After fighting through injuries and bad press, Kyle Vanden Bosch fought on and became one of the best stories of the last NFL season. One of the most overlooked stories of this past week was the re-signing of Kyle Vanden Bosch in Tennessee. By signing the four year contract worth $15 million in guarantees, he has increased his yearly salary by almost seven times, with plenty of chances to earn more.
Money aside, Vanden Bosch’s story is by far one of the best stories of last season. After a four year run for the Cardinals in Arizona plagued by injuries and disappointment, the Tennessee Titans took a chance on the former second round draft pick. The Titans hoped Vanden Bosch could bring some experience to a young defensive line averaging just over 24 years of age. What they got was a man on a mission.
Working for the minimum salary for player of four years (a measly $540,000), Vanden Bosch exploded for a career year, registering 12 ½ sacks, good for 4th in the league, and 66 tackles, both far surpassing his previous career highs. He also had four forced fumbles and 7 ½ tackles for a loss, only a half less than the top three leaders in sacks combined.
Vanden Bosch might have found stardom this past season, but he has certainly not forgotten his roots. Originally from the small Midwest town of Larchwood, Iowa (population 778), Vanden Bosch went on to star at the University of Nebraska. When it came time to start thinking about a new contract, Vanden Bosch did not forget that the Titans had given him a chance when few other teams were interested.
There is no doubt that the 27 year old free agent would have had many high dollar offers from teams hungering for his defensive hustle, some of which could have been higher than the Titans’ offer. However, in Vanden Bosch’s mind, there was no other choice. He wanted to stay with the Titans, and the Titans wanted him to stay.
Because of an injury to Miami Dolphin’s defensive end Jason Taylor, Vanden Bosch got a chance to go to paradise to showcase his skills at the highest level: the Pro Bowl. After a showing in which he racked up three tackles, two sacks, and two more quarterback pressures, Vanden Bosch proved he belonged with the leagues elite.
Armed with a four year contract, his teams support, and Midwest values, Vanden Bosch is out to show that this past season was not a fluke. His hustle and determination will surely lead him to great things, and maybe next time he will make it to Hawaii on his own.