Peyton Manning, who is annually one of the first arrivals for the start of training camp, certainly had a lot on his mind as he drove the familiar 75-mile route from Indianapolis to the Rose-Hulman campus Sunday morning.
Manning had an extra-special reason to get to Terre Haute a little early this year. After missing nearly all of the Indianapolis Colts preseason workouts a year ago due to an infected bursa sac in his left knee, the three-time National Football League Most Valuable Player can’t wait to get back to a normal camp practice routine.
Then there’s the fact that Manning will be taking part in his first Colts training camp without the services of the franchise’s all-time leading receiver. Marvin Harrison and the team parted ways back in February after 13 record-setting seasons, which means that Indianapolis’s high-powered passing game will now go through the very capable hands of veterans Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark and Anthony Gonzalez.
If that’s not enough, the fact that former Colts head coach Tony Dungy retired this past spring and was replaced by Manning’s quarterbacks coach — Jim Caldwell — should make for a very interesting training camp.
“It feels a lot better [coming to camp this year] to be able to drive up here as opposed to getting driven up here last year, laying down in the back seat and being confined to my dorm all year last year. Certainly hope that won’t be the case this year. I’m excited to drive up here healthy and I’m looking forward to going to work,” the reigning league MVP said Sunday morning.
As he made the trip over, Manning began to feel his emotions grow stronger as his SUV got closer to Terre Haute.
“I was [excited], which is a good thing, I think, going into my 12th year [in the NFL]. But probably, especially because of the scenario last year. It wasn’t a fun time for me last year, rehabbing and not being able to go out on the field with all the guys,” he said.
“I’m definitely most excited about getting back on the field and go to work. I’ve always believed that training camp is where you kind of form the foundation of your team and truly iron out the little things, the little details that you are going to need to be on the same page with as you go into the season. I definitely think [his knee infection] had an effect on the way I started the season last year. So I’m looking forward to going through the entire camp hopefully healthy this year and hopefully we can get off to a faster start.”
The obvious fact that Manning is able to get around this year without the use of crutches or having to put extra time in for rehab is a major plus.
“Just being able to get around, to really walk around normally, is something that you kind of take for granted. Like I said, I kind of felt guilty that all these guys are going through two-a-day [practices], being out there in the heat and here I am being laid up in the bed,” he said.
“I wasn’t having any fun, believe me. I kept going through the rehab process. But you’d rather be out there with the guys, mixing it up, going through the heat, sweating it out. It’s important to do that as a team. And I’m looking forward to do that this year.”
• Getting Tom and Howard back — The official news that longtime assistant coaches Tom Moore and Howard Mudd would be back for another season with the Colts was good news to Manning, who has forged a strong personal relationship with both of them.
“I guess, hopefully, it just means good continuity. Obviously, defense has a new system to learn and special teams has a new system to learn. We’ll have the same [offensive] system in, but we still need to go out and execute it,” he pointed out.
• New man in charge — Manning and Caldwell have worked well as a team since 2002, when the new Colts head coach took over working with the team’s quarterbacks.
Now that relationship has changed a bit, with Caldwell now overseeing the entire squad.
“Anytime that you have a new coach, or a new player, I think everybody kind of — whether its the media or the players — you try to get to know him in stages,” the Indianapolis quarterback said. “For us, we’ve gotten to know coach Caldwell [as a head coach] through the draft, through mini-camp, through [organized team activities] and now training camp. And then, of course, there will be the first few regular season games.
“Everybody is kind of getting to know him as a head coach and I’m no different. I certainly know him as my quarterbacks coach but when you are in a new role as head coach, there’s always a transition there and some things that are new. So I think we’ll get to know him more, his leadership style, throughout training camp for the next three weeks and then the [regular] season unfolds. I think it kind of comes in stages.”
• No Dungy — Getting used to the fact that Tony Dungy isn’t around anymore has taken a little getting used to — even for a veteran player like Manning.
“Coach Dungy, his prints will be on this team. I think throughout training camp and throughout the regular season, the philosophies and the words of wisdom that he evoked upon the team, I think that the players will carry that with them,” he said.
“I think coach Caldwell will continue to preach some of the same principles that coach Dungy coached us from. Even though he won’t be here, I still think his coaching philosophies will be present in the building and on the practice field. I think coach Caldwell is his own man and he’s going to establish his own identity and coach the way he wants to coach.”
• No Marvin — In addition to not having Dungy around, the absence of Harrison and his familiar No. 88 jersey will take some getting used to.
