Mike Pouncey's contract extension turned from forgone conclusion to reality Monday, an announcement that officially made the 25-year-old the highest paid center in the league.
The finalization of the five-year, $45 million deal also brought some tears to the eyes of the two-time Pro Bowler, who was overcome with emotion as he spoke to reporters about the deal and his future with the team.
"I’ve been with these guys my whole career and it feels like a family to me," Pouncey said via the team's website Monday. "I’d love to say it’s a burden off my shoulders, but I always knew I’d be here and it wouldn’t be any other place.
"They could have easily gave up on me a long time ago. They stuck with me, it’s something I will never forget ... There won’t be a doubt that they made the right decision to keep me here."
Per Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, the deal came with $22 million in guaranteed money for Pouncey, and it'll keep the former Florida product signed through 2020.
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