"Reggie Wayne's NFL career didn't begin with a rush of game-winning touchdown catches and Pro Bowl appearances. On his first day at Indianapolis Colts training camp in 2001, fourth-year quarterback Peyton Manning hit him with a pair of strikes.

They bounced off.

"Dropped 'em; 0-for-2 out of the gate," Wayne recalled. "I remember coach (Jim) Mora gave E.J. (running back Edgerrin James) a look that asked: 'Thought this guy had hands.' "

Those hands have caught 854 passes over the 11 seasons since. That's more than Charlie Joiner, Michael Irvin, James Lofton, Shannon Sharpe and Steve Largent, Pro Football Hall of Fame members all. Wayne is 17th on the NFL career receptions list, 22nd in career receiving yards with 11,635, 30th in receiving touchdowns with 73.

Those numbers are points of pride, but if you're looking for the one that drives him, exemplifies him, look elsewhere. Wayne hasn't missed a start since 2002. He has started 144 consecutive games, more than any active wide receiver, more than all but five active players at any position.

He is stubbornly, resolutely, unfailingly there every Sunday. He will be there this Sunday, at Jacksonville, maybe for the final time. Wayne is 33. He is one of several Colts stalwarts in the final season of his contract, a season on the brink of the unknown."