INDIANAPOLIS – After tallying up more than 8 miles of receiving yards wearing a Colts’ uniform, Marvin Harrison will not be returning to the team he has called home since 1996.Indianapolis Colts’ owner Jim Irsay found himself in a tough spot while the organization attempted to work something out with the aging receiver.

After several attempts to restructure the contract, the two sides remained far apart so Harrison asked to be released and the Colts are honoring that request.

Harrison has been a staple in the Colts’ organization over the past 13 seasons with his best year coming in 2002 when he snagged 143 receptions for 1,722 yards. The 36-year-old wideout has seen his production decline over the past few seasons with 60 receptions last season and 20 in an injury-shortened 2007.

On ESPN, John Clayton reported that receivers in the No. 1spot earn in the vicinity of $9 million per year and Harrison was being relegated to the No. 3 spot that normally calls for $2.5 to $3 million.

Harrison played college ball at Syracuse and was the Colts’ first round draft pick in ’96. His career stats bellow Hall of Fame and include 1,102 catches for 8.28 miles (14,580 yd) and 128 touchdowns.

Peyton Manning who has passed for 259 miles (45,628 yards) as a Colt left a statement on his website saying “I know I would not be the quarterback I am today if it wasn’t for Marvin”.

Harrison must now find a home after a stressful off-season that included being investigated for a shooting that occurred outside a business he owns in Philadelphia. Charges were never filed in that case.

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