He signed autographs-and even a camera-at the end of a sweaty practice on Saturday morning.
Peyton Manning was more than just a spectator at that practice, doing what he could to teach his current fill ins the ropes of the Colts offense.
But frankly, that's as good as it might get for the fans packing into Anderson University the next two weeks.
"I'm not certain of that," said head coach Jim Caldwell when asked if the fans might see Manning play at some point during training camp.
While that's a disappointment to some fans the Cotls themselves believe it won't detract from taking the next week-and-a-half to improve before the regular season begins.
"Absolutely. I feel like we’ve grown already," said receiver Reggie Wayne when asked if the offense is making some progress during Manning's absense. "A lot of guys are buying into the system, especially the young guys are buying into the system and know what’s going on.
"We have a game coming up. We’ve got some guys who are excited about that, and even though 18 is not in there, we still have a job to do."
So how would that be happening without their best player in? It certainly didn't help the Colts back in 2008 when a bursa sac infection cost Manning all of training camp. It showed some effect on the Colts early that season as the team stumbled out of the gate to a 3-4 record.
Eventually the chemistry came together, Manning returned to form and the team won nine straight games to end the season.
One thing that was pointed out by Jeff Saturday that could facilitate a smoother camp is the fact that Manning has been in Anderson from the start. Due to the nature of the quarterback's knee ailment of 2008, Manning didn't arrive in Terre Haute until after camp started.
This season he's been able to participate in team meetings right from the start.
"In meetings, going through film work, talking through installation, what’s happening and how each coach is installing," said Saturday of Manning's input. "We all talk about how each position looks at it maybe a little bit differently. ‘What’s your view of this? How are you expecting me to block it? What are your expectations?’
"He is involved of all those things as normal.”
As for the health of Manning himself, Caldwell continued to give a general optimistic outlook for the quarterback, who has never missed a game since joining the Colts in 1998.
"Doing all the little things that it requires to get him where he wants to be," said Caldwell of Manning. "I think you guys know as well as I do he's ready to go and will be out there because he is chomping at the bit, that's for certain."