Published: January 31, 2007 10:58 am      

Manning remembers teammates

MIAMI, Fla. — As much as Peyton Manning is trying to enjoy the Indianapolis Colts' first-ever trip to the Super Bowl, he couldn't let the moment pass without remembering former teammates.

He said Edgerrin James, David Thornton, Marcus Pollard and Ken Dilger were among ex-Colts who contributed mightily to the success of the team in recent years.

He also didn't want people to forget teammates who, due to injury or illness, aren't able to take part in Sunday's game with the Chicago Bears. Manning wants them included in the conversation, along with former Colts coach Jim Mora, when people talk about this year's squad.

"I think during this time, during this week of opportunity that we have, I think about my old coaches who have helped me along the way and how appreciative and thankful I am for them," the Indianapolis quarterback said Tuesday during the NFL's Super Bowl Media Day at Dolphin Stadium.

Manning acknowledged a weekend phone conversation with Mora that gave the two a rare chance to commiserate, reflecting on a relationship that predates the quarterback's arrival in Indianapolis.

Mora, who is in Miami as part of the NFL Network's coverage of the Super Bowl, was the Colts' coach when Indianapolis made the former Tennessee signal caller the team's number one draft pick in 1998.

"It just made me feel real good," Manning said of the call. "He drafted me my rookie year and he's always supported me throughout my career."

Still, it's always about the players. And that was one subject Manning wanted to make sure nobody forgot.

"I would like to say one thing about some players that aren't going to be playing in this game that I'm very thankful for. First all, we've got (five) guys on injured reserve and certainly the guys who cover the Colts daily know these names. But Mike Doss, Montae Reagor, James Mungro and my best friend on the team Brandon Stokley. Those guys are all injured reserve guys and they've had a great impact on this team. And we're thankfiul for them," he said.

"And also some guys who don't wear the uniform anymore that are still, in my opinon, Colts and always will be. Guys that really helped the turnaround of the Colts, going from a kind of inconsistent team to a consistent winning franchise. ... Guys that are great friends and great teammates. I just want to say that we haven't forgotten those guys."



Edge still around

Manning wasn't the only Indianapolis player Tuesday with James on his mind. Even wide receiver Marvin Harrison, who usually doesn't do many interviews during the regular season, took time out to recall the contributions of the former Colts running back.

"The downside to this entire (Super Bowl) week and year is not having him as my partner, not having Edgerrin around. He's been with myself and (Indianapolis) for a long time, throughout the ups and downs," Harrison said.

"The way the NFL works today, obviously you can't keep everybody all the time. But to have him would have been the ultimate for me. Him not being here, I'm sure he's wishing the best for the team and myself."

James was able to meet with several Colts players, including Harrison, after the team arrived at their Fort Lauderdale hotel Monday night.

"Edge is cool. Edge is always happy, Edge is never down," Harrison said. "But he's wishing the best for a lot of his good friends on this team, to hope that we can go out there and get it done for him."

Tom James writes for The Tribune Star in Terre Haute, Ind. He is part of a CNHI News Service special team covering the Super Bowl.