Chargers sign Olivea to long-term contract
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Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006
The San Diego Chargers have signed another key veteran to a new long-term contract, inking offensive tackle Shane Olivea to a new six-year contract that will run through the 2011 season. Olivea was due to become a Restricted Free Agent following this season.
“Shane is an integral part of our offensive line,” said Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith. “He’s a highly competitive player who takes great pride in improving his game. He’s all football player and we are very excited that he will remain a Charger for years to come.”
Olivea has been the Chargers’ starting right tackle since joining the team as a seventh-round draft choice in 2004 out of Ohio State. He started 31 of 32 possible games, missing just one game due to a knee sprain. Since Shane became the starting right tackle, the team has rushed for more than 2,000 yards and passed for more than 3,500 yards in each of the last two seasons.
“Today is a dream fulfilled,” Olivea said. “When my agent called me to tell me that the deal was done, I was physically shaking. Every sprint, every extra push-up, every extra lift and every time I decided to go workout instead of going to a party or something … everything was validated today. Today made it worth it.
“My father is turning 75 this year and I’m going to call my parents and tell them that they’re retired. I’m going to buy my dad a car. I’m going to open a checking account for my parents and take care of them. My mom and dad made so many sacrifices for me. If I’m half the parents they are, I’ll be doing alright. I’m pumped about getting to take care of them.”
“Shane is an integral part of our offensive line,” said Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith. “He’s a highly competitive player who takes great pride in improving his game. He’s all football player and we are very excited that he will remain a Charger for years to come.”
Olivea has been the Chargers’ starting right tackle since joining the team as a seventh-round draft choice in 2004 out of Ohio State. He started 31 of 32 possible games, missing just one game due to a knee sprain. Since Shane became the starting right tackle, the team has rushed for more than 2,000 yards and passed for more than 3,500 yards in each of the last two seasons.
“Today is a dream fulfilled,” Olivea said. “When my agent called me to tell me that the deal was done, I was physically shaking. Every sprint, every extra push-up, every extra lift and every time I decided to go workout instead of going to a party or something … everything was validated today. Today made it worth it.
“My father is turning 75 this year and I’m going to call my parents and tell them that they’re retired. I’m going to buy my dad a car. I’m going to open a checking account for my parents and take care of them. My mom and dad made so many sacrifices for me. If I’m half the parents they are, I’ll be doing alright. I’m pumped about getting to take care of them.”
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