Eli Manning's name appearing on this year's Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot reignited the debate about whether the New York Giants Super Bowl hero deserves football's highest honor.
And while that debate continues to be one of the most polarizing topics for football fans and analysts, it's now transitioned into comparing the career resumes of Manning and a current Giants quarterback. Simply put, if Manning earns enshrinement, Russell Wilson has to as well.
"When I look at the totality of his (Manning) resume, there's no way you can keep him (Wilson) out," argued Stephen A. Smith on a segment during Thursday's "First Take."
And honestly, Smith is right, as his argument is supported by the facts. When comparing their careers, the only true categories Manning has over Wilson are rings — Manning has two very memorable Super Bowl wins compared to Wilson's 1-1 record in the big game — and passing yards. That's basically it.
.@stephenasmith doubles down on his take that you can't put Eli Manning in the Hall of the Fame and leave Russell Wilson out pic.twitter.com/VDdvtKSSbf
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 25, 2025
Statistically speaking, Manning has 57,023 passing yards, which is 11th all-time, 373 total touchdowns, 244 interceptions and a 60.3 percent completion percentage in 16 seasons. He, of course, has two championships from Super Bowl wins over the Bill Belichick and Tom Brady-led Patriots. Manning's 117-117 overall record and just six playoff appearances also show his lack of consistent team success.
As for Wilson, his career is still underway, but his Hall of Fame case will most likely be based on what he's already accomplished. So far in 14 years, Wilson has 46,913 passing yards, 5,556 more as a runner, 384 total touchdowns (353 as passes), just 114 picks and a 64.6 percent completion percentage. Wilson's numbers and resume already warrant consideration despite his recent fall from grace.
And to top it all off, Wilson did lead the Seattle Seahawks to their first championship in franchise history, making his title somewhat historic as well, even if not to the level of what Manning and the Giants achieved by preventing the Patriots from capping off an undefeated season. Wilson's current record stands at 121-80-1 with nine trips to the playoffs.
Many feel Manning, who failed to receive enough votes to be a first-ballot entrant, will eventually gain acceptance. His stature in the game, the big moments he helped orchestrate and, let's face it, his last name will probably push him over the top.
However, when that day comes, it will then be necessary to recognize the same respect that needs to be shown to Wilson when his name pops up on the ballot years later. Because, taking nothing away from Manning's legacy, Wilson has objectively had the better NFL career.
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