Hardwick signs long-term contract

Friday, Jun 16, 2006
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

While many 24-year-old young men have a tough time with commitment, Chargers center Nick Hardwick welcomes it.

Earlier this offseason, the former Purdue Boilermaker proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Jayme Biamonte, and on Friday, Hardwick committed his football future to the Bolts by signing a six-year contract that will keep him in San Diego through 2011.

“I’m thrilled that I’m going to get to be here for a while,” Hardwick said.  “I love San Diego and have great relationships with my teammates.  I’m looking forward to this team continuing to move in the right direction.  We’re going the right way and we’re only going to get better.”

This offseason, Hardwick committed himself to the weight room and was able to add bulk to his 6-4 frame.  He believes that his physical success this offseason is one of the reasons the Chargers offered him a new deal.

“I think I needed to show the Chargers that I could put weight on and that I could be more durable,” Hardwick said.  “I’m feeling great and I’m really happy with where my body is right now.  I’m not sure that the weight issue was the deciding factor, but I think it helped.”

In his first two seasons with the Bolts, Hardwick started 27 games at center.  He’s responsible for calling out the blocking schemes for the offensive line and his consistent play is a big reason the Chargers have rushed for 2,000 yards in each of the last two seasons.

“This is another good move for the Chargers,” General Manager A.J. Smith said.  “Nick has been a strong contributor to our team and to the offensive line since he joined us as a rookie in 2004.  He still hasn’t realized all of his potential.  We think Nick has a great future ahead of him and we’re excited that his future will be spent right here in San Diego.”

Hardwick believes that new offensive line coach Jack Henry and assistant Hal Hunter will push him to that next level.  

“They’ve been a huge help,” Hardwick said.  “We realize we as an offensive line didn’t have a great year last year but we’ve got double the brains in there now coaching us up.  We’re going to be a solid group.  We believe it all starts up front and we’re committed to making it happen.”

Hardwick will be in San Diego for the next couple weeks working out with his teammates before taking a short vacation to the Midwest prior to training camp.  He and Jayme have yet to set a wedding date but are planning to tie the knot sometime next spring.

“I’m just enjoying living in San Diego and being a Charger right now,” Hardwick said.  “I’m looking forward to relaxing a bit and seeing my family and Jayme’s in the next few weeks, but I’ve also got business to take care of.  I’ve got to physically get the most out of this next month and come to training camp ready to go.”