Hall of Fame linebacker and Giants legend Lawrence Taylor knows that QB Eli Manning belongs with him in Canton, and he hopes the Pro Football Hall of Fame agrees.

Speaking on Radio Row at the Super Bowl in Miami, Taylor told The Post's Steve Serby that Manning has the credentials to be a Hall of Famer.

"He's won two Super Bowls," he said. "He may not be a first-ballot. But is he a Hall of Famer? Of course. Played too many games.

"He's done too many good things. He's been the best of the Giants for too many years. He will get into the Hall of Fame. And if he goes in the first ballot? I'd be surprised, but he will get there if he doesn't go in the first (time)."

That's going to be the debate for the next five years, as Manning officially called it quits last Friday in a retirement ceremony at the Giants fieldhouse. Giants co-owner John Mara said that no player will ever wear No. 10 ever again, and some of Manning's current and former teammates have already come out to say that he deserves a gold jacket.

"He's a great guy and I think he deserves everything that's coming his way: his jersey being retired, hopefully induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, two Super Bowls, two Super Bowl MVPs," Michael Strahan said during The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, revealing that he will also have his No. 92 retired at some point. "The guy is a great friend, man, and I'm happy for Eli to retire the way he wanted to."

Not only did Manning win those two Super Bowls, but he was the game's MVP in both as well. He finishes his 16-year career with a 117-117 record, but his record is all over the Giants' record books when it comes to passing yards and touchdowns thrown to name a few.

Some believe the Super Bowl MVPs and Manning's longevity with the Giants makes him a lock. Taylor doesn't think it's a first-ballot lock, but he definitely thinks No. 10 should be giving a speech next to his Hall of Fame bust at some point in the future.

Popular in the Community