"New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning doesn't have the on-field hard edge of his more famous brother Peyton, who when healthy controls his teammates like a lion tamer cracking a whip.

Eli hasn't been spotted chewing out his offensive coordinator like New England's Tom Brady, nor has he captivated the home fans the way Drew Brees has in New Orleans.

He's not the NFL's Most Valuable Player -- that award belongs to Aaron Rodgers, whom Manning outplayed last week in a 37-20 divisional playoff win at Lambeau Field.

Manning is understated like Joe Montana but without the aura and charisma. Former 49ers quarterback and ESPN analyst Steve Young cites Manning's "droopiness" and said of the perception of Eli's outward exterior "It's more of of a, 'if it's going good, that's good, and if it's bad, OK.' "

He's kept a low profile even in championship game week, shrugging off a "stomach bug" which caused him to miss Wednesday's practice and making no apologies for his demeanor.

"I don't think you're supposed to change," Manning told reporters Friday. "I think that's a reason why I've had success, whether it's in high school, college or here in the NFL. You don't change your personality, whether you have success or tough times."