Manning pokes fun at Romo during conference call

Dec 29, 2008 - 10:40 PM EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Eli Manning showed off his sense of humor at Tony Romo's expense.

When asked about his schedule for the New York Giants' postseason bye week, Manning alluded to Romo during a conference call Monday.

"I am just going to have a pretty relaxing week up here," said Manning, who quarterbacked the Giants to the NFC's top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. "No plans to travel or do anything. My plans to Cabo fell through, so I am going to sit here. That is a joke, by the way."

Manning was referring to Romo's highly publicized vacation last December, when he spent a week in Mexico with pop star girlfriend Jessica Simpson during the Dallas Cowboys' postseason bye.

Romo was widely criticized for the decision, especially after the top-seeded Cowboys were upset by Manning's Giants in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Manning, who did not play in the second half of Sunday's 20-19 loss at Minnesota, said he is looking forward to the Giants' bye week.

"I think at the end of the season you are always tired," the reigning Super Bowl MVP said. "Your body needs rest, your mind needs rest, and sometimes you don't really realize it until after the season just because we never have a break in there usually this late.

"It will be nice to get a break and maybe not do as much throwing."

Manning's lighthearted dig at Romo came one day after the Cowboys were eliminated from postseason contention with a 44-6 loss at Philadelphia.

It was a painful end to the season for Romo, who committed three turnovers in the contest before collapsing in the shower due to an apparent rib injury.