Back from my workouts and saying hello. A couple of days ago, the NFL released the schedule. I always like the day they come out with the schedule for the season because it gives us someone to focus on. It's like ok now we know what's on tap for us starting in Week One. And that's Jacksonville.

So I was reading LeBron's blog a week or two ago and saw that he was answering some questions from members, so I figured I had to keep up with him. Lots of great comments in there and some good questions. First one that a bunch of you asked, including Desikan and Brittany... How do you gear up for a new coach?

Well there's certainly going to be an adjustment. We know that with a new head coach and new leader, there will be changes. Even though I think Coach Caldwell (who has been my quarterback coach and I'm very close with) will coach in a similar mode to Tony Dungy (you know Coach Dungy is one of Caldwell's influences), it is a new head coach regime. There will be differences. There will be changes. That's just natural in any business and sports are our business. So everybody has got to be prepared for that.

We had our first a team meeting a month or so ago, which was the first time that Coach Caldwell addressed the team as head coach. But I could probably give you a better answer in October when I know what it's going to be like.

Fact is that everybody needs to be on their toes a little bit. There's a new coach, but everybody has to be accountable and do their job. I will take time to say that we will miss Coach Dungy. A great deal. Even though he won't be on the field, the winning atmosphere and environment that he created in our building, will hopefully help us continue to win. I can't thank him enough for what he's done for me personally and professionally as a football player.

Abby asked when training camp starts - that's always around the end of July.

Finally from Candice: are there any things you indulge in during the off-season?

Not necessarily. I always enjoy eating at good restaurants, I do travel some during these times as well and try to go to different spots. I enjoy playing some golf and was down in some warmer places playing. So if I am indulging in anything, it's that. Of course, once the season starts I won't get to play at all. Eating wise, I pretty much eat the same stuff I do during most the year.

Of course, there really is no offseason... we're working out every day getting ready for the season. Only three months or so until training camp.

Was just logging in for what I thought would be a quick check of the Weplay profile this morning, but really found myself enjoying clicking around and checking out so many fellow member profiles. Softball teams and baseball teams and bowling leagues and Pop Warner groups. I think some of you practice more than we do.

Wanted really just to say thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes, really appreciate that. Lots of great comments from everyone - I also noticed a question from Mark P in the comments box from who asked about who I root for in Super Bowls that I'm not it, whether it's the AFC team or if I root against a rival in the division or anything like that.

To be honest, really don't root for one or the other. Of course last year, I was certainly pulling for Eli and his team, the Giants. But for me honestly, I'm a Colts fan, that's my team. In times past, I think I've pulled for certain players in a game. You know, Edgerrin James, he's an old teammate of mine and I was certainly pulling for him this year with the Cardinals. And there are other guys I've gotten to know and become good friends with, but I don't really pull for one team or the other.

Around the NFL, the two big things right now are probably the Draft and all of the free agents happenings. I am not as involved in either of those two things as you might think, I'm not constantly checking the ESPN ticker or the wire to see what's going on. Obviously I want to know what's going on with our players, any players that we could be possibly losing or gaining. But this is the time of the year that I kind of take a break from all that and get my mind away from it a little bit. That said, it's hard to ignore completely.

One place I know I can get away is on the golf course, and I had some good chances to get out and play before coming back here and getting the offseason training workouts going. I was down in Florida playing a bit, and before that I had a great experience playing at Pebble Beach, something I'd never done before. I've played in some Pro Ams before, even gotten the chance to play some rounds with Tiger, Sergio and Luke Donald. And let me tell you, playing with Tiger especially, that's some pretty big galleries there.

Playing in front of big crowds in golf is different than football. I guess I have done it before where it wasn't completely foreign to me, but it's definitely not the most comfortable feeling. Maybe you're a little surprised to hear it? Because I do play in front of 80,000 - 90,000, going back to college 100,000 people every Saturday or Sunday. But at least I feel like I know what I'm doing on a football field. On the golf course, it is not something that I get to do a lot. Mostly with my friends or my two brothers and my dad. That's really the time I most enjoy playing golf.

