NFL First Contract

Chapter 82 NFL's First Contract (5k votes needed)

"It's a bit early to say that now," he said, "but I want to let you know what I'm currently doing so that you know I'm not lying to you."

As he spoke, he pulled a thick stack of contracts from his briefcase.

"I think you've probably noticed by now," he said, taking a pair of silver-rimmed reading glasses from the inside pocket of his suit and putting them on. "You've been getting a lot of attention lately."

"Was there any involvement of you in this?" Li Wei asked. "Otherwise, I'm just a high school student; I shouldn't have been able to make such a big splash."

"You're very smart, young man," John Mara said. "This hype was generated by the people I hired."

"Which side?" Li Wei couldn't help but ask. "It's not the opposing side, is it?"

"Of course, both sides are involved; only in this way can the conflict be maximized," John Mara said with a smile. "Now, could you please sit down so we can discuss your contract in detail?"

Li Wei glanced at Don Quixote, who was looking in their direction with some unease.

"Mr. Don Quixote Cervantes, please sit down and join us in this discussion," John Mara said. "If my sources are correct, you should be his guardian?"

Don Quixote nodded.

"Then let's have a detailed discussion about Mr. Levi's contract," he said, opening the contract and examining it carefully. "Well... first, let me explain the salary structure for NFL players to you two."

Having John Mara, the owner of the New York Giants and a billionaire, personally explain his contract and salary to him is something probably no one else in the entire league could do.

"First, let's be clear," John Mara said. "What we're offering Mr. Levy is an astronomical contract. In terms of annual income, its ceiling is absolutely the highest in the entire NFL, with a maximum of $200 million in pre-tax income over two years."

"The highest," Li Wei shrugged, "that sounds like a very demanding condition."

"Don't rush," John Mara said with a smile, "I have absolute confidence in you."

Then he explained the NFL's salary structure to Li Wei in detail.

这是一个2年总计薪酬+奖金为2亿美金的方案，但是其中的固定薪资只有5700万美金，其中包含签订合同之后500万美金的签字费、2年3500万美金的基本工资和1700万美金的出场金。

This part is the money that Li Wei can get no matter what, which means that as long as he stays in the team, he can get $5700 million in 2 years.

The remaining nearly $150 million was allocated to team performance incentives and individual performance incentives.

The individual performance incentives totaled a staggering $123 million over two years, exceeding half of the contract. These incentives included a maximum of $58 million in the first year and a maximum of $65 million in the second year.

To make it easier for Levi and Don Quixote to see, John Mara thoughtfully provided an image: "While this two-year, $200 million contract certainly looks tempting," Levi examined it closely, pointing to the large portion dedicated to individual performance incentives, "isn't it a bit unreasonable for individual performance incentives to account for such a large proportion?"

“I can explain that,” John Mara instinctively reached for the cigar in his inner pocket, but then remembered he was still undergoing chemotherapy and refrained. “Mr. Levi, suppose you were a rookie NFL quarterback, and a number one draft pick at that. How much money would you earn on average in your first two years?”

This question really stumped Li Wei. He had previously been looking at the maximum salaries for quarterbacks, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, where Patrick Mahomes played, who offered him a 10-year, $450 million super contract.

However, he doesn't yet know the highest score ever achieved by a rookie quarterback in history.

He couldn't help but turn to look at Don Quixote.

"Generally speaking," Don Quixote thought for a moment and said in a hoarse voice, "a rookie can probably get a 5-year contract worth 4000-5000."

The NFL's number one draft pick quarterback received a four-year, $55 million contract, with $10 million in the first year and $12.5 million in the second.

“Very accurate. It seems you’ve been following the NFL closely, Mr. Don Quixote,” John Mara glanced at Don Quixote. “If you had participated in the NFL draft normally, even if you were the number one pick, the salary cap for your first year would most likely have been around $1000 million, and that’s all of it.”

He patiently explained, "The price I'm offering now, even just the base salary, and even on a single-year basis, already exceeds Mahomes's salary."

"That's the best quarterback in the league right now."

"Looking at it this way, it seems more like a performance-based contract," Li Wei examined it carefully. "I took a look, and the individual performance incentive means that if I want to get all of them, it's basically like I have to get MVP in every game."

There are requirements for appearance rate, passing yards, touchdowns, turnover control, pass completion rate, etc.

"I have a lot of faith in you, son," John Mara said with a smile. "Since you trust me, I'll tell you the truth."

"Your presence not only means that we have the potential to open up the Asian market that we have never explored before, and can meet some of the policy implementation needs after the Democratic Party comes to power, but more importantly," he pointed to Li Wei, "you will raise the level of discussion surrounding the NFL, and even the Giants."

"So..." Li Wei glanced at the contract, "This is actually money for buying me as a mascot?"

