Bijan Robinson just inked a historic three-year contract extension worth up to $75 million with the Atlanta Falcons, officially making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The news broke Tuesday, and talk about fast reactions: Matthew McConaughey himself was one of the very first people to congratulate Robinson, sending a text within two minutes of the story hitting the wire. That’s a quick draw, even for a Hollywood star!
The Falcons Paid Up, and Bijan Is Back
ESPN’s Adam Schefter dropped the bomb Tuesday morning, just before 9 a.m. ET, confirming the massive deal. This isn’t just a big payday; it’s a statement. With a base value of $22.25 million per year, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Falcons clearly believe Robinson is their guy for the long haul. Remember, Bijan had been holding in from training camp, waiting for this very contract. He was back in practice Tuesday, which is huge, though AtlantaFalcons.com’s Tori McElhaney noted he was held out of team drills as he builds back up. Given the cash they just dropped, you know they want him at 100 percent for the season ahead.
Alright, Alright, Alright: The Mentor Connection
So, what’s the deal with McConaughey being on speed dial? This isn’t just some random celeb text. McConaughey, a die-hard Texas fan and the Longhorns’ “Minister of Culture,” has a long-standing connection with Robinson. They first linked up way back in 2019 when Robinson was a high school junior on a recruiting visit to Texas. Robinson went on to tear it up for the Longhorns from 2020 to 2022, and he’s called McConaughey a mentor since before he was even drafted by the Falcons in 2023. It’s pretty cool to see that kind of relationship last, especially when a player lands such a monumental deal.
What’s Next for the NFL’s Highest-Paid RB?
Last season, Robinson absolutely went off, racking up a career-high 1,478 rushing yards over 17 games. Now, with the historic contract signed and his holdout over, all eyes are on his full return to the field. He’s back practicing, even if he’s not in team drills just yet. The Falcons clearly bet big on their star, and it’s time to see what their highest-paid running back in history can do when the regular season kicks off. Get ready, because the stakes are high, and Bijan Robinson is about to show everyone why he’s worth every single penny.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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