Gurley hopes he can help other RBs receive huge payday
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley is hoping he can pay it forward after receiving a four-year, $60-million contract extension Tuesday.
The 24-year-old wants his contract to serve as a model for other running backs who are looking for their grand payday.
"I'm just happy to even be in a position to take the next step for us running backs," Gurley said to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. "And to be able to get closer to what a receiver or a D-end makes, it's pretty good for us. There are a lot of great running backs in the league, and their time will definitely come. And when it's time for them to get paid, hopefully my part has played a role in it."
Related: Gurley heaps praise on Barkley: 'He's way above his years'
Pittsburgh Steelers star Le'Veon Bell, who's looking to receive a new, massive contract of his own, was among the running backs to congratulate the star rusher on his deal. Now that Gurley's contract is done, Rams general manager Les Snead believes that agreement could become the new benchmark for Bell and other tailbacks across the league.
Related: Gurley resetting RB market paves way for other stars to do the same
"Because we're not the Steelers, and we're not Le'Veon [Bell], you truly don't know [what was offered there]," Snead said. "But that situation did have an affect, because if [Bell] had gotten something done, that'd be the standard. Since he didn't, it was up to us to blaze the new standard."
Although Gurley is looking out for the rest of his friends across the league, he's now dialed into a season where the Rams are considered among the leading Super Bowl contenders.
"Every year is the year," Gurley said. "The Rams did a great job of adding great pieces this offseason. We want to be able to take the next step. Last year we were able to make the playoffs. And whether you're the Rams or the Patriots or Eagles, if you're not playing in the Super Bowl, it's definitely a failed season at the end of the day. Coming off last season, we've got a lot to learn from, a lot to build off of."
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