Rams' Atogwe goes about it the right way
Many NFL players dislike being designated with the franchise tag, which pays the player the average of the top 5 salaries for their position.
Per Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Rams safety Oshiomogho "O.J." Atogwe is not one of them.
Technically, Atogwe won't be under contract until he signs his tender offer, which would pay him a guaranteed salary of $6.34 million for 2009.
Normally players who haven't signed their tender don't show for off-season activities. Especially not for voluntary activities. However, Atogwe is different.
Dunta Robinson, who was franchised by the Texans, can learn something from Mr. Atogwe.
Per Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Rams safety Oshiomogho "O.J." Atogwe is not one of them.
Technically, Atogwe won't be under contract until he signs his tender offer, which would pay him a guaranteed salary of $6.34 million for 2009.
Normally players who haven't signed their tender don't show for off-season activities. Especially not for voluntary activities. However, Atogwe is different.
"I think it's a blessing I get another chance to come out here and play," Atogwe said Friday. "To be thought of as one of the top five at my position is an honor. So, I relish the designation."The Rams would still like to negotiate a long-term deal with Atogwe. It's refreshing to see a player who gets it and appreciates how lucky he is. Atogwe, the Rams third-round pick in 2005, has 13 interceptions over the past two seasons.
"I feel like I'm obligated to be here for my teammates and for my coaches," Atogwe explained. "If I'm going to be a part of this team, I'm going to be a part of this team from the beginning to the end."
Dunta Robinson, who was franchised by the Texans, can learn something from Mr. Atogwe.
