Eli Manning Calls Belichick Hall Snub ‘Shocking,’ Sees Big Ben Traits in Drake Maye

Few players understand what it takes to beat a Bill Belichick-coached team better than Eli Manning. The former quarterback built part of his legacy by toppling Belichick’s dynastic New England Patriots on the sport’s biggest stage — not once, but twice.

Those victories, highlighted by dramatic late-game drives, remain among the most memorable moments in Super Bowl history. They also give Manning a unique perspective on the coach he once outdueled.

So when Belichick’s name was absent from the first-ballot selections for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Manning didn’t hesitate to voice surprise.

To him, the omission wasn’t just debatable — it was difficult to comprehend, given the scale of Belichick’s accomplishments over two decades in New England.

1. Respect for a Rival

Manning’s career is forever tied to Belichick’s Patriots. As the leader of the New York Giants, he orchestrated two stunning Super Bowl upsets against New England, including the iconic win in Super Bowl XLII that ended the Patriots’ perfect season bid. Those battles required precision and poise against one of the most disciplined teams the league has seen. Manning experienced firsthand how hard it was to exploit Belichick’s defenses and outmaneuver his game plans. That’s why he called the Hall of Fame decision “shocking.” In his view, few coaches have shaped the modern NFL like Belichick, who built a system that churned out division titles, conference championships and six Super Bowl victories. For Manning, respect for the rival never faded. Even after beating him on the biggest stage, he sees Belichick as one of the defining figures of the sport.

2. Patriots’ Quick Turnaround

While the Hall debate grabbed headlines, Manning also acknowledged New England’s present-day resurgence. After a difficult stretch, the Patriots bounced back with one of the league’s more dramatic turnarounds. Much of that improvement centered on quarterback Drake Maye. The young signal-caller emerged as a breakout star, guiding the offense with efficiency and composure beyond his years. Maye’s numbers backed it up: 31 touchdowns, just eight interceptions and a league-leading completion rate. His production helped push the Patriots back into contention far quicker than many expected. For a franchise long associated with stability, the emergence of a new cornerstone under center offered hope that another competitive window might already be opening.

3. Shades of Big Ben

When asked who Maye resembles stylistically, Manning paused before landing on a familiar comparison: Ben Roethlisberger, the former Pittsburgh Steelers star and Manning’s draft-class contemporary. The comparison stems from more than arm strength. Like Roethlisberger, Maye combines the ability to stretch the field with mobility that allows him to escape pressure and extend plays. Manning noted the young quarterback’s knack for scrambling and making sound decisions in critical moments — traits that often separate good passers from franchise leaders. Maye also added significant yardage on the ground, reinforcing his dual-threat reputation. If the trajectory mirrors Roethlisberger’s — a two-time champion and longtime playoff contender — the Patriots could find themselves back among the AFC’s elite for years to come.