National Football League

Eli would accept Burress over Barber

Published Jun. 27, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning said Monday he would accept Plaxico Burress back with the team far more agreeably than Tiki Barber.

"Probably Plaxico," Manning said on "The Dan Patrick Show" when asked which former Giants player would be more welcome back in his old locker room.

"He has probably fonder memories, winning a Super Bowl, that catch for the touchdown in Super Bowl XLII. Tiki just ended on a bad note. It's really a shame, he should be remembered as a great Giants running back and a terrific player -- because he was -- but the way he went out he burned a few bridges ... so I think Plaxico would probably be welcomed back a little quicker."

It was a critique by Barber not long after the running back left the Giants to serve as an NBC analyst that sparked Manning's response. Barber said Manning's attempts at leadership early in his career at times were "comical" and Manning shot back that Barber announcing his retirement from football at midseason caused an unnecessary distraction.

"I responded back and I think guys liked to see that from me," Manning said. "I didn't want it to be a deal where it's me vs. Tiki ... but I couldn't just sit there and do nothing."

Barber left the Giants after the 2006 season and is attempting a comeback at 36 years old, but will not return to the team.

Burress, 33, has not played since late in the 2008 season and spent almost 21 months in prison on illegal gun charges. He is planning his NFL comeback once the lockout is lifted.