NEW YORK  — Tiki Barber says his attempt to return to the NFL after four years in retirement is not about money.

The 36-year-old former New York Giants’ running back has asked the team to take him off the reserve-retirement list in March. The Giants say they will release him once the league allows it. Teams have not been allowed to make roster moves because of the labor fight.

Last year, it was reported Barber was broke and couldn’t pay his divorce settlement.

Barber said Thursday that he made “a lot of money” when he was playing and working in television. He insists he now needs a goal, “something to focus on and be excited about.”