Bradford's big contract means even bigger pressure

[Nick]

Bradford's big contract means even bigger pressure
BY BERNIE MIKLASZ
Posted: Saturday, July 31, 2010 12:00 am

And now we can make it official: Welcome to St. Louis, Sam Bradford.

After agreeing to a massive six-year, $78 million contract that includes a record $50 million in guaranteed funds, Bradford is more than just a quarterback. He's a one-man boost to the lagging St. Louis economy.

While you're throwing passes, Sam, make sure to throw some of that money around, too. Share the wealth. Save the franchise. And save some local businesses.

We're happy for Bradford and the Rams. But now we know why some NFL veterans and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell want to institute a rookie salary cap. Come on, now: $50 million guaranteed for a guy who hasn't taken an NFL snap?

A guaranteed $50 million, even if HE snaps?

The stakes are enormous. And this goes beyond the accounting of dollars.

Bradford brings many potential qualities to a down-and-out franchise. The Rams need a new, promising identity that can energize the fan base. Bradford is that symbol of hope. He is in a position to do more to transform the franchise than any player since Marshall Faulk and Kurt Warner in 1999.

If Bradford develops into an elite quarterback who can deliver the Rams back to the NFL playoffs and keep the seats filled at the Edward Jones Dome, his impact will be profound. Bradford can stabilize the franchise and keep it safe for St. Louis. And in that case, he will be worth every dollar.

If Bradford can't stay healthy, if he fails, or if he's just average, then the Rams will be in trouble. The financial investment will blow up. The hopes and dreams will be crushed. Fans will become more disenchanted. The empty-seat count will escalate. The Rams will have to start rebuilding all over again. And the franchise will be weakened. And their stadium lease expires after the 2014 season. Goodness.

Given the circumstances, I don't know if any NFL rookie has faced as much pressure as Bradford will encounter in St. Louis. That right shoulder will be loaded down with an immense weight of expectations. And the size of the contract only adds to the heaviness.

Bradford is here now, ready to go to work. He'll be on the field at Rams Park today for the first full-squad practice. He'll need time to grow. He'll need time to prove himself. And we'll be watching every step, to see if he's on the way to becoming Peyton Manning, or on the way to becoming Joey Harrington.

For now, the Rams fans' sad eyes have brightened. They have something to look forward to, a new beginning in the form of Sam the Ram. But what will we be saying five years from now, or 10 years from now?

You just want to believe that he'll be worth all of this.

[VegasRam]

Thank you, Captain Obvious.

Bradford did not make the rules - he just happened to be in the right place , with talent, at the right time.

If his shoulder blows up, it blows up. It'll be a very sad day, but at hte same time, why bring it up? Oh,wait...so you can write another column about how the Rams should not have taken someone with a shoulder history.

He's not going to be another Harrington - Bradford is a different type. IIRC, he had no Heisman billboards up in New York.

I also disagree that it would crush the franchise. Discouraging in spades? Certainly - but there are still 52 others on the roster that are going to be part of a rebirth, assuming management is given three or four years to make it happen.

And don't forget, the Rams are about to have a new Owner with some money who, from all appearances, wants to win. We have gauranteed a lot of money over the last three years, but that's just the way it is.

Quit moaning Boinie, and tell me something I don't know.

[molar_pistol]

is he saying all of a sudden there is more pressure on him now, as if we didn't know a mammoth contract was coming?

[evil disco man]

is he saying all of a sudden there is more pressure on him now, as if we didn't know a mammoth contract was coming?

He had this outlined since the end of last season.

Rams have first pick. Talk about obvious possibilities and how they would all help a 1-15 team. Everyone knows a huge contract is on the way, no matter which player. Draft happens...

Insert name here: _______'s big contract means even bigger pressure. Fill in article with words of no substance. Repeat things that everyone already knows. Whine about how rookies these days get paid in a tough economy for doing nothing. Submit article. Get paid.

[Yodude]

Insert name here: _______'s big contract means even bigger pressure. Fill in article with words of no substance. Repeat things that everyone already knows. Whine about how rookies these days get paid in a tough economy for doing nothing. Submit article. Get paid.

and let's not forget...show lack of creativity by giving Bradford a lame nickname (Sam the Ram). Seriously, what's with this inane obsession with having to give the dude a nickname?

[RealRam]

And let's not forget...show lack of creativity by giving Bradford a lame nickname (Sam the Ram). Seriously, what's with this inane obsession with having to give the dude a nickname?

It's an obsession alright. Hey, how about "Sam 'Bernie' Bradford"!

Sorry. Not funny.