Everyone's talking about Peyton Manning's plea for teammate Edgerrin James to join him and his pals for summer workouts. But I've got news for you: it's not that big a deal.

The Colts' success hardly hangs in the balance. Manning is making a public statement simply because, as team leader, he's obligated to do so. That's the key word -- obligated. The bigger issue here is the cloud of mystery surrounding these summer workouts. To shed some light on this strange phenomena, I thought I'd clarify some of the language that defines the typical NFL offseason. See if you can spot the magic word that keeps everything in place...

AG's NFL Glossary (Summer Version)

Mini Camp: OBLIGATORY three day camp, without pads, usually conducted right after the draft. Used by coaches to indoctrinate rookies to the playbook and determine how badly out-of-shape the vets are.

Voluntary Workout: Since NFL teams cannot have more than one sanctioned mini camp in the offseason, each team feels OBLIGATED to invite players to work out at the club's facilities. That means if you're in town, and you're not busy, come in and work out with the guys. No biggie.

Mandatory Workouts: Journeyman players -- not franchise studs like Edgerrin James -- are OBLIGATED to come in, lest they get cut before training camp opens.

Passing Camp: OBLIGATORY teaching session for rookies and lower-rung free agents. Position coaches go over schemes in the classroom, and then have a short session on the field. (Note: This is not a mini camp because 1) the whole team doesn't show, and 2) it's not called mini camp.)

Quarterback School: See Passing Camp.

There you have it. Summer obligations depend on who you are and how you define 'obligation.' That should defuse all this Colts commotion. Feel better? Good. Much obliged.

Alan Grant, a former NFL defensive back, writes football for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail him at alan.grant@espnmag.com.