Playing in NFL required some adjusting for Collie

Believe it or not, this playing in the NFL thing hasn't come easily for Colts receiver Austin Collie.

It's only seemed that way for the rookie from BYU.

Collie has had an outstanding season for Indianapolis and become a key member of the team's potent offense. He made perhaps the biggest play of the season for the Colts in their AFC Championship game win over the Jets when he hauled in a 46-yard pass from Peyton Manning to set up a score just before halftime.

On the game's next play, Collie caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Manning, giving Indianapolis momentum going into the break. The Jets had been in control prior to Collie's 46-yard reception, leading Indianapolis 17-6 at the time. Manning said Collie's catch was the biggest play of the game.

"It was a pretty sweet play, and a pretty good throw from Peyton," Collie told reporters earlier this week. "I'd say that whole drive was probably the biggest plays of my career so far."

Few would have predicted Collie would play such a big role in the Colts' success this season. Rookie receivers are supposed to take their lumps against seasoned NFL cornerbacks. Collie, however, got the opportunity to play a bigger role when starting receiver Anthony Gonzalez was lost for the season with an injury. Including the playoffs, Collie has 71 receptions for 851 yards and nine touchdowns this season.

Collie had 60 catches during the regular season, the same as Offensive Rookie of the Year Percy Harvin, but didn't receive any rookie of the year votes.

On the field, it didn't seem Collie had much trouble adjusting to the pro game. He told reporters covering the Super Bowl it was tougher than it looked.

"It was difficult at first and hard to feel comfortable out on the field," Collie said. "For quite some time, I wasn't playing to my natural ability. I was worried about what I was doing, and I think all rookies go through that. I think it took me a little more time, especially with the extent of our offense and with the adjustments of changing everything every week or even every day. Recently though, I've started to feel more comfortable with what I'm doing, and it has allowed me to play to my natural abilities."

Collie said his wife helped him learn the Colts' massive playbook. They would memorize the plays together and she would quiz him.

"It's not as easy as everyone thinks," Collie said. "I'm still making mistakes and there are still things I need to learn. I think it will be a couple of years before I get this offense down pat."