Because according to pro football historian Jack Silverstein (@ readjack.bsky.social on BlueSky), Manning is now basically a lock to one day enter the Hall of Fame based on his being a first-ballot semifinalist. Be it this year or somewhere down the line, Manning will soon get a bronze bust of his head.

Longtime New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was one of 25 players named semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2025 on Wednesday.

Congratulations to Giants quarterback Eli Manning on making it to the semi-final round of the Pro Football Hall of Fame! Is Eli Manning a Hall of Famer? I think eventually he does. Do I believe that he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer?