http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...TS03/605210427
WR Wayne planning big things
By Mike Chappell
mike.chappell@indystar.com
Reggie Wayne's place with the Indianapolis Colts is secure, but the veteran receiver isn't satisfied.
Last season, he snapped Marvin Harrison's streak of six consecutive seasons leading the team in receptions. Wayne finished with a career-best 83, one more than Harrison.
"What it means to me is Peyton (Manning) is starting to trust me more,'' Wayne said Saturday. "It motivates me to keep doing it.''
Intent on retaining their 2001 first-round draft pick, the Colts in February re-signed him to a six-year, $39 million contract that included a $12.5 million signing bonus.
"I guess I'm able to buy a bigger house,'' Wayne said, smiling. "Other than that, it doesn't change anything.''
The financial commitment served as a type of vindication for Wayne.
"There was a lot of tough talk when I first arrived here,'' he said. "Everyone wanted a defensive guy, wondering why me.''
Now, the wondering likely has ceased. Wayne, who has increased his reception total in each of his first five seasons, is confident his best is yet to come.
"There's more,'' he said. "Hopefully we can keep climbing the ladder. I consider myself young. I'm 27 years old, so I think I can keep getting better and better. If I continue to push myself like I've been doing every summer, it shouldn't be a problem.''
Stokley's excused absence
Veteran receiver Brandon Stokley missed Saturday's two workouts, but had a good excuse. His wife, Lana, was expected to deliver the couple's second son this weekend. There was no word late Saturday whether she had delivered.