The GM called me this morning to have a meeting about my upcoming contract extension. I've been here for a couple of seasons already and have enjoyed my time so I'm exciting to get negotiations underway.

I step into his office and right away I sense some nervous energy coming from him. I sit down and he jumps right into it. "Rock, we're living on the edge of our budget here. Ownership is telling to save more money in the next few seasons, but to also stay competitive. I hate this part of the job, but I want you to stay a member of the Panthers. However, I can't retain you at your current salary. We need to work it out and lower your contract cost."

I sat there for a few seconds to take in what he just said. Once I did, I just laughed. See, I had made a lot of money in my career already. I'm set and my family is set. What I don't have, are championships and I believe we have the team to make that happen in Los Angeles. I told him not to worry about me and that we can make a contract work that fits into the team's needs. He seemed relieved and happy that this worked out as well as it had.

I'm lucky enough to have made a lot in my career so I'm able to do this, but I know a lot of players haven't been so every situation is different. If you want to secure the bag, go out and do that. You want to take less to help build a stronger team? Do that too. Just be you and do what makes you happy.

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