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Wisconsin Football: Former Badgers Get Big NFL Payday

ByTyler Hunt|
Oct 11, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler (68) runs on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Seattle 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler (68) runs on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Seattle 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Former Badgers Cash in on Major Pay Day in NFL Free Agency

NFL free agency is offically underway, and the market has taken off at warp speed in comparison to previous seasons. Each team is quickly adressing their needs to take them to the next level, and players are cashing in on their big contracts they have been waiting years for. This process is no stranger for Wisconsin Football Alum as many former Badgers have cashed in on some large contracts, most specifically the Badgers former offensive line stars, the 2011 line in particular. Former Badger Kevin Zietler cashed in in a big way as the guard agreed on a 5 year, $60 Million deal that includes 31 million guaranteed with the Cleveland Brown’s according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. CHA CHING.

Schefter also reported that the signing of Zietler is the highest in NFL History for a guard. This announcement came on the heels of a Zietler’s teammate Ricky Wagner landing a major deal with the Detroit Lions after playing in Baltimore for the last four seasons. While the deal specifications have yet to be fully released, the terms are expected to be in the 9 million a year range. While on the subject of the 2011 offensive lineman, lets not forget about that one guy… Travis Frederick? Yep, that’s it. Frederick was the original member of the big money club as he currently makes 9.4 million dollars a year. This all adds up to a BIG smile to Wisconsin Football fans everywhere as the members of the 2011 team will add up to a whooping 30.4 million dollars when they take the field next season.

Eye emoji is right, those are some staggering numbers for the former Badgers. NFL Free Agency is an exciting time for many, and seeing former Badgers get paid and be successful in the NFL is one of the most rewarding things as a fan. My only follow up question is how that 2011 team lost three games, its something that always seems to trouble me with the team having guys above blocking for that of Russell Wilson, James White, and Montee Ball. I know two games were lost on a Hail Mary, but its something that i’ll always question. Ahh, what could have been. But for now its safe to say that Wisconsin Football alum simply has mo money, and many less problems after cashing in their big pay days.