“As I was driving up here, I sent both of them a text. Just told them that the whole team will miss them and that I’ll miss them. You always kind of take time to kind of let that sink in a little bit. That’s tougher. You can’t get over it just right away, what both of those of guys have meant to this team. Coach Dungy, what he’s meant to all us players, both professionally and personally. And then Marvin, what he’s done for my career,” Manning said.
“It will be different. Marvin’s [training camp] room was always kind of right next to me and [tight end] Dallas [Clark’s] room. I know nobody will be wearing No. 88. But who’s going to be in that locker spot? Those are things, that’s the toughest part about it. It’s happened through the years here with guys like Edgerrin James, Marcus Pollard, Tarik Glenn, Ken Dilger. Guys that you’ve been good friends with and that you’ve been in a lot of deep trenches and battles with. But that’s part of it. I think when it happens, what you do is that you remember the good things that happened while you were here together. That’s all that I’ve ever known, that [No.] 88 has always been out on the right. My head will be turning the other way, a little way a little bit more to the left [this year] toward No. 87 [Wayne]. Dallas will have a big year for us. I’m looking forward to seeing that heavy competition at that third spot. Competition is good and I think it will make everbody better at that position.”
• Wayne makes grand arrival — No, it was not a mirage Sunday at Rose-Hulman. And, yes, that was Reggie Wayne in the large dump truck that pulled up near the players dorms at the school with the air horns blazing.
Wayne rode alongside driver Jason Medenwald in the truck that is owned by Allender Trucking of Brazil. When he got out, the Colts’ receiver was decked out in full construction worker apparel — including a hard hat with “Wayne Construction” on the front and “Super Bowl Under Construction” on the sides, a bright orange safety vest, a tool belt and work boots.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, we’re under construction,” he joked with the media. “I’m here ready to work. Got my lunch box, got my hard hat and we’re going to have a great time. We’re going to make this thing work. It’s going to be real good.
“This here is all about the road to the Super Bowl being under construction. We’ve been there a few years ago and we’ve got to get that blueprint back out to get it done. It will be fun. It will be a real fun year this year. We expect this plan to come out a success.”
Colts
Colts start camp with new personnel, but same goals
- Colts
-
-
Colts have stocked up on tight ends
Just because Dallas Clark is now in Tampa Bay and Jacob Tamme has moved on to Denver doesn’t mean that the tight end position has become any less important to the Indianapolis Colts offense.
-
Colts working on rebuilding as Luck finishes at Stanford
With No 1 quarterback Andrew Luck finishing up architectural classes at Stanford, coach Chuck Pagano’s rebuilding project goes on as scheduled during the Indianapolis Colts’ organized team activity practices at the team’s West 56th Street headquarters.
-
Colts have no plan to move from Anderson
Apparently the Indianapolis Colts and Anderson University officials found a way to work out a few last-minute snags concerning the team’s summer training camp site.
-
Colts’ new QB has a lot to keep him busy
With three days of rookie mini-camp now behind him and a few more weeks of college class work still ahead, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has come to a crossroads.
-
Mr. Irrelevant may find home with Colts
Chandler Harnish might be Mr. Irrelevant to most of the National Football League, but the former Norwell High School standout — who grew up in Bluffton — has a real chance to stick around the Indianapolis Colts locker room for awhile.
-
All eyes on new Indy quarterback
Day One of the Andrew Luck era went off without a hitch Friday at the Indianapolis Colts’ West 56th Street practice facility.
-
Colts fill need at cornerback
While the Indianapolis Colts failed to add any cornerbacks among the 10 players selected during this past weekend’s National Football League draft, general manager Ryan Grigson and the team’s scouting department were able to snag three undrafted free agents to play the position.
-
New Colts GM, coach pleased with first draft
In a sense, first-year general manager Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano were rookies during the 2012 NFL draft.
-
Colts’ new look comes into shape tonight at MSG
A changing of the guard. That’s what fans of the Indianapolis Colts can look forward to when the NFL draft commences tonight at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
-
Colts confirm that Luck is choice
It’s official. The Indianapolis Colts will select former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft Thursday night.
-
Colts know, but won't say who No. 1 pick will be
With the first round of the NFL draft just a week away, Indianapolis Colts first-year general manager Ryan Grigson admitted Wednesday that team officials know who they are going to select with the No. 1 overall pick.
-
New-look Colts open against Bears
While the Indianapolis Colts knew back in February who they would be playing during the 2012 regular season, there were plenty of questions about the dates, locations and times of those games.
