Mankins On Extension: 'Make Sure I Earn It'
BOSTON (CBS) – New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he was hopeful guard Logan Mankins would soon be a Patriot for life.
After Mankins signed a six-year contract extension, Kraft's wishes have come true.
"It's great. I'm really happy to be staying here for hopefully the rest of my career," said Mankins on Sunday, the first time he's spoken after signing a deal that makes him the highest paid interior lineman in the NFL. "I want to thank the Krafts and their family, coach Belichick, and the guys upstairs. I'm glad this is done with; I am very happy."
For Mankins, the deal was a bit of an unexpected surprise.
"I wasn't involved," he said. "I just practice and I got the call when it was done, and that was it. I'm happy about it."
"This doesn't feel real yet, so I don't know how to take it yet, but I'm very happy to be here," said the three-time Pro Bowler. "I told my wife now I've got to make sure I earn it. I don't want to be one of those guys that shows up to collect his check, or one of those guys that gets hurt every year. So, hopefully I can stay healthy and give my best effort."
Read: Kraft Wants Mankins To Be Patriot For Life
Effort has never been an issue with Mankins; when he is on the field. Despite sitting out half of the 2010 season in a contract dispute, Mankins is seen as one of the leaders of the team, a sentiment repeated by his head coach last week.
"I think the world of Logan and he's done a great job for us here since he's come to the Patriots," said coach Bill Belichick on Friday. "I'm glad that he'll be here for many years in the future. He's one of our best players, one of our most consistent players."
Read: Belichick 'Thinks The World" Of Mankins
"I think guys follow me already by my work ethic; how hard I work, and they see the hours that I'm here," said Mankins when asked if signing his big contract meant he would be seen as a leader. "I think that part takes care of itself. I don't know, maybe someday I'll have to speak up a little bit more. I don't know. When that time comes, we'll find out."
Mankins will make an average of $8.5 million a year over the life of the $51 million deal. He received a $20 Million signing bonus. He already donated some money to his alma mater, Fresno State, when he heard the school was putting in a new turf field.
As for the rest of it, Tom Brady's top protector is not sure how he'll use it.
"I don't even have time to go shopping right now," he said.