But now it's back to work. End of March and April means back to the workouts. Keeping the legs strong, upper body strong, cardio and even some on-field stuff. Was at it all week, maybe a little sore but nothing I can't handle. This is my job, and I wouldn't want to be doing anything else in the world. So that's my story. Wow guess I stayed on a bit longer than I thought, but hope you enjoyed it.

Hey everybody. I realize it's been awhile since I've sat down and written something, but with some more free time these days, I've got no excuse. I have been keeping the pictures and videos going strong, though, you have to give me that. But that's the easy part. I knew writing here meant reflecting on the last few months, so let's do it...

2008 in Review...

I haven't written since the end of the season, so lets start there. 2008 was personally a different type of season for me. It's the first time I've had to miss training camp in its entirety. I had to deal with a kind of surgery right there before training and that was really new to me. And in going through that, I really gained a great appreciation for players that have had to rehab their injuries and get back out there on the field.

I've been really fortunate in my career up until that point, to not have had any surgeries or any major injuries that caused me to miss any time. So, to be able to go through that and then get back there on the field and be able to play at a pretty high level from that point on was very personally gratifying for me. It really told me something about myself.

The Team...

As a team, I think the 2008 season was somewhat similar to what happened to me personally. We had some challenges, adversities and some injuries to other players. At the beginning of the season we kind of found ourselves in a hole. Starting out 0-1, 1-2, 3-4 ah, we really found ourselves sort of at a gut check time asking "Where is this season going to go?"

We easily could have sort of folded and given in and said, "Hey, this just isn't our year" and folded and missed the playoffs. Or we could have start to dig a little deeper, work a little harder and try and get ourselves out of this hole... and that's exactly what we did. It was the character of our players, certainly great leadership in Coach Dungy and we really just got hot at the right time. We won nine in a row and I think it's probably one of the most rewarding regular seasons that a lot of our players and coaches have had.

The Playoffs...

Of course, it certainly did not end with us getting to where we wanted to go. Every year, there's really only one team happy, the team that wins the Super Bowl. I don't think that Arizona was any happier than the Colts. Philadelphia wasn't any happier than the Giants or anybody else that didn't make it that far.

A playoff loss is disappointing, but I think it's something we can build on. I think it tells us that if we get caught in those situations again, we know we can work ourselves out of them and like I said, it's something we can build off next season.

So here we are now. The offseason is here and you can't dwell on the past. Well, not for long. I mean they give us February off and the first half of March. I've played lots of golf, by the way. Then we start working out coming up next week, actually on March 16th. But they do encourage us during this time to try and get away mentally. Obviously physically, they still want you doing some things, but mentally get away and sort of put last season behind. You know, come back on March 16 recharged and ready to go to work on the next season. So I'm ready to get back there and focus on next season.

It's Coming...

I know I've got a birthday coming up at some point. Don't ask what I've got planned because I really have no clue... it could be a surprise. I do know that I'll be 33 coming up this year and that's pretty hard to believe. So one week to go before the super long extended preseason workouts begin... and I'll be back on here to keep you updated.

Hey again everyone and thanks for checking in to read my new weplay blog. Things have obviously been pretty hectic, as they usually are this time of year, but had a few minutes here for a quick update.

So we're more than a quarter of the way into the season and I feel like we are just getting started, five games down, three wins. Now granted we didn't get off at the level that we wanted to, but the win over the Ravens this weekend, our first win in the new Stadium, showed that we're getting better, feeling more confident and comfortable with how things are progressing. We had fun out there for seemingly the first time and it's games like that are definitely more of what we expect around here.

We really got on the offensive and attacked from the start. Timing is getting better, both with the receivers, the backs and the offensive line as well. We do have some young, new starters in there, and those guys are getting more comfortable with me every week. And I'm getting comfortable with them, as well. Just a great game for the entire team. You know, in a lot of ways, this really feels like the first week of my season. Since the beginning of my career, it's the norm for me to take every snap in every practice and game. It was frustrating to not be able to be in a situation where I was putting my stamp on this offense.

I think we can move on from talking about my knee, too. I've sort of gotten tired of answering questions about it. We all know it's there. I'm still rehabbing it, so I'm still having to deal with it.

