Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning hasn't missed a regular-season or postseason start in his 10-year career.

He also hasn't missed any of the eight Pro Bowls he's been selected to.

The same can't be said for some of his peers, who have cited injuries (legitimate or otherwise) over the years for skipping out on the season-ending All-Star game.

This season, 17 players pulled out of the Pro Bowl and there are 40 first-timers.

"I think you have an obligation to come," Manning said. "If you get voted on by the coaches, opponents' coaches, opponents' players and the fans, I think you have an obligation to go. I know the guys are really enjoying themselves and taking a lot of pride being here."

Among the notable players who opted out of today's game at Aloha Stadium are New England quarterback Tom Brady, Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre and San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

But Manning will be there and once again looking forward to competing with and against the game's best. At the AFC's first practice Tuesday morning at Kapolei High School, Manning was the first player to take the field, and he did it with a spring in his step.

"There are a couple guys over there like (Dallas safety) Roy Williams, who is over here every year," Manning said. "I always got to watch him roaming back there in the secondary. It's a great challenge. The one thing that's nice is you have great players around me to help me out."

Last season, Indianapolis won the Super Bowl and Manning was in Hawai'i two days later in preparation for the Pro Bowl.

This season, the Colts were eliminated in the AFC Divisional playoffs, but Manning's younger brother Eli quarterbacked the New York Giants to victory in Super Bowl XLII. Eli, in his fourth season, hasn't been voted to the Pro Bowl, but Manning thinks it's just a matter of time.

"That would be great," Manning said when asked what it would mean to him if his brother could join him in the Pro Bowl. "Obviously, it's an honor for me to make it and I think Eli will probably be over here many a time by the time his career is over. I think he's well-deserving and he'll be over here in years to come."

Their father, Archie Manning, was a Pro Bowl quarterback with the New Orleans Saints in 1978 and 1979.

In today's game, Manning likely will be looking for Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., another second-generation Pro Bowler. Kellen Winslow Sr. was a Pro Bowl tight end with San Diego in the 1980s.

"It's awesome. This is my first one," said Winslow Jr., a fourth-year pro. "My dad went to five of them so I have a long ways to go."

A knee injury, which might require surgery, wasn't going to keep him from the game.

"My knee is feeling OK," Winslow Jr. said. "I'm going to look at it next week and make a decision on it."

Winslow Jr., like all the other players, has enjoyed mingling with his fellow all-stars.

"You get to know a little bit about them," he said. "During the game, you just say, 'What's up?' but that's about it. It's like a little fraternity so hopefully I can stay."

Kellen Winslow Sr. attended a recent practice and will be at today's game.

"Like any parent would be if their child is doing something he wants to do, you're very happy for them," he said.

Reach Kyle Sakamoto at ksakamoto@honoluluadvertiser.com.