Adams Makes a Difference
Kyle Adams is determined to excel on the football field. But the Bears tight end is just as motivated to make a difference in other aspects of his life. He has made four mission trips to Haiti helping to drill water wells and to feed hungry children. “The level of poverty in Haiti is really bad,” said Adams. “You literally see kids starving to death. I just think with us having so much and them having so little, we should be helping them.”
Man of the Year! John Carlson
In November 2011, John Carlson was selected as the Seahawks’ Man of the Year. “Often - no, all the times - when I go to schools or visit kids in the hospital, I get more out of it than they do. People want to feel like they’re making a difference with what they’re devoting their life to. I worked hard in the weight room and on the practice field, but what does that equate to? Doing things like this is a great way that football players can make a difference.”
Spotlight: Nick Mangold
Nick Mangold got the big deal he was looking for. The New York Jets’ two-time Pro Bowl center became the highest-paid player at his position, signing a seven-year extension with the Jets, a contract that is now valued at over $57 million. “To be able to say, ‘the highest-paid center’ is very nice to hear,” Mangold said. The deal includes over $22 million in guarantees.
Recent NFL Draft Picks
Antoine Cason, Chargers - 1st (pictured)
Nick Mangold, Jets - 1st
Jarvis Jenkins, Redskins - 2nd
Da’Quan Bowers, Buccaneers - 2nd
Peter Konz, Falcons - 2nd
Earl Mitchell, Texans - 3rd
Taylor Price, Patriots - 3rd
Mike Thomas, Jaguars - 4th
Spotlight: Mike Thomas
Mike Thomas is “grateful and ecstatic” for his new contract extension that makes him the highest paid slot receiver in the NFL. His new deal will take him through 2015. It’s for $18 million with $9 million guaranteed. “I’m definitely exited, but I still got a job to do. I want to be great.”
Spotlight: Orlando Scandrick
When Orlando Scandrick sprinted out onto the Cowboys Stadium field, the 4th-year cornerback couldn’t hide his infectious smile that beamed from ear to ear. Just 30 minutes earlier he had officially signed a 5-year extension worth $25 million, including $10 million guaranteed, making him the highest paid nickel corner in the NFL. “It’s a big day for me. I’m excited, thankful. With a long-term commitment like that, it brings on more expectations. I’m ready for them.”
