PEYTON’S NEW PLACE: Indianapolis Colts quarterback PEYTON MANNING, who made his first Pro Bowl appearance last season, has earned a spot on yet another prestigious team. Last week (5/15), Manning was one of five new members elected to the NCAA Foundation’s 30-member board of directors. Manning, the first active athlete to be placed on the board since its inception in 1988, will serve for four years beginning in October.

"I look forward to contributing in every way possible to the NCAA," said Manning. "My years as a collegian were some of my best experiences in football and in life. I was at an outstanding school, the University of Tennessee. I appreciated the guidance I was given on the field and in the classroom, and I have a deep regard for what I learned. I hope to provide the same type of leadership and direction that I benefited from during my college years."

The Colts are proud of their quarterback.

"It is no surprise to see Peyton honored in this fashion," said Colts Owner and Chief Executive Officer JIM IRSAY. "He made a commitment while at Tennessee to stay for his senior season because he saw the value in furthering his education and enjoying the collegiate experience. That vision speaks for itself. Peyton is a credit to everything he undertakes, and I know he will contribute to the accomplishments of the NCAA."

Manning’s role is an important one.

"The work of the NCAA Foundation is critically important to the well-being of more than 350,000 student-athletes across the country," said JAMES T. MORRIS, chair of the NCAA Foundation. The foundation was created to generate funds through private gifts to support programs that enable student-athletes to participate fully in the college community; to help student-athletes pursue successful academic and athletic experiences; and to prepare them to become effective citizens and productive contributors to society.

Other current NCAA Foundation board members include Carolina Panthers Owner/Founder JERRY RICHARDSON and Dallas Cowboys consultant CALVIN HILL.

CHALK TALK: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AKILI SMITH passed for 805 yards in four starts as a rookie in 1999. He is now ready to take charge full-time. "This is my team," Smith says. "It's time for me to just settle in, be relaxed and lead it."

This offseason, Smith is taking work home with him. He has purchased an 8 X 14-foot coach’s blackboard for his home. "I figured it will help me by being able to draw up plays on my own," Smith says. "It’s something that’s going to help me learn."

THURMAN THE MENTOR: New Miami Dolphins (and former Buffalo Bills) running back THURMAN THOMAS, who has amassed more rushing attempts (364), rushing yards (1,620) and touchdown runs (eight) than any Miami foe, is taking on an additional role with his new club – tutoring second-year running back J.J. JOHNSON.

"The thing I like about him is that he’s willing to learn," says Thomas. "He’s willing to listen and he works real hard. He’s asked me questions about certain defenses and what I look for. I’m going to coach him all the way through on what to do and how to take care of himself on the field and off the field."

Said Johnson, who ranked third among AFC rookies in 1999 with 558 rushing yards: "Some players can’t accept criticism, but I’m one who can."

TIM’S FOR THE TEAM: "The quarterback is always the key guy," says Cleveland Browns head coach CHRIS PALMER. Last season, Browns quarterback TIM COUCH broke all of the team’s rookie passing records. According to Palmer, Couch’s leadership efforts this spring have been impressive as well.

"When we talked to Tim about going to New York to be there when we drafted (Penn State defensive end) COURTNEY BROWN, he couldn’t say yes fast enough," Palmer said.

"That’s why I love him," Palmer added. "He’s such a football guy. He eats, sleeps and lives the game. He’s always around the practice complex. He has players over to his place for cookouts. I don’t know if he can make a good steak, but he’ll buy the food and fire up the grill. His goal is to make the Cleveland Browns a better football team."

SUPER SEQUEL?: Tennessee Titans quarterback STEVE MC NAIR has begun preparing for a return trip to Super Bowl under new offensive coordinator MIKE HEIMERDINGER. "I like what we’re doing right now," says McNair. "It’s very specific. I know exactly where everybody is going to be. I feel like I have more options."

Titans Head Coach JEFF FISHER is impressed with McNair’s spring workouts. "Steve’s throwing the ball great right now," he says. "The changes we put in have ironed themselves out. When the quarterback is throwing this well at this point in the offseason, the changes must be going well."