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Marvin Harrison, who has spent his entire 13-year career in Indianapolis, passed Cris Carter last year for second on the all-time receptions list with 1,102 catches.

“I’ll never forget the catch at Tennessee, which in my mind is the signature play of his career,” Polian said. “He was suspended in mid-air, reached out with one hand, hauled it in and then got up and waved the rest of the players down the field. That was quintessential Marvin.”

After Manning’s arrival in 1998, he spent countless hours trying to get the timing down perfectly with his new quarterback. And when he scored touchdowns, he usually flipped the ball to the official.

Around teammates, he was nearly as quiet as he was with reporters, skipping Tuesday’s news conference, Polian said, because he didn’t want to slight anyone at the team complex.

“The best way I’d describe him is there’s an old saying that goes lead by example and when necessary use words,” Caldwell said. “That’s what Marvin did. He rarely used words.”

Harrison stayed out of the spotlight, refraining for the headline grabbing antics that have made other star receivers famous.

Last year, for the first time, Harrison was involved in some high-profile off-the-field trouble.

Philadelphia police believe one of Harrison’s guns was used in an April shooting in his hometown. No charges were filed against Harrison, and the man who made the accusation was convicted on a misdemeanor charge of lying to police.

Harrison does not believe his career is finished.

He hopes to sign with another team, possibly as early as Friday when the free-agent market opens.

Polian did not rule out the possibility of bringing Harrison at a lower price, either, though there has already been speculation that Harrison might be interested in playing for the Eagles and reuniting with former college teammate Donovan McNabb.

“I had a chance to reflect on a lot of what has happened over the last 12-plus years,” Irsay said. “I really look forward to the time he goes into the Hall of Fame and the Ring of Honor at our stadium.”

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