Green Bay - Green Bay Packers fans watched in disgust as it happened with Joe Johnson. They cringed as it unfolded with Jamal Reynolds, Cletidus Hunt and to a lesser extent, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila.
Since 2001, former general manager Mike Sherman handed out big money deals to the aforementioned defensive linemen. And not a single one played up to their contract.
Aaron Kampman is hoping to break that trend. And really, there's nothing in his four-year history suggesting he won't.
Instead of leaving in unrestricted free agency, Kampman signed a four-year, $21 million deal this off-season that included $12 million in guaranteed money. Now, Kampman - a former fifth-round draft choice from Iowa who's worn the overachiever tag since entering the league - wants to prove he's worth the investment.
"It does have an impact," Kampman said of his contract. "But I think it intensifies the commitment that's been made to me and the commitment that I've made to this organization. I can't promise anything. But I've continued to bust my tail here and I'll continue to do that. That's all I know."
The Packers have high hopes that Kampman will be their first big-money defensive lineman this decade to fully earn his keep.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=460463
Packers believe Kampman's a smart $21 million investment
Packers believe Kampman's a smart $21 million investment
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