"I don't want to be one of those guys that shows up to collect his check, or one of those guys who gets hurt every year," Mankins said. "Hopefully, I can stay healthy and give my best effort."
Mankins signed a six-year deal through 2016 that could be worth as much as $51 million, according to the Boston Globe. He said he's relieved to get the business part of the game out of the way, and he was honored to sign such a lucrative deal.
"I'm happy with it," Mankins said. "I'm ecstatic. It doesn't feel real yet, so I don't know how to take it yet. I'm very happy to be here, and moving forward, hopefully we have a good season, and hopefully I can help this team win games for the next six years if I make it that long."
Mankins joked that he doesn't have any time to go shopping to make a big purchase, and the down-to-earth left guard said he'd likely just put his newfound wealth into a savings account. He has already donated money to Fresno State so the school could install FieldTurf at its football facility.
Mankins took a lot of pride in knowing he could help out his former college, and he takes even more knowing that his contract extension could help him retire as a member of the Patriots.
"It's great," Mankins said. "I'm really happy I know I'm staying here for hopefully the rest of my career. I just want to thank the Krafts and their family, coach [Bill] Belichick and the guys upstairs. I'm glad this is done with, and very happy."