For many, many years, retired NFL legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders, has been an avid supporter of New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning. In fact, you often heard him singing, “I believe in Eli” on national television.
Sanders never strayed. He was a supporter of Manning from start to finish, never caving to the pressure that came along with standing by one of the most controversial quarterbacks of all-time. He always believed Manning was more talented than he was given credit for, and always believed he could win a game so long as the ball was in his hands.
However, Sanders’ support of Manning seems to have reached its end.
As Manning heads into retirement and the debate over his Hall of Fame candidacy rages, Sanders admits that too many regular Joes are getting in. And yes, that would include Manning.
“What is a Hall of Famer now? Is it a guy who played a long time?” Sanders said. “It’s so skewed now. Once upon a time, a Hall of Famer was a player who changed the darn game, who made you want to reach in your pocket and pay your admission to see that guy play. That’s not a Hall of Famer anymore. Every Tom, Dick and Harry, you’re a Hall of Famer, you’re a Hall of Famer, you’re a Hall of Famer. They let everybody in this thing. It’s not exclusive anymore. And I don’t like it.”
Although Sanders didn’t want to name any specific players who he thinks have watered down the Hall of Fame, when Patrick asked him about Eli Manning, Sanders answered, “You get the point.”
Ultimately, Sanders says, there should be no minimum on the number of inductees per year and that it should be solely based on the worthiness of Canton.
“It should be based on, ‘Are you that guy?’ Not just because we have to meet a quota,” Sanders said.
Many believe Manning is that guy. Sanders clearly does not.
