Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is deeply appreciative after signing a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the Washington Commanders through the 2025 season.
So much so, he decided to put pen to paper, expressing his gratitude to the Commanders organization, its owners, fans, and to everyone who helped him along the way to attain such a "life-altering achievement," writing a letter that puts McLaurin's exemplary class on full display.
"Playing in the NFL is a blessing and something I will never take for granted," McLaurin wrote in a letter shared to social media. "From the moment I stepped foot on the field as a 7-year-old to now, I continue to respect the game, play it the right way and leave everything I have on the field. I love the grind and the process of getting better. Team accomplishments and goals have always far exceeded individual ones. From the day I was drafted, I’ve had the singular goal to win a Super Bowl with this franchise. This is on my mind every day when I walk into the building. While I am both humbled and ecstatic about this contract, it motivates me to work even harder. I understand and embrace the responsibility that comes with signing this extension. To whom much is given, much is required. There is no other place I would rather be or fan base I would want to represent.
"As with any life altering achievement, nobody accomplishes it alone. It its impossible to thanks everyone who has a made a tremendous impact on me and my journey, but I need to thank a few specifically.
"I am thankful to serve a God who has granted me endless grace and mercy. He is the reason I am standing here today. Without him, I do not know where I would be. I am excited to see what he has in store for me and how he will use my testimony for his goodness.
"I am thankful to my mom, dad, and sister Miah for their countless sacrifices. For being there every step of the way, and never wavering. They have been my backbone, and I am blessed because of their selflessness. The best is yet to come for our family and extended family. I love you.
"My girlfriend Caitlin, who pushes me to be the best version of myself each day. I am excited to continue this journey with you and see all God has for us. Our growth together cannot be quantified. I am blessed beyond words to have you in my corner. You are truly special, I love you.
"I want to thank the Snyder family, Dan and Tanya Snyder, Coach Rivera, the front office and the whole organization for believing in and trusting me to be an ambassador for this organization. I do not take this responsibility lightly and will continue to strive to be my best each day on and off the field.
"Thank you to my teammates and coaches, both past and present, from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis and THE Ohio State University in Columbus, to the locker room and winning Commanders’ culture we are collectively building in the DMV. My success is a reflection of the traits cultivated in these locker rooms and environments. I have been fortunate to form lifetime relationships and friendships. Thank you for pushing me to be the best teammate, leader, and competitor I could be. I cannot wait to work even harder.
"And of course, thank you to our amazing fans. I cannot think you enough for all the ways you have supported me since the day I was drafted to Washington. You are truly one of a kind. Every opportunity to represent you brings me absolute joy. There is a proud history here in Washington. From the chants to the Hogs, I do not take any of it for granted. I know together, we all can bring the Washington Organization back to the upper echelon of football and reestablish a winning culture. That journey begins now. You demand it, you deserve it, and we will do our best to make it happen. One day at a time, together, through hard work and dedication."
"See you this fall. #HTTC," McLaurin signed the letter. "Gratitude, peace, and love."
McLaurin, a third-round pick by Washington in 2019, was entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract. The 26-year-old inked an extension on Tuesday that could be worth up to $71 million, placing him among the NFL's top-five highest-paid wide receivers, a deal which also includes a $28 million signing bonus — the largest ever given to a wide receiver. McLaurin had previously held out from participating in OTAs, citing his desire for a new contract.
