Dare to Be Great: Richard Sherman Signs Contract Extension

Richard Sherman, the shutdown cornerback of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, signed a contract extension with the team today.

“I am blessed to announce that the Seattle Seahawks and I have reached an agreement on a contract extension,” Sherman announced on his blog. “The goal has always been to stay in Seattle and continue to play for the Seahawks. With this chapter closed, I can continue to focus on what is important–defending our Super Bowl Championship and being the best cornerback in the NFL.”

The terms of the deal immediately make Sherman the highest paid defensive back in football. The contract awards the loquacious Legion of Boom member $57.4 million over four years. The agreement includes $40 million in guaranteed money. At $14 million a year, the deal puts him $2 million above Darrelle Revis, the cornerback commentators often measure Sherman up against, who signed a one-year deal with New England for $12 million this offseason.

“Greatness is realized from countless hours of work, studying, practice, sacrifice and courage,” Sherman said on his site. “This is just the beginning and I will continue to set the bar higher and higher on and off the field…. From Compton to Stanford, 5th round draft pick to winning the Super Bowl–dare to be great.”