Elvis Dumervil: 'It's a great feeling to have'

Now that he's signed to a $61.5 million contract extension that includes $43.1 million in guaranteed money, Denver Broncos star outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil is gearing up for training camp.

He's relieved to have the contract negotiations behind him.

"There was no doubt, but it was a bunch of uncertainty due to the CBA, so it was something that I didn’t really want to dwell on and I was hoping to get it done because I wanted to go into the season all football," Dumervil said during a conference call. "And so that was able to get done and that was a blessing in itself and I’m excited about that.”

Dumervil never complained about his restricted free agent status this offseason.

"Well first, I think it starts with family," Dumervil said. "You’re from a background of a family tree where you work hard and get what you put into it. Nothing comes easy and you appreciate things more and when you come out and you work. Good things happen to those people who just take care of business and not worry about what people say. I think more importantly, I had good mentors around me.

"My agent really did a terrific job with really helping me, guiding me through the process. My family is really supportive and so at the end of the day, I knew my value and there was no need to go out and pout or go out, you know, the way other guys may have handled things because I know that character is No. 1 for me and I knew if I could bring the stats along with that it gave me a good chance. It was nothing for sure, but I’ll take my chances with that.”

Dumervil has received a lot of congratulatory messages since signing the deal.

“Actually, my phone exploded with text messages from a lot of important family members and friends," he said. "I try to sit back and realize what just happened. It is still a little shocking, not shocking, but it hasn’t really sunk in much, but it is a great feeling to have."

Does he need to prove himself all over again?

“I love the game either way," Dumervil said. "Whether or not I had the contract or not, I was going to come out because I love the game. To me, it’s more personal as far as the guys who came in with me. It goes deeper. I have many ways to keep me going, so with that I don’t think the contract or me trying to prove I am worth the money is a situation for me."

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