MIAMI, United States (AFP) - A US marine reporter tried unsuccessfully to get Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning to plug the federal government’s Pentagon channel during Media Day at the Super Bowl.

Reina Barnett, wearing full Marine camouflage, was accompanied by a uniformed cameraman when she asked Manning on Tuesday to repeat “You are watching the Pentagon channel” which is be aired during Sunday’s game for US troops watching in Iraq.

Instead Manning, who gave a colourful performance during Media Day with many one-liners that left reporters laughing, simply expressed support for the troops and thanked the soldiers for their sacrifice.

Others like Chicago Bears starting quarterback Rex Grossman and Colts guard Matt Ulrich weren’t so apprehensive to plug the Pentagon.

Said Grossman, “Hi I’m Rex Grossman, Chicago Bears and you’re watching the Pentagon Channel.”

“I want to thank you guys for all you do keeping us free here,” Ulrich said. “We will keep you in our hearts and prayers.”

Since the invasion of Iraq, US fatalities have totalled more than 3,050.