Colts QB Peyton Manning and team owner Jim Irsay issued a joint statement on Friday to try and ease some of the tension between the two in recent days.

"We would like to dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us," the statement reads.

"Since 1998, we have enjoyed a great relationship, based upon mutual respect and trust. We have always been able to talk and address matters we've faced over the years, not just as owner and player, but as friends. We had a long talk today and we want to assure Colts fans everywhere that we are both committed to maintaining our close relationship and to working together through any challenges the future may bring."

The statement comes after both Manning and Irsay took shots at each other publicly.

Earlier in the week, Manning told The Indianapolis Star the Colts' facility wasn't the best place for him to do the rehab on his injured neck, given all the turnover in the building in recent weeks. Irsay responded by saying, "I don't think it's in a good interest to paint the horseshoe in a negative light, I really don't. He's such a big part of that and everything else, but the horseshoe always comes first."

Manning missed all of the 2011 rehabbing from offseason neck surgery. The team owes him a $28 million bonus in March, leading many to believe the four-time MVP will be released by the only franchise for which he has ever played.