INDIANAPOLIS - Colts players are eager to get back on the field as rumors about the end of the NFL lockout swirl in the air.
In many respects, there isn't a whole lot for Colts players to love about training camp. It's long, involves living in a dorm and is really hot. But it's football and in this locked-out summer, a couple weeks in Anderson sound perfect right about now.
"I'm tired of sitting on the couch. It's about that time, so hopefully we can come to a conclusion sometime real soon and we can go up there and say 'What's up?' to the people in Anderson," said wide receiver Reggie Wayne.
"The guys are anxious, but at the same time, we have to be diligent in the process. We have to make sure everything is taken care of when it comes time," said linebacker Gary Brackett.
At Wayne's charity basketball game Saturday, some big time NFL players joined Wayne and Brackett on the court. Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed has picked off the Colts before and is intercepting any real personal optimism about reports that a deal is close.
"We don't know until it's done. I heard it was going to be the 15th, now I'm hearing the 21st. I hear they've got to go back to court. Hopefully sooner than later, man, and I've been saying that since they locked us out," Reed said.
"Just call me when they're ready, man. All this up and down, back and forth, optimistic, all that stuff. I'm just hoping we get it done soon, man, and we can stop the soap opera," Wayne said.
Houston Texans star wide receiver Andre Johnson is more receptive to the talk that the lockout seems to be nearing its end.
"Yeah, it's encouraging. Nobody wants to miss football. Football is the greatest sport in the world and everyone loves it, so no one wants to miss it," he said.
"I ain't gonna say 'Look at the owners,' because it's a business for them, too. At the end of the day, we've both got to work together," Reed said.
That work continued Monday with negotiations resuming in New York City. Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, the Colts await that one phone call.
"I know what's at stake. Not only for the players, but for the whole city of Indianapolis. With the Super Bowl coming, our restaurants, our hotels, our local economy, we know what huge boosts Colts games bring to the local economy. I just want a deal to get done in a timely manner so we can all be prepared," said Brackett.
