I remember folks tossing around the concept of a “Pro Day” or extended throwing sessions for Manning. We’ve seen the grainy footage of Manning playing toss at Duke. We’ve heard of Manning throwing to Brandon Stokley (per The Denver Post) in a Denver park.

If I’m a team executive, I certainly want to see him throw and put on a clinic. With the number of suitors involved in the process, there’s no incentive for Manning to do so. Additionally, the potential to get Manning on an incentive-laden deal with a low guaranteed base has gone out the window.

At 4pm ET, the bell rings.

I decided to sit this one out. I’d already experienced several days of uninterrupted “Bracketology,” watched countless games across myriad conferences and waded through blogs, columns and video analysis while preparing for my Sunday morning radio show. I saw projections on a scroll under the images of my dreams.

Of course, that’s the professional side of the equation. My heart already sank on Thursday following the loss sustained by Northwestern in the Big 10 Tournament. That overtime defeat to Minnesota seemingly sealed their fate, and my suspicions were confirmed during the telecast.

It didn’t take long to find that out they’d been relegated to the NIT. Social media displayed the inevitable one-liners about the Cats’ tourney-less streak. That was it. I knew I’d have the bracket in my hands all of 15 seconds after the final region was announced and, well, talk of snubs annoys me. I didn’t need to hear about the OT losses and Tubby Smith’s squad anymore.

Naturally, I then spent several hours prepping my bracket before finally hitting the “Submit” button. I printed a blank and filled it out, then made a few corrections, searched for an extra longshot or two and then put it aside.

My countdown clock read — 42 hours, 19 minutes.
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Yes, I am excited about the NCAA Men’s Tournament & the NIT and will consume hours upon hours of live game action with a bottomless cup of Johan at my side. There’s no question about it.

But, let’s face it. The bracket selection show is an institution. It’s always there for you. All eyes in the sporting world were on the “Peyton Manning World Tour” this weekend. Remember, the team visits took place with the Rams/Redskins trade and Sanchez contract extension serving as the backdrop.

- Where would he visit?
- Would a “mystery” team descend from the skies to swoop him away?
- Would he throw for teams? He did throw in the Denver area , per Mike Klis of The Denver Post.
- How would it impact the free agent market for the myriad quarterbacks ready to hit the market? Matt Flynn, anyone?

And when you can throw Tim Tebow into the mix … you have it all.

On Tuesday afternoon, the doors to free agency open and the feeding frenzy will begin. There are a number of top-tier free agents on the board, including a few surprises (OL Eric Winston being released by the Texans stands out as one).

I’ll be blogging, Tweeting (@swollendome) and yelling in audio and video forms as this process gets underway. The new NFL season begins.

At least, we all assumed that the release of Peyton Manning by the Colts was inevitable. I suppose there was some sliver of hope among the most ardent Manning fans that he and the Colts would find some common ground in terms of a reduced salary for a year or two. But, we’d seen the comments from Jim Irsay about Andrew Luck. We’ve heard all of the “best prospect since John Elway” evaluations time and again.

I just turn back the clock to early February. It didn’t matter which guest pulled on a headset during Super Bowl week in Indianapolis, the conversation shifted to Manning and his future. His image was everywhere, and you couldn’t walk more than five feet without getting jostled by somebody wearing a No. 18 jersey.

The time for action is at hand. New broke via ESPN on Tuesday afternoon that the Colts would hold a press conference with Peyton Manning to announce their separation. As a result, the PhotoShopping has begun. Images of Manning’s head are surely being fitted with new color schemes and logos in a manner equivalent to the famous Topps “paint job” cards of the 1970s by editors at websites throughout the nation. After all, the free agent frenzy is on the moment that his release is announced.

Where will he go to work?

Well, let’s look at some of the options. Remember, that just coming back to the NFL is not the MO here. This is about legacy. This is about titles. This is about being down 2-1 in the fourth quarter of your career.

So, where should he go?

