Manning garners respect of peers
By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning is well respected for what he does on the field, but it was what he was doing off the field that had quarterback Donovan McNabb really praising him.
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"Look at him, he's packing his own bag," Philadelphia's Mc-Nabb said in the locker room after the game. "Who would have thought that?
Peyton Manning, left, celebrates with Indianapolis teammate Marvin Harrison after the two connected for a 62-yard touchdown.
"He's awesome, I mean, you're talking about Peyton Manning here. You're talking about the MVP of the league, a record-setting guy. The guy has a strong arm and he's very intelligent."
Manning earned the Dan McGuire Award for the Pro Bowl Player of the Game, after leading the AFC to a 38-27 win over the NFC in the National Football League's annual All-Star game yesterday at Aloha Stadium.
"It was well deserved, he did a good job," Pittsburgh receiver Hines Ward said.
Manning, the 2004 NFL Most Valuable Player, completed 6 of 10 passes for 130 yards and three touchdowns in the first half to give the AFC a 28-10 cushion entering halftime, and earned a Cadillac for winning the MVP trophy.
"Our team has a lot of weapons and this is a heck of a place to play quarterback," Manning said. "On one side you have Marvin Harrison, Chad Johnson and the rest of the receivers. If they are not open, I can look to Tony Gonzalez or Antonio Gates. I can also hand to a great player like LaDainian Tomlinson. There are too many options and it's a great problem to have."
Manning, who was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl, began the game with four incompletions and was sacked for a loss of seven yards. His first completion was a 62-yard strike to Colts teammates Marvin Harrison for a touchdown on the AFC's second drive. He went on to complete his next five passes, including touchdowns passes to Ward and San Diego tight end Antonio Gates.
"He played good, he did what he does every Sunday," NFC quarterback Michael Vick said.
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Manning took over the top spots on the Pro Bowl list for most completions in a career (66) and yards gained in a career (992). His three touchdowns give him 11 career Pro Bowl touchdowns, extending his own record.
Manning picked up a trophy for being named the game's MVP, as well as a new Cadillac.
"It probably exemplifies what he's been doing all year long," AFC coach Bill Cowher said. "He makes plays, he sees the field, he makes great decisions, he's just a super football player."
Manning didn't play in the second half.
San Diego quarterback Drew Brees, the 2004 NFL Comeback Player of the Year who came in at the end of the half and played in the fourth quarter, said, "He put us up on top, and we kind of coasted the rest of the way," with their halftime lead.
The Player of the Game award is named after the late McGuire, a former Advertiser sports writer.
Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2457.
