Eli Manning’s place in NFL history has long been a subject of debate, but his selection as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is reigniting discussions about his legacy. One of the most surprising voices weighing in is legendary New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who offered candid praise for Manning during a recent appearance on the Coach Podcast.

Belichick, whose Patriots suffered two stunning Super Bowl losses to Manning’s New York Giants, didn’t hold back in his admiration for the quarterback. “He seemed like he always played his best against us and on the biggest stages,” Belichick said. “I have a ton of respect for Eli Manning and what he did. He was a tough competitor. As much as I wish that we would’ve beaten him—and I mean, I wouldn’t be saying this—the fact was he did more than we did on those two days, and I’ve got to give him credit.”

The two games Belichick referred to are, of course, Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI. In the first, Manning led the Giants to a shocking upset over the previously undefeated Patriots, orchestrating a last-minute drive capped by the iconic David Tyree “Helmet Catch.” Four years later, Manning once again bested Belichick’s squad, securing his second Super Bowl MVP honor with another late-game winning drive.

Belichick acknowledged that those performances were defining moments not just for Manning’s career but for NFL history. “Not just for that, but he had a tremendous career,” Belichick added. “Not only the best player but also the face of the franchise. He was always a model guy in terms of doing the right thing, saying the right thing, and leading his team in tough as well as good situations. He was there when it was going against the wind too, and I have a lot of respect for Eli Manning.”

The praise from Belichick is particularly notable given Manning’s polarizing Hall of Fame candidacy. While he ranks 11th all-time in both passing yards and touchdowns—recently surpassed by Matthew Stafford—Manning’s critics often cite his .500 career win-loss record and lack of consistent dominance in the regular season. Many argue that his two Super Bowl victories, both against Belichick’s Patriots, are the cornerstone of his Hall of Fame case.

For Belichick, however, those two performances alone speak volumes about Manning’s ability to rise to the occasion. “He did more than we did on those two days,” Belichick admitted, a rare concession from a coach known for his relentless focus on winning.

As the Hall of Fame debate continues, Belichick’s comments may carry significant weight. His perspective not only underscores Manning’s achievements but also highlights the respect the quarterback commanded from one of the greatest football minds of all time. Whether Manning ultimately earns his gold jacket, his legacy as a giant slayer—and a Giant legend—remains firmly intact.