Victor Cruz makes Hall of Fame case for Eli Manning — ‘I think he gets in’

Victor Cruz makes Hall of Fame case for Eli Manning — ‘I think he gets in’
Big Blue View Big Blue View

We won’t have to wait long to find out if Cruz is right

Victor Cruz, a teammate of Eli Manning’s for six seasons with the New York Giants has no doubt that the two-time Super Bowl MVP should become a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“Eli Manning is a Hall of Famer because of the consistency that he’s had over a number of years in the league, as well as a two-time Super Bowl MVP,” Cruz told SB Nation’s RJ Ochoa at the Super Bowl in New Orleans on Thursday.

Manning is one of 15 finalists for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025, which will be announced during Thursday night’s ‘NFL Honors’ ceremony. His Hall of Fame worthiness, especially on the first ballot, has long been a subject of debate.

“I remember while we were playing it was ‘was he elite’,” Cruz said. “I think he’s going to get in. I think his body of work speaks for itself. I think when you beat the GOAT [Tom Brady] two times and a two-time Super Bowl MVP I think that helps as well.

“I just think his body of work speaks for itself. Playing in New York, his consistency ... and it doesn’t hurt that his last name is Manning, also. I think he gets in.”

We will know soon.