“That’s not how it works,” John Mara said, spreading his arms wide. “So I’m offering you a $150 million performance bonus. If you can achieve that, or even lead the team to the Super Bowl, all that money is yours.”

"Let me see the contract," Don Quixote suddenly said.

Livy handed the contract to Don Quixote, who kept flipping through the final notes and clauses on breach of contract.

And to ensure my sincerity,” John Mara glanced at Don Quixote, “your commercial endorsement contract and NIL…”

The New York Giants will not touch the contract.

"Such favorable terms," ​​Li Wei said, "I'm afraid there must be some conditions involved, right?"

"Actually, the requirements are very low," John Mara said. "First, you must be 18 years of age or older. Getting one clause sorted out is already troublesome enough, and I don't want to keep arguing about age. Second, you must win the MVP award at the All-Star Bowl and break records so that I can convince the board to spend tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars on public relations and lobbying. Third, don't reveal this information to the public before you win the MVP award after the All-Star Bowl."

"I'd like to discuss this with my uncle first," Li Wei said. "Is that alright?"

"Please go ahead," John Mara waved his hand, "but please understand the energy of a 70-year-old man with stage 3 cancer. I'm afraid I can't wait for you for too long."

"9

"Five minutes will be enough." Li Wei and Don Quixote left their seats and went outside.

The late autumn air in November was already chilly. Li Wei watched as Don Quixote lit a cigarette—it seemed like he hadn't smoked in a long time.

"What do you think?" he asked Don Quixote. "Is this contract reliable?"

While Levi and John Marat were talking, Don Quixote kept flipping through the contract.

Don Quixote didn't speak, but closed his eyes, took a deep drag of his cigarette, and then exhaled two plumes of smoke from his nostrils.

He kept his eyes closed for so long that Li Wei wondered if he had already fallen into a sleepwalking state before dawn.

"This contract is fine," Don Quixote said after a long silence, "but the conditions are a bit harsh."

"You mean breaking the All-Star Bowl record?" Levi said. "Don't worry, I'm confident."

"There's another hidden risk," Don Quixote said slowly, exhaling a puff of smoke, "Didn't you notice that his contract with you was only for two years?"

“Yes,” Li Wei said, “what’s the problem?”

“All his reasons for supporting you are valid and perfectly reasonable,” Don Quixote said, “but it all depends on the Democrats coming to power. Do you think he’ll still spend so much money on you if the Republicans come back to power in four years?”

"You mean he might not renew his contract in two years?" Li Wei suddenly realized. "I thought he wanted to see how I performed before making a decision."

"That's one way of putting it. What I'm worried about is that two-year mark," Don Quixote said. "Large groups and alliances like these definitely started planning one or two years ago. Once the Republicans are back on the scene, your influence will diminish, and they might..."

"Won't they discard you after you've served your purpose?" Li Wei thought for a moment, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Don Quixote glanced at Livy and suddenly laughed.

He patted Li Wei on the shoulder. "Then go for it." He didn't ask where Li Wei's confidence came from. "Sign this contract, and I will witness the birth of a billionaire and a sports legend."

Li Wei and Don Quixote returned to the room.

John Mara, having just swallowed two capsules from a paper cup, saw Levi and Don Quixote walk in and jokingly said, "So, have you thought it through? Future superstar?"

Li Wei took the contract, glanced at it briefly to confirm that it had not been switched, modified, or erased, and then signed his name on both contracts.

John Mara gave his first genuine smile of the night. He stood up, swaying slightly due to the side effects of chemotherapy, but quickly regained his balance.

"Congratulations, future superstar of the New York Giants," he shook hands with Levi and Don Quixote respectively. "I'm going through another round of chemotherapy soon, but I'll be there to witness you win the championship and the MVP at the All-Star Bowl."

"Just you wait and see," Li Wei said with a smile, "I'll surprise everyone."

"Also," John Mara said in a low voice, "there's something you need to be aware of."

He pulled Levi into a corner and gripped his hand tightly: "You need to be careful, kid. This isn't high school football; this is real business, a battle for tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars."

Levi tried to pull his hand away, but found that John Mara's grip was quite strong. He was worried that if he used too much force, he would hurt Mara's wrist, so he could only pat the back of his hand and say, "I understand," he said, "I'll be careful."

“No, you don’t understand,” John Mara said. “Once your special provision passes, the NFL will naturally be overjoyed because many NCAA superstars will be scrambling to get into the NFL, but do you know who will be unhappy—”

'

"It's the NCAA. Although they are football teams like the NFL, they are a completely independent, multi-billion dollar league," he stared intently at Levi. "They might get some information. Once you go to the All-Star training camp, you must be extremely careful. Before things are settled, be very cautious. If you run into trouble, my hundreds of millions of dollars in public relations fees will be wasted."

