Tired Williams opening eyes

Redskins training camp notebook

Date published: 7/31/2010

BY RICH CAMPBELL

ASHBURN--

His agent was on the other line with the news Williams was anticipating. They had reached an agreement with the Washington Redskins on a rookie contract.

"They wanted me up here at 6 o'clock, so I just figured there wasn't any point in teasing myself with an hour of sleep," Williams said.

Williams, the fourth overall pick and Washington's cornerstone left tackle, probably wouldn't have been able to sleep even if he wanted to. The terms of the deal--six years, $60 million with $36.75 million guaranteed, according to a source with knowledge of the situation--would perk up anybody.

"Obviously I was happy, but I try not to put too much emphasis on what I'm getting paid because I know I'm here to do a certain job and that's to protect the blind side," Williams said.

"And I know if I go out there thinking about the bucks and not doing my job, I won't be here long. So I just put it behind me. I'm going to try to save [money] and try to play my butt off."

Williams signed in time to practice with the first-string offense yesterday morning at 8:30 a.m.

"It was great to get him in," coach Mike Shanahan said. "I felt very good that he wanted to be a part of this organization. I just like the way he has handled himself since the first day."

Williams was the first player drafted in the top five to sign. He held out the first day but planned all along to get into camp quickly.

Date published: 7/31/2010