Cbs Sports Radio host and Giants great Tiki Barber talks about his new job, his time at NBC and his past criticism of the Giants with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: Can you see yourself staying in radio long-term?
A: Without a doubt. It actually suits my personality and my way of delivering a message. TV is great and I loved doing some of the stories I got to do for “The Today Show,” but when you got to the sports part of it, it was tough to put in a snapshot or a 10-second bite. Radio gives me a chance to explain to people what I want to say and how I want to say it.
Q: Why do you think things didn’t work out at NBC?
A: NBC was in a lot of transition. …. Look at the “Football Night in America” now, it’s three individuals. When we first started it was eight of us. It was a crowded space in there. Our producer at the time figured it out and Jerome (Bettis) and I spoke on average about 45 seconds. There was just no time. So, the format has evolved really well. I just didn’t have the vehicle to speak. It was eyes wide open, but not looking at the right things.
Q: Would you be interested in getting back on TV?
A: I am always open to listen to opportunities. I am obviously extremely busy to build this brand of CBS Sports Radio and it’s something that I am enjoying. … If something comes along, you explore it, you look at it and you see how it affects your life.
Q: Do you have any regrets about some of the things you said about the Giants after you retired?
A: It’s my opinion and at the time maybe people weren’t ready to accept strong opinions from recently retired athletes. Now you see it all the time. … But I believed those things at the time and they were true at the time, to be honest with you. Seven years later, Eli (Manning) is a different player. He’s become a great leader, not only that, but he puts up at the right time.
Q: You recently said you want to reconcile with Tom Coughlin. Why is that important to you?
A: I had a great professional relationship with Tom Coughlin, and it showed in the success of our offense and never would you ever say that we were at odds on game day. Personally, we didn’t get along and people make that out to be the worst thing in the world, but it is what it is. The thing I want him to know is that I appreciate him as a coach. He helped my career and that’s not lost on me.