the Super Bowl in New Orleans that while he’s sure Eli’s feeling heartbreak right now … the former signal-caller just needs to stay positive.
Gates told us that after he was shockingly barred from getting a bust in Canton … he headed into the ensuing year focused on being “the best version of me” — and he thinks that attitude helped him get in this go-around.
It looks like Eli may already be handling the snub with dignity and class. And why wouldn’t he? He’s never shown anything but in his life.
“I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be my night, and I understand that,” Manning said in an appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football.
“I’m totally at peace. It’s not gonna change my outlook on my career and how I feel about it,” he said, per USA Today’s Jacob Camenker.
In his first interaction with TMZ after the Hall of Fame announced their 2025 class, Eli was cool. He was on his way to continue his busy, lucrative life.
“Life’s good,” he said. “I’m happy for the guys who got in. I feel like I was part of the moment because Jared Allen got in and he sacked me so many times I feel like I helped him get in. So, I feel like you have to be happy about that.”
Next year Eli will get another shot at enshrinement. He’ll be up against a tough new group that includes Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees, and Jason Witten, so there are no guarantees.