Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 7, 1993 TAG: 9304070181
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: GREEN BAY, WIS. LENGTH: Medium
WHITE PICKS PACKERS
Reggie White's 37-day whirlwind tour ended Tuesday when the NFL's most prized free agent chose to play in the league's smallest city with the Green Bay Packers.White, a seven-time All-Pro defensive end with the Philadelphia Eagles, was wooed by the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and the Packers, among others.
He agreed to a contract for $17 million over four years, including $9 million in the first year, half in a signing bonus and half in salary, a source said.
"I look at this like a Charles Barkley situation," he said of the basketball star who is thriving with the Phoenix Suns after being traded from the 76ers. "Hopefully, my career can be rejuvenated."
White, 31, said his top priority in finding a team was one that would give him a chance to win a Super Bowl before he retires. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound defender had 124 sacks with the Eagles in 121 games over eight years.
The 49ers and Super Bowl champion Cowboys had financial limitations in their pursuit of White. The Redskins offered $14 million over four years; Washington's concern was the salary cap, which almost certainly will take effect next year. The 49ers were limited by free-agent restrictions because they were among the league's top four teams this year. The 49ers offered $19.5 million over five years, but most of the money was at the end of an unguaranteed contract.
"There wasn't any place he didn't visit that he didn't like," said Jimmy Sexton, White's agent.
Green Bay prevailed with the main attractions being money and coach Mike Holmgren, who took over last year and helped the Packers improve from 4-12 to 9-7.
"He liked everyone he met up there in Green Bay. He just hit it off with Mike Holmgren," Sexton said. "In the end, it came down to him wanting to play somewhere where he knew he would finish his career. It was the best choice for him with money, and they did an incredible job impressing him."
White said: "People will say I went for the money - and the money does have something to do with it. But it gives me the opportunity to build businesses, create housing and create opportunities for the people in the inner city. I want to do that all over the country."
Keywords:
FOOTBALL