Mike Wallace: It’s not all about the Benjamins
By Mike Dyce
Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Mike Wallace (17) prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Wallace’s father told the media that his son was offered $76 million by the Minnesota Vikings. If this were true it would mean that Mike Wallace turned down more money to play for the Miami Dolphins. His deal with the Dolphins was a 5 year $60 million deal, $16 million less than the Vikes offer.
“In free agency, with so many great guys, when you get the prize deal, it’s always a good feeling,” Wallace told the USA Today, via the Green Bay Press-Gazette. “I just wanted to be happy. Money isn’t everything. A lot of people last year, when I held out in Pittsburgh, took it the wrong way, felt like I was just being greedy.”
But money isn’t why he chose the Dolphins, he chose Miami to get a shot at rings and Pro Bowls.
“I performed so well for so long, I just wanted to be well compensated,” he said. “I feel I got a bad rep. Free agency paid off for me. But it was bittersweet. The money is not all I’m in it for. I want to be a great player – win Super Bowls, go to Pro Bowls continuously.”
He certainly will make Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill happy, but the Super Bowl rings might a stretch.