RIVERS AND THE CHARGERS REACH CONTRACT EXTENSION

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By Devoreo Bell

August  20, 2015 (San Diego)--The decision of whether the Chargers’ quarterback is going to be traded or stay with the team  is over, at least for now. Philip Rivers received a contract extension for four years, about $83 million.

 Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco opened a press conference at Chargers Park on August 17th by saying why the deal was reached.

 “We want Philip Rivers to lead us to a Super Bowl win,” said Telesco. “Rivers leads the San Diego Chargers with humility and character, ” added Telesco.

 Rivers acknowledged the Chargers’ ownership importance in the process of getting this deal done, stating, “I want to say thank you to the Spanos family for their support and commitment.”

 As for rumors that Rivers didn’t want anything to do with the Chargers moving to Los Angeles, he said his hesitation to sign the contract extension was due to “the possibility of leaving San Diego more than a dislike for Los Angeles.”

 As Rivers mentioned during the press conference, “Some items are out of my control and I can’t worry about it.”

 Since the Chargers have started training camp and preseason, Rivers has been focused on doing the activities in camp and preparing for the pre-season.

 “Since I have been to camp, haven’t paid attention to social media and news,” said Rivers.

 When asked if there was a celebration for his contract signing, Rivers said he ordered in a pizza with his family. He later indicated that his children have been asking where they will live, adding that the contract will do “wonders” for the expenses for his seven children.

 After facing the possibility of uncertainty due to Rivers’ hesitancy to sign a deal that could have lingered into the pre-season and regular season, Rivers now wants to prepare for this upcoming season.

 “I am very happy that everything worked out,” he said.

He believes that this year’s team has a winning potential. “I believe that this team is special, look at our draft selections and at the core players we have.”

 Rivers referenced one of the quotes from former Charger Head Coach Norv Turner during the press conference, “As your career goes on, the locker room will change also,” said Turner.

 Rivers is entering his 11th year with the Chargers, he hasn’t had any notable health issues during his career and also going into this season. he feels very fortunate for that, “I feel my health is great, I just keep going. Been blessed to have great health.”

 Rivers will be 37 years old when his contract reaches its fourth year.


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