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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, February 12, 2006

Colts' Glenn took circuitous route here

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

Tarik Glenn was at first voted to the Pro Bowl, then dropped, and later added as a reserve.

GREGORY YAMAMOTO | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Count on Tarik Glenn on being a good sport.

The Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle made the Pro Bowl in December, but was dropped soon after because of what the NFL said was a computer error in the tabulation of votes, The Associated Press said.

The nine-year veteran was a Pro Bowl alternate, and last month was added to today's all-star game — the 27th played at Aloha Stadium — in place of injured Kansas City offensive tackle Willie Roaf.

"I think it worked out for the good, didn't it?" said Glenn, 29, a two-time Pro Bowler. "I'm enjoying myself."

Glenn said Colts head coach Tony Dungy "was quite upset" when he notified him about the computer error.

"But I think he's excited that we're all here, and enjoying ourselves, and there's no complaints," said Glenn, who is one of eight Colts in the Pro Bowl.

Glenn also said there's no hard feelings toward teammate and star quarterback Peyton Manning, who spoke of some problems in the Colts' offensive pass protection after the team's 21-18 playoff loss to the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, Jan. 15.

Manning was sacked five times in the loss.

"I'll give Pittsburgh credit for their blitzes and their rush," Manning was quoted in The Indianapolis Star. "But we did have some protection problems."

Glenn said he agreed with Manning's assessment, and said there was no need for Manning to apologize to him, or the Colts offensive line.

"There was no need to, because he told the truth," Glenn said. "We feel that anytime we talk about protection, that includes 11 guys who are involved, not just the left tackle or the center, it's everybody. We all have to communicate. We all have to be on the same page. We weren't on the same page for that game."

"It's hard to sugarcoat things," said ESPN analyst Joe Theismann, a former Washington Redskins quarterback who won the 1983 Super Bowl, and was a two-time Pro Bowler.

"As long as you say, 'We — we had protection problems.' That means you include yourself, maybe I could get rid of the ball quicker ... In my opinion, (Manning's comments were) blown way out of proportion."

Manning this week said he's "closed the chapter" on the issue.

Glenn and teammate and center Jeff Saturday will block for Manning in today's game.

Glenn hoped Manning will win his second consecutive Cadillac, given to the Pro Bowl's most valuable player.

"This year, me and Jeff feel like — since we're his offensive linemen — he should kick us down the Cadillac, since he got one last year," Glenn said.

Fan voting counts for MVP: Football fans can vote for the Dan McGuire Pro Bowl Player of the Game today online.

This is the fifth straight year the fan vote has been included in the overall tally, that includes media votes, for the game's MVP.

Last year, Manning was the MVP as he led the AFC to a 38-27 win over the NFC, completing 6 of 10 passes for 130 yards and three TDs.

Beginning in the fourth quarter, fans can vote on nfl.com for their MVP choice. The MVP will be announced after the game on ESPN.

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.