Marvin Harrison

arterback-wide receiver combinations the NFL has ever known was officially broken up Wednesday when Marvin Harrison asked for and received his release from the Indianapolis Colts. The 36-year old receiver’s $13.4 million cap number in 2009 would have been the highest of any NFL receiver, and although Indy hoped to restructure Harrison's contract, team president Bill Polian said there was no feasible way to accomplish that feat. The release of Harrison saves the Colts approximately $6 million, with about $7.4 million in prorated bonuses still on the books. With three-time Pro Bowler Reggie Wayne and the up-and-coming Anthony Gonzalez still on the roster, Harrison’s production, which has significantly declined over the past two seasons, was no longer a necessity, and the Colts’ decision to part ways with Harrision was the obvious one. After an injury plagued 2007, Harrison totals of 60 receptions for 636 yards and five touchdowns in 2008 were the fewest of his career during a full season. Whether Harrison viewed a restructured contract as an assault to his manhood, he wanted a change of scenery or feels he can make more on the free agent market, Harrison’s current stance is a classic case of a veteran not realizing they are no longer as good as they previously were. Looking at the current number one receivers across the league, Harrison wouldn't start ahead of many, if any at all, and he therefore should no longer be earning number one type money. Peyton Manning was not only looking to throw to Wayne more often, but also to Gonzalez and certainly Dallas Clark. Perhaps it's pride or perhaps it's ignorance, but regardless of where he ends up in 2009, Harrison isn't going to make anything close to what he previously earned so why not stay in the only place you've ever played professionally with one of the two greatest quarterbacks of all-time on a team that annually is one of the few true contenders for the Super Bowl. Seems like the obvious decision to me.

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in the pocket, casually lofting tight spirals 50 yards into the outstretched hands of a horizontal Marvin Harrison. Silky smooth running back Edgerrin James calmly picking his way through opposing defenses. Even the defense had an element of grace to it, with Dwight Freeney deftly spinning past flat-footed offensive linemen for countless sacks. The Colts epitomized the elegance of brilliant offensive football, choosing to beat opponents with their talent, smarts, and skill rather than strength. What made them great was also what made them weak. They were dome babies, choosing to fly around of fake turf fields while the other boys had to play outside.

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