Terry McLaurin’s reason for signing extension (somehow) makes him more lovable

With all due respect to Carson Wentz, the undisputed signature moment of the Washington Commanders era came last week when they inked Terry McLaurin to a three-year extension. The agreement became official on Tuesday.

It’s difficult to frame how significant it is for the organization that it followed up extending defensive cornerstone Jonathan Allen last offseason by signing McLaurin, a fellow face of the franchise, for an additional three years.

With the deal becoming official on Tuesday, McLaurin addressed the media for the first time as a $71 million receiver on Wednesday. Among the topics discussed were why the 25-year-old chose to re-up his contract with the Commanders.

On top of remaining with the team that drafted him and initiated his dream of becoming an NFL player, McLaurin spoke about the history of the franchise and the collective goal of the locker room to get it back on top where it belongs.

Commanders WR Terry McLaurin explained why he signed his extension.

"“I have a great relationship with Mr. (Doug) Williams since I’ve got here,” McLaurin said. “He’s taken me under his wing. The one thing I tell him is ‘I just want to continue to make that No. 17 look good’. And meeting Gary Clark yesterday in person. Just seeing the history of this organization. We all know where it was and we all know where we want to head to. I think we’re all on the same page for that, but we also understand it’s gonna take the work and dedication from everyone involved to get us back there.”“I want to be a part of that. The place where I was drafted to. The place where the fans just show me so much love and appreciation, and are so passionate about this fan base and this organization and the history of it.”"

What more can you say about McLaurin that hasn’t been said already? The most universally beloved Washington player in recent history just continues to do things that make him more lovable. His entire 40-minute presser oozed humility and a reflection of all the sacrifices he made to reach this point.

As if that clip wasn’t enough to make you want to run through a brick wall, McLaurin also touched on his goals for 2022 and beyond. For the 25-year-old wideout, individual success is measured by team success and having the entire locker room trust him as a player and person and knowing he has their back.

Again, McLaurin leaves us speechless with his humility.

The fact McLaurin – unprovoked, might I add — mentioned Carson Wentz by name and defended his new quarterback speaks volumes and suggests he’s going to have his back through the trials and tribulations of an NFL season.

That goes for the entire locker room. Fresh off signing a $71 million guaranteed that included the highest signing bonus ever for a wide receiver, McLaurin is as humbled and hungrier than ever to get to work … if that’s even possible.

Speaking of running through brick walls, here’s another clip from McLaurin’s press conference that’ll make you want to both suit up for the team and shed a few tears. Here’s McLaurin on what brought him to this moment.

The best is indeed, still to come. Welcome back, No. 17.