PITTSFORD, N.Y. — As belated birthday presents go, Bills rookie first-round pick C.J. Spiller had no trouble waiting an extra day to get the one gift he really wanted: a signed NFL contract.
A day after turning 23, the running back was excited to arrive at training camp Friday to sign a five-year deal that has the potential to be worth $37 million, with just under $21 million guaranteed.
“It’s something that I’ll always remember,” Spiller said, noting he learned the deal had been agreed to Thursday, shortly after he had a birthday lunch with his family in Lake Butler, Fla.
“Whatever day, I would have always remembered it. But it’s always special to do it on your birthday.”
Selected ninth overall out of Clemson, Spiller finished his four-year college career with 51 touchdowns. He will be part of a three-back rotation that includes Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch.
Seattle, Okung agree to deal
RENTON, Wash. — Offensive lineman Russell Okung, the No. 6 pick in the NFL draft, signed a six-year contract worth a potential $58 million with the Seahawks — then went right onto the field in full pads for his first practice since he was preparing for Oklahoma State’s Cotton Bowl appearance seven months ago.
“It feels great. This is the best job in the world,” Okung said.
Driver receives extension
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers extended the contract of wide receiver Donald Driver, the team’s longest-tenured current player, through the 2012 season.
“I can’t complain,” Driver said. “Now, I’m a Green Bay Packer for life.”
Spears out with knee injury
SAN ANTONIO — Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears will miss the rest of training camp and possibly the start of the regular season with a sprained left knee. He is expected to be out four to six weeks and could return for the Sept. 12 opener at Washington.
Ref admits Super blunders
RENTON, Wash. — NFL referee Bill Leavy has reopened a Seahawks’ wound that won’t close by acknowledging he made mistakes in Seattle’s disputed, 2006 Super Bowl loss to the Steelers.
Leavy said he “kicked two calls in the fourth quarter” and “impacted the game, and as an official you never want to do that.” The veteran official of 15 NFL seasons said the game “left me with a lot of sleepless nights” and that “I’ll go to my grave wishing that I’d been better.”
Footnotes.
Titans receiver Kenny Britt is nursing a tight hip flexor, and starting cornerback Cortland Finnegan also had the day off because of some tightness.
• 49ers linebacker Scott McKillop likely will be placed on the season-ending injured reserve list after having surgery on his left knee.
• Giants guard Rich Seubert is out indefinitely with a broken left hand.