Let’s roll it up.

Arizona – Does the team want to roll up a ton of cash for a quarterback after signing Kevin Kolb to a huge deal? Arizona quarterbacks also absorbed 54 sacks, good for second-most in the NFL. That’s not a selling point with Jim Harbaugh’s hard-hitting 49ers on the schedule twice.

I’ll like to team him with Larry Fitzgerald, but I don’t see it.

San Francisco – Harbaugh liked Alex Smith going into 2011 off of the shortened preseason, and his faith was rewarded with a deep playoff run. Of course, the defense deserved a ton of credit, but I can’t discount the big-time throws Smith made to Vernon Davis during the run. Still, the thought of putting Manning in this offense (young O-Line, Davis & Crabtree and Frank Gore) is mighty intriguing.

Is Smith the future, or was the success of 2011 an anomaly? The 49ers will need to pony up a big pile of cash to Smith this offseason. Might they go all-in and make a big push toward a New Orleans run?

New York Jets – You know that the O-Line is strong, so that’s a plus. But, would he go to the Big Apple and battle brother Eli for ink? Would Manning want to team up with Rex and Sparano? The team is strong and competitive, but this just doesn’t feel right.

(I do like the idea of a CGI or puppet-infused “Mannings Take Manhattan” film.)

Kansas City – The Chiefs franchised Dwayne Bowe and will have Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki returning from injury. As a result, you’re looking at fantastic skill options at his disposal. The offensive line surrendered 34 sacks (13 teams allowed fewer sacks). I wouldn’t rule it out entirely in a winnable division.

Miami – The Dolphins are one of the frontrunners for his services. He’s got the big receiver in Brandon Marshall, a dual threat out of the backfield in Reggie Bush and a good defense. The offensive line still needs tweaking, as this unit allowed the third-most sacks in the league (52).

The biggest issue is this. I have to assume that Joe Philbin reaches back to Green Bay and pays a huge pile of cash to Matt Flynn.

Seattle – The Seahawks re-upped Marshawn Lynch, but the rest of the skill positions are in need of upgrades. The O-Line surrendered 50 sacks (fourth in the NFL) and has that San Francisco defense on the slate twice.

Washington – Daniel Snyder likes to make big splashes. We know Mike Shanahan’s history well. Shanahan has spoken of his belief that the Redskins had a playoff offense in 2011. I’ll let you chew that one over.

Of course, Manning would be joining the NFC East … so there would be two matchups with brother Eli on tap. That alone makes this pairing a longshot.

Cleveland – The Browns are believed to be strong players in the RGIII conversation to shake things up. I personally talked to a Cleveland receiver about his desire for a big-time arm, and Manning would fit the bill. However, this isn’t a team on the cusp of greatness and has many holes to fill. Joe Thomas would have to do one hell of a sales job.

Denver – Tebow fans don’t want to hear it, but there’s an opportunity here. The Broncos have a good offensive line, a strong runner in Willis McGahee and a potential monster in Demaryius Thomas. The Denver defense was strong down the stretch, as we recall from the constant attention afforded the squad. The pieces are in place to take the division again.

This would be a huge statement from John Elway.
Houston – Go for the kill shot. The team just re-signed Arian Foster. He’s got a monster in the receiving corps with Andre Johnson. The offensive line is strong and that defense under Wade Phillips became a force in 2011. Matt Schaub’s been strong, but he’s been injured often. T.J. Yates is there as a security option. All of that is fantastic …. and he’d get a chance to dominate the Colts twice a year.

Jacksonville – Manning would have fun picking up those Pro Bowl conversations he’s had with Maurice Jones-Drew, but that’s about it. I don’t believe that we saw enough to truly evaluate Blaine Gabbert this past year. The Jaguars cut his presumed No. 1 wide receiver in-season. They’re not close to having the personnel for a title run, so this is a longshot. The ability to play the Colts only goes so far.