-
Colts look nothing like team of old with workouts under way
For the first time since last month’s massive roster purge, Indianapolis Colts players — both those that are returning as well as some of the newer additions — were available to talk about the franchise’s immediate future during an open lockerroom session Wednesday.
-
Former Colts Saturday, Diem decide their NFL futures
The revolving door to the Indianapolis Colts locker room keeps spinning at the team's headquarters on West 56th Street.
-
Going to Denver: Manning’s move bound to shake up AFC
The Denver Broncos got their Man. Make that Peyton Manning.
Pending final contract negotiations, Manning will join John Elway’s Broncos with hopes of winning another Super Bowl.
-
Wayne surprises many with move
Welcome home Reggie Wayne.
-
Wayne stays put in Indy
After a week of bad news for Indianapolis Colts fans that included the release of quarterback Peyton Manning, tight end Dallas Clark, running back Joseph Addai, middle linebacker Gary Brackett, safety Melvion Bullitt and quarterback Curtis Painter, finally something positive.
-
Indianapolis puts team roster under knife
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay sounded the warning bell during Wednesday’s press conference announcing the release of 14-year quarterback Peyton Manning.
-
MARK BENNETT: Manning leaves great memories for Colts fans
The emotion behind the words was obvious.
-
Peyton-palooza: Manning will have significant number of suitors
Rex Ryan’s Jets need leadership in a lost locker room.
-
Irsay offers only ‘circumstances’
So if Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay wanted Peyton Manning to stay with the team, what happened?
-
UPDATE: Colts announce they’re releasing Manning
Peyton Manning’s record-breaking run as quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts ended today, when owner Jim Irsay announced the team would release its best player.
-
Colts, Peyton Manning prepared to part ways?
It looks very much as if an era will be coming to a close today.
-
Colts agree to deal with Mathis
After signing a multi-year deal on Monday, it looks as if Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Mathis will play his entire National Football League career with the Indianapolis Colts.
-
Colts defense about to receive overhaul
Changes are coming quickly for the Indianapolis Colts defense.
-
Luck may be ready to go from start
Talk about walking into a pressure-packed situation.
-
Choices at QB are plentiful for Indianapolis
Whatever decision the Indianapolis Colts ultimately make on who will be the team’s starting quarterback in 2012, the job will ultimately be in good hands.
-
Pagano ready to begin Colts' rebuilding process
With the Peyton Manning situation still unresolved, a pair of recently hired Indianapolis Colts — coach Chuck Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson — are moving on with plans to rebuild the franchise.
-
Colts welcome Manusky aboard as defensive coordinator
On Thursday, Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson, coach Chuck Pagano and potential No. 1 draft pick Andrew Luck led the parade.
Grigson and Pagano confirmed the hiring of several assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, Marwan Maalouf (special teams), Roy Anderson (safeties), Alfredo Roberts (tight ends) and Brandt Boyer (assistant special teams). -
Mathis, Garcon at top of Colts’ wish list; Wayne isn’t
Expect defensive end Robert Mathis and wide receiver Pierre Garcon to be priorities for the Indianapolis Colts during free agency.
- More Colts Headlines
-
Colts have stocked up on tight ends
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Raw Video: Cop Shoots Man Eating Another's Face
Obama Honors Fallen Troops at Arlington Cemetery
Man in Crane at Texas College Says He's Armed
Raw Video: Deadly Explosion at Minn. Paper Mill
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Romney Promises World's Strongest Military
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
Raw Video: Earthquake Shakes Evacuees in Italy
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Obama Pays Tribute to Vietnam Veterans
Beryl Knocks Out Power in Florida
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Romney Campaigns Ahead of Claiming Nomination
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
Raw Video: Memorial Day Aboard Intrepid
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Los Angeles Bar Bans Bachelorettes
Hamster Plays Dead
Beyonce Shows Off 60 Pound Weight Loss at Concert
Drunk Women Breaking Into Houses: A New Trend?
LeAnn Rimes Rocks Short Shorts
Gordon Ramsay Carried Off Field
Man Dies Getting Lap Dance
Kim Kardashian Claims Items Stolen from Her Luggage
Bear cools off in Calif. family's pool
Ep. 3: Chopped Desserts
Air Force dad surprises family at baseball game
Justin Bieber Wanted for Questioning for L.A. Scuffle
J.Lo and Marc's Friendly Reunion
Jet makes emergency landing after debris falls off
Cynthia Nixon Ties the Knot
Woman, 80, Falls Out of Skydive Harness Mid-Jump
Keira Reveals Engagement Ring
