Manning, Colts owner insist all's well

Superstar quarterback Peyton Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay moved Friday to quell speculation they were at odds in the wake of the team's dismal and injury marred 2011 season. "We would like to dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us," the two said in a joint statement posted Friday on the team's website. "We had a long talk today and we want to assure Colts fans everywhere that we are both committed to maintaining our close relationship and to working together through any challenges the future may bring." The joint statement comes after a week in which Manning, who missed the entire 2011 season with a neck injury, told the Indianapolis Star newspaper that he might not be back with the Colts next season. He also indicated he wasn't comfortable with the many changes underway in the wake of the Colts' 2-14 campaign, which included the firing of coach Jim Caldwell. "It's not a real good environment down there right now, to say the least," Manning told the newspaper. "Everybody's walking around on eggshells." On Wednesday, the Colts named Chuck Pagano, the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator as their new coach. After the Colts introduced their new coach, Irsay voiced irritation with Manning's decision to go public with his concerns. "One thing he's always known, and he's been around it so long you keep it in the family," Irsay said. "If you've got a problem, talk to each other." Manning, a four-time NFL Most Valuable Player, started 227 consecutive games before he was sidelined by a neck injury that eventually required three surgeries. The Colts have the top selection in this year's NFL Draft and could use it on a star college quarterback to replace Manning, who has said he wants to stay with the team for his entire NFL career. With league attention to be focused on Indianapolis in the coming week as the venue for the Super Bowl -- in which Manning's younger brother Eli will lead the New York Giants against New England -- Manning and Irsay clearly want to avoid escalating a public spat. "Since 1998, we have enjoyed a great relationship, based upon mutual respect and trust," their statement said. "We have always been able to talk and address matters we’ve faced over the years, not just as owner and player, but as friends.