Tribune News Services
MIAMI -- Peyton Manning says he is excited to be on the AFC sideline during the Pro Bowl, renewing acquaintances with players he's gotten to know over the years.
He was more excited, of course, knowing that he has "a real game next week."
And on this same Pro Bowl field, too.
Manning and the rest of the Pro Bowl players from the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints appeared on a drizzly Sunday night at the Miami Dolphins' home stadium to be part of the NFL's All-Star showcase, perhaps one final moment of relaxation before both teams begin the final wave of Super Bowl preparations around South Florida on Monday.
Photo: Peyton Manning looks on during the Pro Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. (Scott Halleran / Getty Images)
Both of the Super Bowl clubs had seven players tabbed for the Pro Bowl. From New Orleans, Brees was joined by Jon Vilma, Darren Sharper, Jahri Evans, Jonathan Goodwin, Roman Harper, and Jonathan Stinchcomb. Besides Manning, the Colts picked for the game were Antoine Bethea, Dallas Clark, Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, Jeff Saturday and Reggie Wayne.
They were introduced shortly before kickoff with the rest of the Pro Bowlers, and unlike players from some teams, particularly those who are Dolphins rivals in the AFC East, weren't booed.
"Absolutely, this is a great environment for everyone," Clark said.
Fans, not so much. It rained lightly before the game -- the same sort of weather that greeted the Colts for their Super Bowl win over the Bears in 2007.
"I could be accustomed to come to Miami and feeling rain," Saturday said.
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