Eli Manning said he didn’t know that he had caused such a stir with his comments about being in the same class as Tom Brady until his father left him a voicemail.

Archie Manning saw how Eli's comments had taken off and he gave his son a heads up.

“I really didn’t know about it for a while,” Manning said in an interview on SportsCenter with Linda Cohn. “In training camp, we are in meetings and practice, not a whole lot of time to read the papers and to watch TV."

“Sometimes (Archie) knows I am not keeping up with everything and he gave me the scoop of what was going on and how this thing had taken off,” Manning continued. “I don’t think I said anything incorrectly and I’m not trying to bring anybody else down.”

Manning was asked by ESPN New York 1050’s Michael Kay on Tuesday whether he felt he is a top-five quarterback and in Brady’s class. Manning said yes, sparking instant debate -- and he didn't back down from that opinion on Thursday.

“I always try to give an honest question,” he explained. “(Kay) asked if I thought I was an elite quarterback. I think I am. That is what I work for every year. I try to be the best quarterback that I can be. I’m not trying to be a better quarterback than that guy. I’m trying to win games for the Giants.”

And that’s why what Manning said should be a good thing for the Giants. Manning gave us a rare glimpse of ego, swagger and confidence, something the Giants can use from their leader.

“I’m confident in my ability, with the players that we have and this team that we have we can be a high-powered offense and score a lot of points and I can be at my best with these guys,” Manning said.

“I wasn’t trying to start any controversy,” he added. “I thought after the interview, it was a nice little interview and nothing would come out of it. I’m still trying to compete and work hard and have a big season.”