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CALDWELL, MANNING SPEAK ON HARRISON

Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell and Quarterback Peyton Manning addressed Tuesday the departure of wide receiver Marvin Harrison.

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HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL

(Remarks on the departure of Marvin Harrison)

"As it's been echoed by both (Colts President) Bill (Polian) and (Colts Owner and CEO) Jim (Irsay), it's a tough day for us today losing one of the all-time greats. Marvin is a consummate winner. He was involved in 118 wins here in this franchise, and I think Johnny Unitas is the only one ahead of him, I believe with 132. So he certainly did leave his mark. From my standpoint, I had an opportunity to kind of watch him on the practice field day in and day out, just the most competitive guy that you ever want to see. He came on the practice field to work, to get better, to demonstrate his ability, to get open consistently no matter who was guarding him, no matter what the situation. He also had just great pride in everything that he did. He never wanted to drop a ball on the practice field, wanted to complete and obviously catch every pass and then finish it off right. Marv was a real fine, fine competitor and he certainly demonstrated that, day in and day out, not just on Sunday afternoons but also obviously on the practice field. Probably the best way I would describe him, there's an old saying that says, 'Lead by example and when all else fails, use words.' And I think that's exactly what Marvin did. Marvin led by example. Rarely did he ever use words, and he usually didn't have to because he demonstrated through his style of play, through his effort and through his enthusiasm for the game. Like I said, it's a tough day. A lot of the players that he's played with over the years are certainly going to be saddened by his departure, but also will be appreciative of what he was able to do and the kind of example that he set for the rest of our squad as well."

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS QUARTERBACK PEYTON MANNING

(Remarks on WR-Marvin Harrison departure)

"It has been a privilege to play football with Marvin Harrison for the past eleven years. I always will be indebted to Marvin for what he has done for my career. I know that I would not be the quarterback I am today if not for Marvin. Marvin and I worked very hard together on our timing, and it paid off with many completions, touchdown passes, and, most importantly, wins. That was the main thing. He and I wanted to do our jobs in order to help the Colts win. And most of the time, we did. Nobody could get open like Marvin. Cornerbacks used to tell me that he was the most difficult wide receiver to cover because all of his routes looked the same at the beginning of the route. That, to me, is the ultimate compliment for a route- runner. It will be strange to line up under center and not see #88 out on my right, but I have cherished the eleven years we played together, and I am proud to share the NFL QB/WR tandem records that we hold together. He is a Hall of Fame receiver, I am proud to have played with him, and he will always be an Indianapolis Colt in my book."

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