Wayne putting love for New Orleands on hold for Super Bowl

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Indianapolis Colts receiver Reggie Wayne has plenty of ties with New Orleans, dating back to his days at John Ehret High School. Though he now wears the Colts’ blue and white uniform, Wayne has never forgotten his childhood days following the Saints.

The receiver, whose bond with the city was strengthened after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, is funding a $16 million family entertainment center in Louisiana to strengthen the community and open up more jobs for the local population. But when the Super Bowl rolls round on February 7, Wayne will be solely focusing on helping Indianapolis.

Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who also has strong links with New Orleans, has made Wayne his number one passing option and the receiver has rewarded Indianapolis with 10 touchdowns this season. However, having been successfully shut down by the New York Jets’ Darrelle Revis in the AFC Championship game, Wayne will be out to prove a point in the Super Bowl. Young receivers Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie were the difference-makers against the Jets but Wayne remains the biggest threat.

And he has happy memories of playing in the Super Bowl in Miami. Back in 2007, the Colts beat the Chicago Bears 29-17 with Wayne scoring Indianapolis’ first touchdown and grabbing 61 receiving yards. Those positive memories should be a spark next weekend.

It promises to be a high-scoring finale to the NFL season, with Manning and Drew Brees arriving in stunning form. The Saints are bringing an array of offensive talents of their own and have Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas and Marques Colston in red hot form. But Wayne will be out to make it his day.

And when his chance comes, he will have to put his love for New Orleans to one side and make the big play for the Colts.

By TOM OLDFIELD

Tags: Drew Brees, Indianapolis Colts, John Ehret High School, New Orleans, Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne