Team Harteis News - The Indianapolis Colts returned to work Wednesday more relaxed, more determined and more unified.

 

The noticeably subdued locker room and practices of last week were replaced by laughter, horseplay and video games -- and a hope they could honor the message their missing coach, Tony Dungy, sent during Tuesday's eulogy for his 18-year-old son, James.

 

"I was so impressed with what he said and the integrity he had," Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday said. "I thought he made some great comments."

 

One day after about 200 Colts players, coaches and team officials flew to Tampa for the funeral of Dungy's son, players credited the emotional trip for bringing even closer a team that already got along well. It was the first time Colts players had been around Dungy since he left for Tampa last Thursday.

 

The way Dungy handled the tragedy has had a significant impact on players.

 

Saturday said he was touched by Dungy's call to be bolder about being role models for boys, and receiver Troy Walters said he believes the impact of Tuesday's trip could be long-term. Others agreed.

 

"I think we came together," defensive tackle Montae Reagor said. "It allowed us to grow as a group and showed that we truly are a family."

 

To read this complete Team Harteis News visit our news partner at:

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2273490&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

 

For more sports news visit The Harteis NFL picks section of this site.

 

©  2005 views and news feature of Team Harteis views/news site. All right reserved.