Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Mike Pouncey has revealed that he was elated to be handed a long-term contract by the club.
The 25-year-old signed a five-year deal worth up to $50m (£34.1m) to commit his future to the AFC East outfit.
Pouncey had admitted that he was blessed to receive the contract in spite of his past indiscretions during his NFL career, which included his involvement in the bullying scandal at the Dolphins in the 2013 season.
He told reporters: "I always had faith that I'd be a Miami Dolphin for life. It's truly a blessing to be here. I look back at my career and could have done so [many] things better. What I put my family through.
"[The Dolphins] could have gave up on me long ago. It's something I'll never forget. There were days that I was disappointed in myself more than anything."
Pouncey was selected in the first round of the 2011 Draft by the Dolphins.
Simon Sinclair
