Emmitt Smith’s comments have reignited the debate over Eli Manning’s Hall of Fame credentials
While some believe his Super Bowl victories alone justify induction, others argue that his overall career performance should be more heavily scrutinized.
Meanwhile, Smith’s broader criticism of the selection process highlights the challenges the Hall of Fame committee faces in fairly honoring football’s greatest players.
Whether or not Manning eventually receives a gold jacket, one thing is clear—the conversation surrounding his Hall of Fame case is far from over.
Emmitt Smith’s frustration with the Hall of Fame reflects a larger issue with the selection process. The debate over Eli Manning’s induction highlights inconsistencies in voting and the subjective nature of the committee’s decisions.
Given his two Super Bowl MVPs, statistical achievements, and leadership, Manning has a strong case for enshrinement.
Moving forward, the Hall of Fame must strive for greater transparency and consistency to ensure that every deserving player receives proper recognition.
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Emmitt Smith Criticizes NFL Hall of Fame Process
Eli Manning’s Exclusion Sparks Debate
The exclusion of Eli Manning from the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame class has sparked discussions across the football world.1
Among those voicing their opinions is legendary running back Emmitt Smith, who expressed his frustration with the selection process during an appearance on Kay Adams’ show.
Smith firmly believes that Manning deserves a spot in Canton and also criticized the Hall of Fame committee for not utilizing all seven available slots for inductees this year.
Let’s break down his argument and its implications for future Hall of Fame classes.
Excited for the realease and my feature in the “It’s in the Game: Madden NFL” series premiering tomorrow on @PrimeVideo! pic.twitter.com/SBSfGq8F8x
— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) November 25, 2024
The Case for Eli Manning: Defeating the GOAT
Emmitt Smith did not hesitate in his support for Eli Manning’s Hall of Fame candidacy.
His primary argument? Manning is the only quarterback to defeat Tom Brady, widely regarded as the greatest of all time, in two Super Bowls. For Smith, this accomplishment alone is enough to warrant induction into the Hall of Fame.
“He (Eli Manning) should be in too. He’s the only guy to beat Tom Brady… He beat the greatest that ever did it twice, that’s all you have to say.”
Smith’s stance aligns with a significant portion of the football community that views postseason performance as a crucial factor in Hall of Fame consideration.
While some critics argue that Manning’s regular-season statistics do not stack up against other elite quarterbacks, his two Super Bowl victories, particularly against the dominant New England Patriots, solidify his legacy as a clutch performer on the biggest stage.
Eli Manning’s Regular-Season Resume
A Point of Contention
Despite his postseason heroics, Manning’s regular-season career has been a point of debate.2
His career record as a starter (117-117) does not scream dominance, and while he ranks in the top 10 in passing yards and touchdowns, critics argue that longevity rather than peak performance accounts for those numbers.
However, his ability to deliver under pressure in the playoffs cannot be understated. Manning led the New York Giants to two improbable Super Bowl runs, knocking off powerhouse teams en route to victories in Super Bowl XLII and XLVI.
If the Hall of Fame is about enshrining legendary moments and clutch performances, then Manning certainly belongs among the all-time greats.
Darren Woodson: Another Snub?
One of the players Smith advocated for was Darren Woodson, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys.
Woodson, a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro, played a crucial role in the Cowboys’ defensive dominance during the 1990s. Despite his impressive resume, he was not included in the 2025 class.
Smith’s argument brings up a broader discussion about how defensive players, especially safeties, are often overlooked in Hall of Fame voting.
While offensive stars like quarterbacks and wide receivers receive significant attention, defensive stalwarts frequently face an uphill battle for recognition.
Emmitt Smith Calls Out the Hall of Fame Selection Process
Beyond advocating for Manning, Smith also took issue with the overall Hall of Fame selection process in 2025.3
This year’s class included four inductees: Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Antonio Gates, and Sterling Sharpe.
However, with seven spots available for enshrinement, Smith questioned why the committee left three vacancies unfilled.
“I don’t know if they got it right or not, because there’s seven spots, and they should have filled all seven spots.”
Smith’s point is clear: If there are seven openings, why not use them all to honor deserving players? One name he specifically mentioned was Darren Woodson, a former Dallas Cowboys safety, whom Smith believes should have been inducted this year.
The Logjam Effect: Future Hall of Fame Dilemmas
Smith also raised concerns about future Hall of Fame classes, noting that leaving available slots unfilled could create a backlog of eligible players in the coming years.
“In the years to come, you’re gonna have a number of guys that just retired some years ago that would come up at one time. And now you’re gonna claim you don’t have enough space. So it’s time to create the space and take advantage of that space when you have an opportunity to do so.”
His comments highlight a common criticism of the Hall of Fame selection process—delays in enshrining worthy candidates can lead to an overwhelming number of deserving players being left out.
With the upcoming eligibility of players like Aaron Rodgers, J.J. Watt, and others, the selection committee may find itself struggling to fit all worthy candidates into the limited number of slots.