That's not to say we're content with this past game and resting on that. We're going to work to improve in every aspect of the game. As my teammate Jeff Saturday said after the game, people expect us to score 35 points a game and that's just not going to happen all the time. Sometimes you have to just grind it out. We'll take those wins, too, but we want to play the best we can every game.

Also just a quick note about the Houston game last week, which may have been the turning point we needed that got us going. Being in Texas just a few weeks after Hurricane Ike cause so much damage and pain, it was definitely emotional being there. It was inspiring to see people rebuilding their lives, but it was nice to be able to see them with something to cheer for, even if it was the other team. Some things are just bigger than football and it was important for us to be there and giving them a good show.

That said, once the game got going, we didn't exactly look good for the first 57 minutes, but we got the win. The way we did it was pretty exciting and nervewracking at the same time. You're watching the clock and you sort of do the math and you say, 'It's going to take three scores. Are we going to have time?'

So pulling it out at the end the way we did, the game they're calling the comeback for ages, was definitely something that gave us some swagger back. The bottom line is that we weren't happy with our start and know we've got a tough schedule coming up. Building on this win streak going here is definitely what we've been talking about.

Now it's time to keep it going... next up: the Packers in Green Bay.

Here we are in the middle of another NFL season and I'd be lying if I said I am happy with how we started out. one win in three weeks is not acceptable and we will work to fix this.

As I've thought about it and really nothing else for the past two days, I can't even say that our team has really begun playing as a team yet. At least playing like I know we're capable of. The fact is, there are so many important lessons you can take from losing games (though you wish you never had to).

There is no question that we haven't been playing at full strength. Now we don't use that as an excuse and we never have around here. But the facts are the facts. You have to adjust and deal with it and play to the players' strengths. Dallas Clark and Jeff Saturday, two all-pro guys, just got back on Sunday, which will help, but doesn't guarantee anything.

Personally having missed training camp, I'm still working out some of my own kinks. We've got a young offensive line which means I've got less time to make plays. I have to play better as a quarterback, make better decisions, throw the ball better. And the same goes for every guy in there. It doesn't matter how old you are, how many years they've been playing. These are professional athletes. They're in there so they have to get it done. The veterans have to lead by example and raise their level of play as well.

Wins hard to come by in this league as this past game showed. Our running game finally got going but now it was the passing game was off. In the NFL, actually no matter what level you play at, a few plays on either side can determine the outcome of a game.

We had some missed opportunities, throwing a pick that gets returned for a TD, that's obviously something you wish you could get back. We were in control of the game. You've got to make the most of what you get in any situation. I'm frustrated that we couldn't keep the momentum. I made some poor decisions. Give the Jags credit, they controlled the ball and the time of possession. Going up 21-20 late, I thought we had a chance, but our defense was worn out because we on the offense didn't give them the rest they needed to seal it for us.

Right now, the two key messages are to stay together as a team and believe in the things that the coaches are telling us. This is a team, and we're all responsible for both the wins and the losses. Having a multi-faceted offense has been our trademark and what we'll need to get back to where we belong. We have to find a way to get it done. There may be a lot closer games and we have to find a way to win them.

We've got the bye week now, which is like the worst possible timing. I know each and every single one of us wants to get back out there and get things back on track. But as far as getting everyone healthy, this is just what the doctor ordered.

It's game-week and we're in serious prep mode for Chicago on Sunday night. The good news is that I'll be ready to play. I never really had any doubts that I'd be ready, but I know there was some concern out there.

It would take something seriously wrong to keep me out there, which is why I haven't missed a game in, well, a long time. The records aren't something I'm consumed with, but there is some real desire in wanting to be out there on the field for teammates every Sunday. I expect my left tackle to be out there for me on Sundays just like I expect Dallas Clark to be out there for me on Sundays. So it's as important for me to be there for them as well.

When you think about it, how many games I've played... Brett Favre's streak is nothing short of spectacular, for him to play that many years and start that many games in a row is a real credit. For me, I'm not an individual statistics guy. Never have been. It's really all about the team in this sport, but that is one record I'm proud to be in second place for. And my brother Eli is in fourth place, I think.

