Former FSU running back Devonta Freeman is now the highest paid running back in the NFL.
I wrote a couple of months ago how Devonta Freeman was playing for a new contract this season.
It turns out that he didn’t have to play a down this season before being rewarded for being one of the best running backs in the NFL.
The Atlanta Falcons agreed to a five year 41.25 million dollar extension to make Devonta Freeman the highest paid running back in the NFL.
That’s a lofty increase from the 1.838 million he was set to make in 2018.
.@devontafreeman.
— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2017
💰💰WOW.💰💰
Now the highest-paid RB in the league: https://t.co/mAYmNewQHk (via @MikeSilver) pic.twitter.com/q75hFNRwdT
Of course the reaction from FSU fans and former players was nothing but love for the fourth round pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. Check out their reaction on Twitter:
Reaction
A young boy from the bottom. You put that work in & stay humble, you'll be rewarded. All glory to GOD🙏🏾 Now we just gotta go get the trophy!
— Devonta Freeman (@devontafreeman) August 9, 2017
Yeah now we talking congrats big bro @devontafreeman
— DC 33 (@dalvincook) August 9, 2017
GET PAID BIG BRU!!!! Congrats @devontafreeman 💯 #Earned
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) August 9, 2017
Devonta Freeman EARNED this new deal.. no RB had more yards from scrimmage last two seasons & only player with more? Teammate Julio Jones
— trey wingo (@wingoz) August 9, 2017
Extremely happy for Devonta Freeman. He deserves it.
— Ty-Quinn (@tyquinn939913) August 9, 2017
Yeah he's an FSU guy but he's also a Miami Central High product Congrats Devonta Freeman well deserved
— Miami Mando 🙌🏝🏈⚾️🏀🥊🏒⛳️ (@LakersCanes305) August 9, 2017
Time to go cop the @devontafreeman jersey
— DoakDynasty (@doakdynasty) August 9, 2017
Thoughts
It’s always wonderful to see a player get something they’ve worked so hard for. If you remember, Devonta Freeman was an unknown running back at Miami Central when Jimbo Fisher offered him a scholarship to FSU. He came to ‘Noles and became the first 1,000 yard rusher since Warrick Dunn.
He also helped lead the ‘Noles to their third National Championship in 2013 along with Jameis Winston and others.
In fact, not giving the ball more to Freeman in the second half of the Superbowl probably cost them a victory.
Freeman is a true dual threat running back, rushing for 1,000 yards the last two season while catching over 50 passes during the same time frame.
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The kid has done nothing but outplay his rookie deal, and it’s great to see the Falcons invest in what he has brought to the franchise and what he’s going to give moving forward.