John Oehser wrote a piece discussing the state of hazing on some NFL franchises for rookies entering the NFL. He quotes Manning on the subject,
You’ve seen all the highlights with the rookie hazing and haircuts. We don’t do that around here, because we don’t treat the guys like rookies. We expect those guys to play this year and to play well.”
I have no problem with this. I didn’t think there was anything at all wrong with what Dez Bryant did. I think that although it is supposed to be for fun, there is really no time to be doing this to a “rookie.” Sure he is new, but the history of the Colts has shown there is no telling when a player is going to be needed to produce. Manning does say that the team is hard on rookies, in that they have high expectations for them when they come in.
Peyton also tells us what he thinks is a very important part of the rookie getting the opportunity to impress and get on the field.
“I think you have to put the work in,” Manning said, citing offseason passing work he has done with players such as rookie tight end Brody Eldridge. “He’s going to play a role in the offense this year. I think you have (to) spend the time with him. You have to watch some film with him. You have to go out and throw with him.
“What I’ve always liked to do is instead of going out and throwing with three quarterbacks and 10 receivers, I’d rather just take me and one receiver and go out and have truly one-on-one throwing where you might throw 30 routes and you’re talking about the route beforehand. You’re really trying to reach and get him on the same page with you. . . .
“I like that because it keeps the older guys like me and (center) Jeff (Saturday) and (kicker Adam) Vinatieri feeling young, but at the same time, when you bring in new players it means you’re going to have to work even harder to bring those guys up to speed and get timing down.”
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