Eli Manning’s Wonderlic Score was a 39. While the average score for an NFL quarterback is about 24, Manning scored well above average.
The Wonderlic is an intelligence test given to all NFL prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine each year. It is an online 50-question test designed to measure learning and problem-solving abilities. The average score for an NFL quarterback is about 24, while the average score in the general population is 21 or 22.
The Wonderlic is used by many employers because it is a standardized measure of general intelligence. Employers may administer different versions of the test to prospective employees, and scores can be compared among groups taking the same form of the exam.
He reportedly scored a 39 out of 50 when he took the test in 2004 after his college career
At Ole Miss where he broke multiple school records and won the Archie Manning Award (the award given to Mississippi’s top college player). He succeeded in the NFL, leading the New York Giants to two Super Bowl wins in 2007 and 2011. Manning retired in 2020 with 57,023 passing yards, 366 touchdowns and completion percentage of 60.3%. Since being drafted by the Giants in 2004, he will likely will be remembered as one of the greatest New York Giants quarterbacks of all time.
The Wonderlic has been criticized in recent years for its lack of use in predicting NFL success. Critics also say the test is not a valid representation of intelligence or cognitive abilities.
In 2002, former American football player and coach Barry Switzer said “I’ve never found a player who had ever taken a test that lasted an hour that couldn’t sit down for an hour and diagram football plays.”
While the Wonderlic may not be totally accurate in predicting future success, it is still a good way to measure intelligence. The test results are received by teams before the draft so they can have a better understanding of their investment.
Eli Manning’s score shows he has above-average intelligence.
Other notable quarterbacks taken in that draft include:
Phillip Rivers scored a 30 on the Wonderlic
Ben Roethlisberger scored a 25 on the Wonderlic
JP Losman scored a 31
Matt Schaub scored a 31
Eli Manning’s Wonderlic score of 24 is higher than the average on the Wonderlic, which is generally known as 21 or 22. However, he also scored lower than all of the those notable quarterbacks in the 2004 draft.
Manning retired in 2021 and been placed into New York Giant Ring of Honor. This season he is also co-hosting a very popular show with this brother, called Peyton and Eli on ESPN. The two brothers sit and provide unique insight on the Monday Night Football.