MIAMI -- Peyton Manning took the stage and spoke Tuesday about three quarterbacks who most influenced his life. One, of course, was his father, Archie. The other two grew up within Pittsburgh's city limits.

The first was Johnny Unitas.

"My dad always said that his two favorite athletes growing up were Johnny Unitas and Mickey Mantle," Manning said. "Obviously I wasn't old enough to see those guys play. Hearing stories from my dad about just the kind of impact those guys had on sports, in baseball and football.

"I understand the significance of Unitas as a quarterback. Playing for the Colts, even though we are in Indianapolis, I still feel a connection to the Colts history. Got a chance to meet Raymond Berry, some of the former Colts players, hearing them tell stories about Unitas. Had a chance to spend a couple of evenings with John Unitas before his passing. Those were some special evenings for me. Special conversations. He was always very nice to me."

The other was Dan Marino.

"Dan Marino has had a tremendous impact on me. Growing up my dad was my favorite player always. He retired back in '84. I was 8 years old. Dan Marino was just coming into the NFL. I think it is important to always have a favorite player at all times. A current player. I went from Archie Manning to Dan Marino.

"Dan, I always loved the way he competed, loved the way he commanded the offense and he has been so supportive of me since he has retired. I asked a lot of questions of him. As an older quarterback you still have to have guys you can ask questions of. Nobody will ever throw the ball like Dan Marino. I truly consider him a friend and I value his friendship."

The overriding question of the week is whether or not Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney will be able to play. Freeney, among the game's best, has a badly sprained ankle that has become such a topic that the NFL Network yesterday focused on the ankle as he walked around during Media Day.

"That's going to be a decision that's going to be later on in the week," Freeney said as to his availability Sunday for Super Bowl XLIV. "The competitor in me says, 'Nothing's going to stop me from going on that field." That being said, you don't know how it's going to be come gametime."

Dan Rooney will take time out from serving as Ambassador to Ireland to attend the Super Bowl. He's due here today from Pittsburgh. Colts coach Jim Caldwell yesterday weighed in on the Rooney Rule the NFL adopted at Rooney's behest that requires all teams seeking a head coach to interview at least one minority candidate.

"I don't think it's perfect but it's certainly heading in the right direction. I think the face of the league looks a lot different in 2010 than it did in 2002. I think a lot of that has to do with the opportunity that is being presented. I think you're going to see it change even further. There are some sharp guys out there that are certainly capable and deserving of an opportunity."

The subject of the undefeated season still dogs the Colts, and not because they are continually asked about it. Caldwell began pulling players in the second half of the team's 15th game and lost the final two to finish 14-2.

"There was nothing we could do about it," said center Jeff Saturday, talking for his teammates. "I can tell you that every player wanted to play. Every player tried to play, but it wasn't what our front office and our coach decided."

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