By TIM ETHRIDGE, Scripps Howard News Service

INDIANAPOLIS - Anyone who has been a little brother knows how Eli Manning feels.

He was picked on. He lost a lot, at whatever game was played. But he got tougher. He was proud of his big brother. And he was eager to set his own path.

INDIANAPOLIS - The defenses in Super Bowl XLVI will head into Sunday's game with similar philosophies: No one likes to get hit, especially a quarterback.

So Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Eli Manning of the New York Giants understand that it not only will take skill but toughness to celebrate on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in a shower of confetti.

INDIANAPOLIS - No player should feel more at home at the Super Bowl than New York Giants offensive tackle James Brewer, even though it would be a huge surprise if he were to be listed on the active roster for the game.

INDIANAPOLIS - Neither Bill Belichick nor Tom Coughlin is known as a wild-and-crazy guy. So don't expect a wild-and-crazy postgame celebration after Sunday's Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium, whether the New England Patriots or the New York Giants emerge as victors.

INDIANAPOLIS - There will be some surprises in her halftime show at Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Madonna promised a packed room of reporters on Thursday.

But there won't be a Janet Jackson moment, the Material Girl vowed.

INDIANAPOLIS - The biggest injury question leading up to Super Bowl XLVI surrounds New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.

The talented tight end, a key to Tom Brady's passing game, is doing better, coach Bill Belichick said Wednesday, but his status has yet to be determined for the game against the New York Giants.

INDIANAPOLIS - Growing up in Anderson, S.C., Shaun Ellis spent Super Bowl Sunday like most Americans, watching the game on TV -- "especially the commercials" -- with friends and family.

What he rarely did was dream about playing in the biggest football game of all.

INDIANAPOLIS - Perhaps the most famous picture taken before a Super Bowl shows Joe Willie Namath reclined, shirtless and wearing plaid swimming trunks, on a hotel poolside lounge in Miami Beach with a handful of reporters taking notes.

INDIANAPOLIS - When Bill Benner first went to work at the Indianapolis Star in 1969, he had a choice of three restaurants downtown for dinner. Not three that he liked. Three, total.

INDIANAPOLIS - When Bill Benner first went to work at the Indianapolis Star in 1969, he had a choice of three restaurants downtown for dinner. Not three that he liked. Three, total.