So to me, that's not really a statistic, that's being a good teammate. I haven't picked an age to play until and have no idea how long the streak will run. I just know that when I'm no longer a starter or can't make the throws I used to, I'll know it's time to think about stopping. Until then, my plan is be a productive player and give my teammates every change to win.

Week One is all about getting off to a good start and beginning the quest for a Super Bowl. Good luck to everyone out there as your own football seasons start. Stay healthy, be safe and have fun. - Peyton

P.S. - Let's keep this petition going... starting to get some real support here. Get those homemmade video messages up there in the group so we can send to the IOC with the petition. That way they KNOW we're serious.

One week to go until the start of football season and things are finally coming together.

It's pretty crazy that this is going to be my 11th season. You know sometimes it feels like it has been that long, sometimes it doesn't. It is hard to believe that it has been ten years already, but then the next day it could feel like 1998 was not that long ago. I just know that I can't wait to get back to work.

My goal is to be as productive in my 11th year as I was in my third or fourth year.

One thing I really am proud of is that in the past ten years, I've been able to make every start, every game since I started playing since opening day 1998. I'm knocking on wood as I write this obviously, but I've also had great protection and great help around me.

Offseason training has helped keep me healthy and there is a great deal of accountability knowing your teammates need you on that field and are depending on you. That's why you work hard to get back from injuries and fight through aches and pains.

Off to practice now. Man, that feels good to say.

Without a doubt, the Olympics are one of the greatest sporting events, trulya worldwide spectacle that brings amazing athletes together and energizes entire nations with excitement.

But the fact that my sport, football, continues to go unrecognized by the Olympic committee is just plain wrong.

So while I know it's too late for the 2008 Olympics in China, we need to get the movement going as soon as possible - for either 2010 or 2012. It doesn't matter. I just want a gold medal.

Whether you are American, Polish, English, German, Kenyan, Jordanian, Japanese or a citizen of the world and fan of football, all you need to do is go to our petition website -

http://www.makefootballanolympicsport.com

Only together we can make it happen.
Thanks.

Together again, training camp has begun for the Indianapolis Colts and it is an exciting time for all of us.Unfortunately, as you may know, I am not able to be out there on the field with my teammates at the moment as I had a procedure on my knee a few weeks ago. I'm following the doctors' instructions right now, but still have plenty of time to get ready by the time Week 1 rolls around. I'm not really in very much pain right now, which the doctors think means the infection is clearing. I appreciate everyone's concern and support, but in the meantime, I am still getting ready for the season, studying film, tossing a few balls and talking with teammates.That said, I definitely still get excited for training camp. I can't promise you that my offensive line feels the same way as training camp is work. It's a grind as a football player, but I get excited about the chance for our team to come together really for the first time. For everyone out there, it's a chance to bond on the practice field, bond in the dorm rooms at a small college, no carpet, one bathroom for every four guys. It's like camp as a kid, except we get to go to camp as an adult. That's part of the fabric of our league.No matter what level you play at - Pop Warner, high school, college or in the pros, there is chemistry and those bonds that form in practice early in the summer, maybe on a training table, eating meals together or maybe even hanging out in a dorm room... and somewhere that's going to make a difference. It might mean converting a key third down or making a big stop on defense when we need it. So I still do get excited.Of course, I also get excited because it means that the regular season is getting closer. For me, it's hard to know how much time I'll need to get ready because I've never had to experience something like this before. I'm going into my 11th year now, so I think I have enough deposits in the bank to be ready for a new season without much work in training camp, though it will still be a challenge getting ready. You can't expect to just walk onto a field against the Bears and be 100%ready.Our team practices about an hour north of Indianapolis in Terre Haute at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Every year, I love driving up there, sending a mass text message to my teammates to fire them up, something like " let's do it this year." And they'll respond back "Yeah, let's do it." "Let's make this our year," that's a fun feeling.

A big thank you to the campers, coaches, counselors and everyone behind the scenes who helped make this year's Manning Passing Academy so great.

We've created a Manning Passing Academy group on here on weplay and uploaded a bunch of photos from the weekend. Definitely upload yours if you have some good ones... also a good way to connect and keep in touch with everyone you met.

http://www.weplay.com/groups/932-Manning-Passing-Academy

Remember to keep working in the things you learned and hope to see a bunch of you back in 2009.