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INDIANAPOLIS (July 22, 1998) -- Talent scouts consider Peyton Manning the most prepared quarterback to enter the NFL in several years. True to form, the former University of Tennessee All-American has prepared himself for the reality that his entry into the NFL might be delayed. When his teammates report to Anderson University for training camp this afternoon, Manning will likely remain at his home in New Orleans. The No. 1 draft pick and designated starting quarterback is one of the team's five draft picks without a contract. "I was up there in June and I worked real hard to get myself ready, but I knew there was the potential for a holdout," Manning said Wednesday from New Orleans. "I certainly had hoped (a contract) would happen quickly, but I was prepared for what might happen." Which, to this point, is the inability of Colts president Bill Polian and Tom Condon, Manning's Kansas City-based agent, to agree on a blockbuster contract in time for Manning to report with his teammates. Polian and Condon met for nearly seven hours in Indianapolis on Tuesday but were unable to find common ground on what will be the richest rookie contract in league history. Condon had hoped to continue the face-to-face discussions Wednesday but returned to Kansas City when Polian said he was committed to a speaking engagement in Terre Haute. "I'm a little disappointed they weren't able to meet again Wednesday," Manning said. "Tom was ready to do it. It's a shame Bill had something to do. "Hopefully they can talk and get this thing done." Condon talked briefly with Polian Wednesday and was considering returning to Indianapolis today. "I'd like to take one more shot at getting Peyton in on time," Condon said. "When Bill and I talked on Tuesday, we had some substantive discussions late in the day that involved various concepts. Bill wanted to see them on paper, so maybe I'll bring them with me." Polian declined to comment on the Manning talks. Manning continues to work out while negotiations run their course. When taking a break from lifting and throwing, he routinely taps into an extensive library of videotape featuring Colts' practices and Colts' games from a year ago with Miami and New England. "I'm doing what I can to prepare myself," Manning said. "I'm confident that once (the contract is done), I'll be able to jump right back in there." Manning said he and Condon discuss the progress of the negotiations on a daily basis and that Manning gives input. But, he said, "Tom's the expert. I want to know what's going on, but I hired him because I felt he was the best man for the job." The deliberate nature of the talks is testing Manning's patience, but he said a lot is at stake. "This is not going to be a one-year deal. It's going to be a three-, or seven-, or eight-year contract. "This is something that needs to be done right. I have 100 percent confidence in Tom Condon to do it right." Joining Manning on the "unsigned" list are wide receiver Jerome Pathon, the team's second-round pick; offensive linemen Steve McKinney (Round 4) and Aaron Taylor (Round 7); and linebacker Antony Jordan (Round 5). The players' agents cite below-market offers from the Colts for the sluggish negotiations. Even so, a source close to McKinney said substantial progress was made in those discussions Wednesday, heightening hope that he could be in Anderson today or Friday. |