Balancing Postseason Success with Regular-Season Consistency
The debate surrounding Eli Manning’s Hall of Fame candidacy boils down to one fundamental question: How much weight should postseason success carry in the selection process?
Some argue that regular-season consistency is the true measure of greatness, while others believe that legendary moments in high-stakes games define a Hall of Famer.
Manning’s two Super Bowl MVP performances are undeniable, but his career was also marked by stretches of mediocrity.
The Hall of Fame committee will have to decide whether his peak moments outweigh his statistical inconsistencies.
Similar Cases in Hall of Fame History
Manning’s case is not without precedent.
Other players have been inducted despite mixed regular-season performances due to their impact in big games:
- Terry Bradshaw: A four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bradshaw’s regular-season stats were not exceptional, but his postseason dominance earned him a Hall of Fame spot.
- Joe Namath: Despite a subpar career record (62-63-4) and a low passer rating (65.5), Namath’s Super Bowl III victory and cultural impact secured his Hall of Fame induction.
- Lynn Swann: The former Steelers wide receiver had relatively modest career stats but was inducted due to his Super Bowl performances.
Given these cases, Manning’s two Super Bowl victories should hold significant weight in the Hall of Fame discussion.
Possible Solutions to Improve the Hall of Fame Process
Smith’s criticism of the selection process raises an important question: How can the Pro Football Hall of Fame improve? Here are a few potential solutions:
- Expand the Number of Inductees – Given the growing number of eligible players, the committee could increase the annual limit to ensure more deserving candidates are enshrined.
- Separate Postseason and Regular-Season Criteria – Voters could adopt a system that balances both aspects of a player’s career to ensure that neither regular-season dominance nor playoff heroics are undervalued.
- More Transparency in the Selection Process – A clearer explanation of voting decisions could help fans and analysts understand why certain players are chosen over others.
- Address Positional Biases – The Hall of Fame could implement measures to ensure that positions like safety and offensive line receive fair representation.
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Emmitt Smith: Speaks Out
Emmitt Smith, one of the most decorated running backs in NFL history, recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the Hall of Fame’s voting process.
He stated that the Hall does not value his opinion because he is “too opinionated” about various issues.
Smith elaborated that he believes the Hall should maintain consistency in its selection process, particularly when it comes to the number of players inducted each year.
Winning two Super Bowls as the starting quarterback for a franchise as prominent as the New York Giants is a major achievement. Many Hall of Fame quarterbacks have fewer rings than Manning, yet they were inducted based on their overall impact on the game. Manning’s ability to perform under pressure should not be overlooked.
Few quarterbacks in NFL history have demonstrated the same level of durability as Manning. His 210-game consecutive start streak is second only to Brett Favre among quarterbacks. This level of reliability is a key trait of Hall of Fame players.
The Hall of Fame’s Selection Process
The Pro Football Hall of Fame typically inducts a varying number of players each year, depending on the class and the selection committee’s decisions.
The standard process involves narrowing down a list of semifinalists to a final group, from which a limited number of players are chosen.
Smith argues that if there are seven spots available, the selection committee should use all of them rather than reducing the number of inductees arbitrarily.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is an institution that honors the greatest players in the history of the NFL. However, it has often been criticized for its selection process, which has led to debates about which players deserve enshrinement.
Recently, Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith voiced his frustration with the system, particularly regarding the omission of Eli Manning. He also claimed that the Hall does not care for his opinions, despite his legendary status in the game.
Emmitt Smith’s Concerns About the Hall of Fame’s Objectivity
Inconsistencies in Voting
Smith’s frustration with the Hall of Fame stems from what he perceives as inconsistencies in the voting process.
He believes that the committee should follow a clear set of criteria rather than allowing subjectivity to play too large a role.
Narratives often influence Hall of Fame voting. Some players benefit from media favoritism, while others, like Manning, may be undervalued due to misconceptions about their careers.
Critics argue that Manning’s regular-season inconsistency and lack of individual awards weaken his case, despite his undeniable postseason success.
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The Role of Personal Opinions
Smith’s claim that the Hall does not value his opinion raises questions about the influence of past inductees. While Hall of Famers are respected voices in football, their input does not seem to carry weight in the selection process.
This raises concerns about transparency and whether the process could be improved by incorporating the perspectives of former players.
Terry Bradshaw, a four-time Super Bowl champion, was inducted into the Hall despite his relatively modest regular-season stats.
His clutch performances in big games cemented his legacy, much like Manning’s two Super Bowl wins. If Bradshaw is in, many argue that Manning should be as well.
Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner’s Hall of Fame induction in 2017 showcased how a player with an unconventional career path could still be honored. While Warner had periods of inconsistency, his highs were undeniable.
Manning, who had a steadier but less spectacular career, presents a different case but one that should still warrant induction.
Joe Namath is another Hall of Fame quarterback whose statistical achievements do not necessarily match up with modern standards.
However, his impact on the game and his iconic Super Bowl victory earned him a spot. By similar logic, Manning’s two championships should secure his place in Canton.
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