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ANDERSON, Ind. (July 29, 1998) -- Peyton Manning went through his first practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Anderson University Wednesday afternoon, then rolled up his sleeves and went to work. Television cameras. Newspaper and radio reporters. Autograph hounds. So many demands on his time. And to think the Colts' Sept. 6 regular-season opener, when Manning will make his NFL debut against the Miami Dolphins, is still so far off. Marshall Faulk, the Colts' veteran running back, watched Manning's postpractice regimen, considered what's ahead, and empathized. In 1994, Faulk was the second overall pick in the draft. He was the franchise's latest centerpiece, the high-priced talent of which so much would be expected. Now, the baton has been passed to Manning. Whatever pressure he felt as the No. 1 pick in the draft was magnified when the team immediately named him its starting quarterback. And those expectations went through the roof when Manning signed the richest rookie contract in league history Wednesday morning -- a six-year deal that includes a $11.6 million signing bonus and could be worth nearly $48 million if all bonuses are paid and incentives met. "It's bigger than he can really expect," Faulk said. "I thought I had to deal with a lot of stuff coming out (of college), being in the running for the Heisman Trophy three years in a row. But it's a whole different ballgame. "Now you're playing for money. Now people are paying more money to see you play. And they expect more from you. That's the American way." Manning insisted it's the only way he knows. Whether trying to step out of the immense shadow of his father, Archie, as a high school phenom in New Orleans or chasing the Heisman Trophy and a national championship at the University of Tennessee, he said he's grown accustomed to pressure and expectations. "It just changes now because you're being paid very generously to do a job," Manning said. "But my goal is still the same: to be the best player I can be. I can get so much better as a player. That's what's so exciting. You can always take it to another level." That's precisely what the Colts are expecting. Millions are not invested in role players. Manning declined to address the magnitude of his contract but said Wednesday represented the first day of him making certain it was a wise investment by the team. He reported to Anderson University by midmorning, met quarterback coach Bruce Arians for a quick refresher course, then joined his teammates on the practice field. "I felt like I jumped right back into it, but I had no choice," he said. As if to drive home the point that his every action will be scrutinized, Manning's first practice unfolded in front of the largest crowd to watch training camp this year (approximately 350). And on hand were TV crews from ESPN, a Knoxville, Tenn., station and the full complement of Indianapolis outlets. "If anybody can handle all of this, Peyton can," said coach Jim Mora. "It's not going to be the easiest thing in the world for him, but ... we stress for him to not try and do more than he should do. He's got plenty just being a quarterback in the NFL." "I feel like I'm up to it," said Manning. "I think a challenge is how you become a better football player. If you go to a team that's the defending Super Bowl champs, how much are you really going to help that team?" The Denver Broncos are the defending Super Bowl champ. The Colts were a league-worst 3-13 a year ago. "Being a part of a turnaround, that's a challenge," said Manning. "I realize the fans expect things. That's the kind of environment you want to play in." |