Li Wei thought for a moment. There was still a month and a half until the Super Bowl. Before that, he estimated that his strength and agility would reach 3.0, and his Silver Physique would evolve further.

He really couldn't imagine how these university alliance members would stop him; he was terrified of plague, disease, firearms, and...

Cold weapons all have good resistance.

If someone wanted to seriously injure him in the locker room...

Li Wei imagined a group of high school students wielding daggers rushing towards him.

"Don't worry," he nodded seriously, "I'll be careful."

“Very good,” John Mara stared intently at him. “I don’t have many years left to live, and even the rich can’t fight cancer… but I don’t know why, I just have high hopes for you. Perhaps this is God’s guidance, hoping you can lead the Giants to victory in the 20th…”

"The Super Bowl we've never won in years."

Livy and Don Quixote saw him off at the door, and it wasn't until they were outside that Livy realized what had happened.

"Why did you bring two cars?" he joked. "Were you afraid the assassin would know which car you were in beforehand?"

“My enemies all know I don’t have long to live,” John Mara laughed loudly, “so I don’t have to worry about being assassinated now.”

He nodded to one of the bodyguards.

The bodyguard took two car keys out of his pocket and handed them to Li Wei.

"These are the two car keys for the car behind," John Mara waved his hand. "Consider it a little gift from me, brand new, to soothe your recent mood."

Li Wei couldn't help but turn his head to look at the brand-new Cadillac Escalade ESV behind him.

Compared to the standard Cadillac Escalade, the ESV version has an extended wheelbase and overall length, resulting in a larger interior space and a greater emphasis on passenger comfort, cargo capacity, and luxury features.

With a body length of 5.77 meters and a 7-seat layout, it is powered by a standard 6.2-liter American V8 engine and is equipped with top-of-the-line AKG audio system, multi-directional electric adjustment, heating/ventilation and other features.

"Why not a sports car instead of a car?" Li Wei turned his head and joked, "I thought you were going to give me a Porsche."

"Greedy kid," John Mara said with a laugh, "the contract I'm giving you is enough to buy you a private jet! Want a Porsche? Wait until you get your signing bonus!"

He then got into the first car, the V8 engine emitting a low growl and roar, and slowly drove away from the community of Beiling Ridge.

As the autumn wind blew, the smell of gasoline wafted into the noses of Don Quixote and Livy.

"Although I had expected it," Don Quixote groaned, rubbing his temples, "when such a big boss gives you a car worth over $10 like a toy, I'm really both happy and sad."

"Don't be too happy," Li Wei patted Don Quixote on the shoulder reassuringly. "He also gave me a Rolex Daytona before. I checked, and the list price is at least $4."

"I hate rich people," Don Quixote muttered, circling the Cadillac, "but this car is really beautiful, really beautiful..."

'

"If you want to use it, you can use it during the day," Li Wei shrugged. "I have to go to school during the day, so I guess I'll only use it occasionally on weekends."

Don Quixote touched the car door with some reluctance. After opening it, he found that the protective film in many places had not been removed, and there was still the leather smell of a new car. Everything proved that this was a brand new car that had just been driven out of the 4S store.

"Forget it," he shook his head. "I'm still in the startup phase, so I'll just drive a Toyota. I'm afraid I won't even be able to afford the gas if I drive this car."

The two chatted and laughed as they walked back into the house.

"By the way," Li Wei suddenly asked, "Uncle, didn't you only know a little about the NFL before? How do you remember NFL salaries so clearly?"

"Because you said you wanted to play rugby," Don Quixote said nonchalantly, "so I memorized all the data from the last 20 years, including personnel, positions, salaries, coaching systems, and so on."

"Oh right, and the contract," he thought for a moment, "because you're still young and kind-hearted, making you easily taken advantage of, so I directly transferred the NFL..."

I memorized all the standard player contracts from the NCAA, Division II, and other leagues, just in case I needed them someday.

"Because I didn't give you any professional assistance in rugby, you had to fight on your own," he pointed to his head, "the only thing I could do was use my sensitivity to data and my fairly good brain to memorize all this knowledge so that I could provide you with some help when you need it."

"Take it and drive it," Li Wei said, touched. "I'll pay half the gas cost for you."

"You brat," Don Quixote grabbed the keys, "you're only giving me half?"

"Half is fine with me," Li Wei said. "I don't have much money!"

"Doesn't your scholarship give you $6000 a month?"

"So how much did you earn after tax last month?"

"Um... adding the $1300 monthly bonus from that building in the Bronx, I got $11700 last month."

"Then why are you asking me for gas money!" Li Wei roared. "Pay it yourself!"

"You brat!" Don Quixote roared in anger. "I'm your only guardian! I'm your uncle!"

Just then, another task panel popped up in Li Wei's eyes:

Fortune