Eli Manning Snubbed: Former Teammate Prince Amukamara Expresses Disappointment
Eli Manning’s omission from the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023 has sparked controversy, with former New York Giants teammate Prince Amukamara voicing his displeasure.
"Snubbed dude, come on man!" exclaimed Amukamara to TMZ Sports. "It’s crazy because before he retired, that’s always been the argument right: is he a first ballot Hall of Famer?"
Amukamara, who played alongside Manning for five seasons from 2011-2015, believes his former quarterback’s accomplishments warrant enshrinement in Canton.
"All I know is two-time Super Bowl MVP, beat everybody’s GOAT, never missed a down, never missed a play, never missed a game… He’ll get in next time," said Amukamara.
Manning’s candidacy has been a topic of debate among fans and analysts, with his accolades balanced against his overall record. As a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl MVP, Manning ranks highly in passing yards (11th all-time) and touchdown passes (11th all-time). His durability was exceptional, starting 210 consecutive games before being benched for performance reasons, not injury.
However, Manning finished his career with a 117-117 record and 244 interceptions, the 12th highest total in NFL history. These numbers have raised questions about his consistency and overall value as a quarterback.
Amukamara acknowledged the accomplishments of those who were elected to the Hall of Fame this year, including Jared Allen, Antonio Gates, Sterling Sharpe, and Eric Allen. However, he maintained that Manning should have been among them.
"I thought he got snubbed," said Amukamara. "I thought they were gonna vote him in because he’s Eli Manning, he’s a New York Giant, he’s a legend."
Amukamara also expressed his surprise at the omission of Luke Kuechly, the former Carolina Panthers linebacker who retired after eight seasons due to health concerns.
"I thought he was gonna get in too," said Amukamara. "He’s one of the best linebackers to ever play the game."
Kuechly’s resume includes Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, seven Pro Bowl selections, and five First Team All-Pro selections. He led the NFL in tackles twice during his career.
Amukamara joked that he didn’t want to say anything that would result in his own snub from the Hall of Fame. He had a solid nine-year career with the Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Chicago Bears, but he is not considered to be a Hall of Fame candidate.
Despite the disappointment expressed by Amukamara and other Manning supporters, the former quarterback remains eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame in future years. The Class of 2024 will be announced next February, and Manning’s chances of election will depend on the strength of the other candidates and the voters’ interpretation of his overall legacy.
