Hart energized by new deal

Adjust font size

Wednesday, Apr 09, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

On Monday, Chargers safety Clinton Hart agreed to terms on a new five-year deal that gave him the most security he’s experienced in his six-year NFL career. But Hart started his Tuesday morning just like he would any other day during the offseason.

“I was here at 7:30 (a.m.) trying to get ready,” Hart said in reference to the team’s voluntary offseason conditioning program, which officially began for all veterans on Monday. “The Chargers have committed to me and I’m committed to helping this team get where we want to go.”

While he wasn’t pressed on the issue Monday, Hart found it necessary to emphasize that his new contract won’t change his approach to the game. Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith counted Hart’s work ethic in and out of season as one of the reasons why the team was happy to reward their starting strong safety with a new contract. Hart has always carried a blue collar attitude and promises he’ll continue to do the same.

“My mindset is always that my back is against the wall,” Hart said. “I’m never going to be content. I just approach everything I do like that. That’s how you stay hungry. You don’t get satisfied.

"Some people get a new contract and they get satisfied. For me, it’s not about the money. It’s about my success. To me that depends on what I do on the field, not what my contract is worth. It’s how well I perform. I have big expectations for myself.”

Hart was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2008 season, and he’s thrilled that he can play this fall without the contract situation looming over his head. He’s also excited about the way the new deal will aid some of his goals away from the football field.

“If I didn’t have things I wanted to do for my community and my family, I would play for next to nothing,” Hart said. “I have that kind of love for the game. For us to be able to get this done is a weight off my shoulders. Now I can go back home and help my community in the ways I want to help it.”

Hart is coming off an impressive season in 2007, but he expects bigger things from himself in his second year as a full-time starter. He’s already made a list of areas where he’d like to improve and he’s already working them.

“I want to secure my tackles a little better,” Hart said. “I had over 100 tackles, but there were some chances I had that I didn’t wrap up or finish like I should have. Also, when I get a chance to catch the ball, catch it. I’ve got to catch every one that hits my hands. I’m going to focus more and not miss those opportunities. I’m going to study harder. I’m determined to be a better player.”

Hart will have a new partner playing beside him in 2008 as Eric Weddle is expected to start at free safety in his second professional season. Hart is excited about teaming with Weddle, who Hart sees as a smart, ascending player.

“Eric Weddle is going to teach me some things,” Hart said. “I’m willing to learn. We’ve already talked about getting an early start watching some film, watching some plays last year where we made errors. We’re going to get in there and get on the same page so we can just go at it and get this organization where we need to be. I’m excited about the opportunity I have and more importantly the opportunity we have as a team.”

Have an opinion on this story? Share it on the team's official message boards.

Visit the forums

Find out what others are saying about the Chargers. Visit Daily Clips.

Already registered? Login here.