Wright Heads Back to School

Williams had impressed coaches in camp with his cut-back ability and willingness to work between the tackles. Now, they’ll need to put a huge load on Chris “Beanie” Wells, who hasn’t exactly been the poster boy for healthy, consistent play in his brief NFL tenure. Remember, former Arizona tailback Tim Hightower is now running as the lead man for the Shanahans in Washington.

Last season, Wells saw his production dive markedly. He’d averaged 4.5 yards per carry as a rookie in 2009 with seven touchdowns on 176 carries. He averaged 3.4 yards per carry in 2010 and scored twice.

LaRod Stephens-Howling and Alfonso Smith will vie for the backup role to Wells, though the team is likely to take a look-see at veteran options available on the wire (Clinton Portis is there now. Might Tashard Choice or Chester Taylor follow?).

For now, shift Wells up into the back end of the RB2 ranks. But, as always, make sure you’re protected by adding a third RB in short order.

Next up: Cleveland has reportedly dealt the pick to Atlanta.

And, Childress’ comments regarding “assurances” and “hugs” has been played everywhere. Childress later reached out to reporters to say that he was joking.

I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that he was Stephen Wright. Deadpan humor, wait for nervous chuckles or something? I don’t know that gallows humor is the way to go given the way things have been swirling in Minnesota all season. I’m sure I’m not the first to point out the similarity in tone, but it’s uncanny.

If the players and organization get his sense of humor (evidently the NFL-watching world and every reporter, scribe, pundit and commentator doesn’t), then that’s fine. He certainly sold the line by keeping his stoic facial expression. The organization has to close ranks and get in line. If this is part of the dynamic, then so be it.

Fans can’t wait for the post-game conference for Week 10. Either Brad Childress or Lovie Smith takes to the podium in defeat.

Instead, it was announced early this week that Warner would trade dancing in the pocket and avoiding a speeding Patrick Willis for the bright lights and sequined costumes of “Dancing With The Stars.” He’s the latest football player to join the fray, joined by former hoopster and budding thespian Rick Fox.

Arizona’s quarterback woes have been well-chronicled in the press of late, and the future of former first-round pick Matt Leinart is certainly in doubt. There have been whispers of trade talks and outright releases. All the while, we’re wondering if Warner would make a dramatic return to the field to save Ken Whisenhunt’s offense and restore the eroding confidence in the Arizona offense. His appearance in the “big reveal” for the new “DWTS” season, a run that included introductions of “The Situation,” “The Hoff,” and Michael Bolton (“The Voice”), probably kicked those hopes and dreams of NFL fans and fantasy owners to the curb. Kyle Massey of “That’s So Raven” rounds out the men’s side of the competition.

I’m still thinking about his 3,700 passing yards and 26 touchdown passes of a year ago. Alas, the pinball machine-like yardage total stops at 32,000 and change with 208 regular season touchdowns.

I can’t say that I’m terribly excited about the women’s side of things – no disrespect to Bristol Palin, Margaret Cho, Mrs. Brady, Audrina Patridge and Brandy. I can only get fired up for Jennifer Grey’s first onscreen appearance and Tom Bergeron’s first “nobody puts baby in a corner” reference. As I have Jerry Orbach on “Law & Order” from the DVR in the background right now, it seems like I should bust out some “Point Break” to round out the trilogy.

As with my tracking of Ochocinco’s progress last season, I’ll set the DVR to catch Warner’s movements on the dance floor. All the while, I’ll be lamenting that his quick release and pinpoint accuracy will be just an NFL memory. Owners of Larry Fitzgerald are hoping that his athleticism rules the day in spite of the quarterback situation.

In the interim, I’ll start working on an exemption to the uniform role to allow Warner to bring the glitz onto the field should he return. I’m thinking of an NFL version of Redford’s “Electrif Horseman” outfit.

Bloom also expresses his “man-crush” on Edwin Jackson and gets fired up for Diamondbacks baseball.

Check out the podcast here .