Chad Clifton didnt want to play for any team but the Green Bay Packers.
But when the NFL free agency period started in early March, the 11th-year veteran left tackle wasnt sure where hed be calling home this season.
The whole time, I was hoping to be back here, said Clifton, who is taking part in the Packers Tailgate Tour this week. Fortunately, that worked out.
Taking a (free agent) trip to Washington and not really knowing what to expect, it was a nerve-wracking time.
Clifton re-signed with the Packers on March 5, putting his signature on a three-year contract worth up to $19.58 million and including a first year paycheck of $7.85 million if hes on the game-day roster for all 16 games in 2010.
We had a good team last year, Clifton said. Just get a couple of things going in the right direction and I think the sky is the limit for this team.
Ton of potential. Ton of young talent. Good veteran leadership.
Some of that young talent and potential includes offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga, who was selected by the Packers in the first round of the NFL draft last month. The Iowa standout is being considered the eventual replacement for Clifton at left tackle.
Clifton had no problem with the pick and felt the team made the right selection with Bulaga.
Absolutely, he said. With the injury issues we had last year, we needed to start getting younger. That was a good pick for us. I look forward to meeting the guy and teaching him what I can teach and watching him grow.
Clifton also is fine with competing against his future replacement in training camp.
The Packers appear to be willing to let Bulaga try to beat out Clifton, and he could be starting at left tackle as early as 2011 if Clifton hangs on to the job like expected this season.
The contract Clifton signed makes it easy for the Packers to part ways with him after this season. His base salaries are $855,000 this season, $5.75 million in 2011 and $5.25 million in 2012.
There is always competition, Clifton said. If thats what it is, thats what it is. Its fine.
Bulaga is confident he can move around the offensive line, but he wants to play left tackle. At the same time, he knows its Cliftons job to lose.
Yeah, I think I just need to come in and work hard 100 percent of the time and just compete, Bulaga said before the Packers rookie minicamp.
Obviously, I'm going to be able to learn a lot from Chad. He has been around the league and he has done a very good job here. He has done a great job, and any time I can learn something from him, I will. When I am out on the field I am going to compete and go as hard as I can. That is really all I know how to do, is go out there and play football and do my best.
Not all NFL veterans are willing to help mentor a player being groomed to take their job. Brett Favre never exactly did it with Aaron Rodgers.
But Clifton plans to help Bulaga in any way possible. He wants to do what Packers linemen Mike Wahle and Ross Verba did for him when he was a rookie in 2000. Those two embraced Clifton, and its something he hasnt forgotten.
Both of those guys kind of took me under their wing, Clifton said. They showed me the ropes. Showed me the way things are done in the NFL.
Clifton said he is healthy after being limited to 12 games last season due to an ankle injury. He was durable throughout his previous six seasons and doesnt see a reason why that cant continue in 2010.
After fighting injuries early in his career he had an ankle injury in 2001 and a pelvic injury in 2002 that ended his season after 11 games Clifton started at least 15 games per season from 2003 to 2008.
It included a stretch of 53 straight starts from the beginning of 2003 to the middle of 2006. He also started 16 games in 2007, when he played in his first Pro Bowl.
Still, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said at the NFL owners meetings in March that it is unlikely to expect Clifton to play 16 games.
You take away the ankle injury, I would have played 16 games, Clifton said. Barring things like that, I think my knees will definitely hold up and my shoulders will hold up. I dont think that will be an issue.