Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler isn't going to let his new contract with the franchise get to his head.
Ekeler signed a four-year, $24.5 million deal with the Chargers this offseason, and he'll continue to be a main focus in the offense moving forward as the team tries to get back to being an AFC title contender.
However, even with a lot of money coming his way, Ekeler remembers where he was when he first entered the NFL and doesn't plan on becoming complacent after a new deal.
Here's what the Chargers star had to say about his mindset surrounding his new contract, courtesy of NBC's Peter King:
“One of the things that’s crazy about the NFL is when I got to camp, I’m sitting in a room with guys who make $10 million a year,” the Chargers running back said. “I see what everyone’s making, and I said, ‘Dang! That’s a lot of money!’ That’s why I’m laughing when Cameron [Weiss, his agent] tells me about the deal — it just didn’t seem real that I’d be making that money.
“You know how people say, ‘More money, more problems.’ I think money exemplifies your true character. It’s going to bring out the person I truly am. I live in the moment. The best chance you have to succeed is living in the moment—nothing matters except what you do to be better now. That’s who I am. That’s who I’ll continue to be.”
Ekeler had 132 carries for 557 yards and three touchdowns last season with the Chargers while also hauling in 92 receptions for 993 yards and eight touchdowns.
Of course, the offense could look a little different next season with both Philip Rivers and Melvin Gordon hitting free agency, which means that the Chargers will likely lean on Ekeler even more.
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