Aaron Curry's contract is the richest for a rookie non-quarterback in NFL history

Published on August 9, 2009 by Seahawk Fanatic     

The contract is the richest for a rookie non-quarterback in NFL history, The Associated Press reports, and has a maximum value of $60 million, according to the league source.

Curry, the No. 4 overall pick in the April draft, made a surprise appearance at Saturday’s practice, sprinting onto the field almost 30 minutes into the session to boisterous applause from Seahawks fans in attendance.

“I am just as excited to be out here and just to see the emotion from the fans and get back with my team is just an amazing feeling,” said Curry, who played collegiately at Wake Forest.

On his first play, Curry was matched up against tight end Cameron Morrah, who burned him on a square-in route. One fan sarcastically yelled out, “Welcome to the NFL.”

Curry spent the afternoon practicing with Seattle’s No. 2 defense, but Mora made it clear that the rookie will start at strong-side linebacker.

“He wasn’t in there with the first group just because he’s got so much catching up to do,” Mora said. “I don’t know at what point we’ll make the switch and he’ll start running out there with the first defense, but I think it will be pretty soon.”

Although he worked out and studied his playbook in nearby Bellevue during the holdout, Curry said he grew anxious and eventually told his agents to speed up the contract negotiations.

Fellow rookie Deon Butler filled in Curry on practice matters during the holdout, and Lofa Tatupu also visited, giving his fellow linebacker a mini-walkthrough of what the defense was doing. But Tatupu believed Curry would quickly acclimate himself with the Seahawks’ strategy during camp.

“Linebacker, it’s not like it’s rocket science,” Tatupu said with a laugh. “Just hit the man with the ball.”

Tags: 60 Million, Applause, Cameron Morrah, Contract Negotiations, curry, Emotion, Holdout, League Source, Lofa Tatupu, Maximum Value, nfl history, Playbook, Practice Matters, Rocket Science, Route One, seahawks fans, Strong Side, Surprise Appearance, Tight End, Wake Forest