LOCAL NEWS:

Man Tries To Rob Coffee Stand

KEYWORD:

A   A   A

Posted: Tuesday, 05 March 2013 5:31AM

Joe Flacco signs six-year contract with Ravens



(Reuters) - Quarterback Joe Flacco signed a six-year contract to remain with the Baltimore Ravens, the team said on Monday in a deal that reportedly makes the Super Bowl MVP the highest paid player in National Football League (NFL) history.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but various media reports said it was worth $120.6 million, moving him past New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and his six-year, $120 million deal, as the league's top earner.

The laid back Flacco downplayed the importance of the record contract that kept him from shopping his talents around.

"It was pretty uneventful, to tell you the truth," Flacco, 28, told reporters at a news conference. "It's not really a big deal.

"Our goal is to win the Super Bowl. That's always been one of my goals. It's never necessarily been a goal of mine to get paid like this, it's just what comes with the job."

The strong-armed Flacco, the only NFL quarterback to win at least one playoff game in each of his first five seasons, threw for 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in Baltimore's postseason run to the Super Bowl title.

In last month's championship game, Flacco completed 22-of-33 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns against the strong defense of the San Francisco 49ers in a 34-31 victory.

Before the season, Flacco was derided in some circles for declaring himself one of the league's elite quarterbacks since his statistics were not particularly impressive on a team that played conservatively and relied on their staunch defense.

But given a freer hand to throw downfield this season and take advantage of his strong arm, Flacco flourished and the Ravens soared.

Although Flacco said the top salary was not his goal, he did not hide his pride at proving his worth on the field.

"It means a lot. It was never necessarily about the money. But it's definitely about earning that respect," said Flacco, who tossed 22 touchdown passes for 3,817 yards with 10 interceptions in the regular season.

Baltimore drafted Flacco 18th overall out of the University of Delaware in 2008 and he was installed as the starting quarterback as a rookie.

Starting all 80 regular season games of his NFL career, Flacco has thrown for 17,633 yards, 102 touchdowns and 56 interceptions. His 63 total wins (including playoffs) is the most among NFL quarterbacks since he entered the league in 2008.

"Joe is a tremendous competitor and highly motivated to be the best. He's a leader for us and a great team mate," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said.

"He understands that we have more to accomplish, and we intend to do that. Having Joe with us certainly gives a better opportunity to succeed."

Story & Photos Copyright 2012 Reuters
Filed Under :  
Topics : Sports
Social :
Locations : BaltimoreDelaware
People : Drew BreesJoe FlaccoJohn Harbaugh

Bruins maul Rangers to claim 2-0 series lead


The Bruins took control midway through the second period to claim a 5-2 win over the Rangers.

Orb leaves Preakness in excellent shape


Orb trainer Shug McGaughey said his colt emerged from the Preakness Stakes in excellent shape.

Retired race car driver Dick Trickle found dead


Retired race car driver Richard "Dick" Trickle died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

David Beckham to retire from professional soccer


David Beckham will retire from professional soccer after the end of this season.

Heat beat brave Bulls to reach Eastern final


The Heat reached their third straight Eastern Conference final after a 94-91 win.

NBA denies bid to move Sacramento Kings to Seattle


The NBA denied a proposal to move the Sacramento Kings to Seattle.

Scandal-hit Rutgers names first female athletic director


Rutgers picked a woman to head its athletic programs.

Boxer Floyd Mayweather highest-paid U.S. athlete


Undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the highest-paid professional athlete in the United States.

Spurs whip Warriors, on brink of West final


The Spurs routed visiting Golden State 109-91 to grab a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference.

Cabrera helps Blue Jays bring down Giants


Toronto's Melky Cabrera went 4-for-5 with two RBIs against his former team.

Woods holds on to win Players as Garcia implodes


Tiger Woods held on to clinch his second Players Championship by two strokes.

Heat respond to loss with statement win over Bulls


Heat bounced back from their series-opening loss to Chicago to thrash the Bulls.

From red carpet to testy challenge for Woods at Players


Tiger Woods may get the red carpet treatment wherever he goes but that will be of little help.

Knicks beat Pacers to level series at 1-1


Carmelo Anthony scored 32 points as the Knicks turned on the razzle.

No blues for resilient Kings as they head to St. Louis


For the Los Angeles Kings, it all came down to resilience.