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Tiki Barber
Former NY Giants Running Back Q. Tell us about your early days as a youngster and fan - did you collect cards or autographs?
A. You know I didn't. The only autograph I had when I was a little kid was from Hershel Walker. When he left Georgia and went to the USFL, the USFL was trying to build up the league, so they came to Roanoke, Virginia. I got to meet him at a sporting goods store and I got his autograph. That was the only one I ever had. Q. Who were your favorite players when you were growing up, and why?
A. I was a big Walter Payton fan, mainly because he never gave up. He always would achieve, even when his teams weren't that good. I was also a Bo Jackson fan just because he was so good. Q. Do you collect now, for instance do you have autographs or game-worn equipment from other players? If so, what are your favorite pieces? What do you do with them, are they displayed somewhere?
A.I think the only autograph I have now is from my brother. Actually, Dwight Freeney gave me his helmet after the Pro Bowl. I have his autograph too, but that's it. I put them on my bookshelf and hope that my son doesn't try to take them and wear it and run around the house which he always usually does. Q. What is your policy if you get an autograph request through the mail, in particular at the stadium?
A. I usually sign it. It's very rare that they get to me especially if it comes to the stadium because I get so much mail. But, if I get them, I sign them. Q. Do you have any of your own equipment (helmets, jerseys, etc) from your career? What is your favorite stuff?
A. I do. When I left college I went to the Senior Bowl. My last game was on the road. I never shipped my uniform back. They told me I could keep it. So I have my entire college uniform which is pretty neat--helmet and everything. My favorite is probably my Super Bowl jersey even though we didn't win that game. I kept the jersey. It's a big moment. Q. Tell us about playing for the Giants, a team that is worshipped so much in the media capital of the world.
A. I think it's a privilege and an honor to be able to play for an organization that has such a storied tradition, the great names of the past, to be able to put my name in there as one of the greats is inspiring to me. Q. Tell us about Eli Manning and what you think of the Giants' chances of success with him at the helm.
A. I think Elijah is a really good quarterback. He's developing at a very fast rate and he has a great calm in the pocket especially under pressure. We've had some clutch games this year and he's been able to produce. It gives me a lot of encouragement that he can go far. Q. Tell us about the transition in your perception from a third-down back to an every-down, feature back.
A. It was more circumstance than anything. A lot of our offense wasn't very conducive to my running style. We had a new offensive coordinator come in in 2000, and he changed the offense to fit what I do best. I took off as a player right after that. I have to thank him, Sean Payton is his name. Q. Who are the athletes you would love to have an item from, a jersey or game-used item, and why?
A. Probably Walter Payton because I was such a big fan of his when I was a little kid. Q. If you could have dinner with any three people, alive or dead, who would they be and why?
A. Probably, Colin Powell because I think he's a pioneer in a lot things that he's done in his life, whether it's the military or being Secretary of State. Bill Gates because I was a computer geek in college. He has some of the greatest ideas of our lifetime. And, Thomas Jefferson because he was the founder of the college I went to, the University of Virginia. He was one of the fathers of our independence and the Declaration of Independence. |
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