Elite QBs, longtime friends--and foes on Sunday

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb have been among the NFL's elite throughout their long careers.

Manning, 34, is a four-time NFL most valuable player, a 10-time Pro Bowler and eight-time all-pro selection. He has led the Colts to two Super Bowl appearances with one championship.

McNabb, 33, is a six-time Pro Bowler and was the 2004 NFC offensive player of the
year. He led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance.

The high-profile signal callers and longtime friends will be in the spotlight again Sunday night as the Redskins host the Colts at FedEx Field.

"I truly respect him," McNabb said Wednesday at Redskins Park. "Peyton and I have known each other for a long time. Peyton and I are about the same age, came out of high school at the same time. And, you know, obviously, have been in this league and done some things.

"But the things that he's been able to do, obviously, starting with consecutive games of not being injured enough to pull him out, and the success that they've had. He's won a Super Bowl. He's put up great numbers...Peyton's a great guy, first and foremost. A lot of times, it gets overlooked because of what he's done on the field. But just overall, I'm happy for him."

The respect is mutual, Manning said.

"Well, Donovan and I are good friends," Manning said Wednesday during a conference call with reporters who cover the Redskins. "I'm one year older than him, but I pull for him all the time.
"I'm happy that ... just everything he's been able to accomplish in his career. I congratulated him when he [was traded to] the Redskins. I know he's excited about his opportunity. I've always kept up with him, I've always pulled real hard for him."