On Thursday, the former Giants running back asked Manning about that episode as part of an interview that will air before Sunday night's Giants-Cowboys game.

"Clearly, I was proven wrong," Barber said. "But what was your reaction when you heard?"

Said Manning: "I obviously had to stand up for myself. I kind of felt I was called out. So I had to come back and stand up for myself. I felt in that situation, I had to say something.

"Sometimes you've got to go outside what's your norm and do something you feel strongly about. I have been through all sorts of things in New York City through the media. There's a time when you reach a certain point where you've got to stand up and fight back a little bit."

Barber said he believes the Giants have taken on Manning's calm personality more than coach Tom Coughlin's more emotional demeanor.

Said Manning: "We have some guys on our offense or in the coaching staff who kind of get tensed up. And whether that's Coughlin or Kevin Gilbride, their intensity, I tried to stay calm.

"And they might be yelling at me. But I just keep my cool. And I think that helps keep everybody on the sideline relaxed."