Mike Wallace cashed in during this year's free-agency period when he signed a $60 million contract to join the Miami Dolphins. But the speedy wide receiver evidently turned down a more lucrative offer from the Minnesota Vikings.
Wallace's father, Mike Wallace III, told USA Today Sports that his son declined a $76 million contract offer from Minnesota.
"I know this: He's going to give Miami their money's worth," Wallace's father told USA Today Sports. "Dolphins fans are going to love him. He worked hard and deserved everything he got. So don't call him selfish."
Wallace's five-year deal with the Dolphins includes $30 million in guaranteed money. The 26-year-old insists, however, that his new contract was not the only reason he signed with Miami after spending four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"In free agency, with so many great guys, when you get the prize deal, it's always a good feeling," Wallace told USA Today. "I just wanted to be happy. Money isn't everything. A lot of people last year, when I held out in Pittsburgh, took it the wrong way, felt like I was just being greedy."
Wallace has emerged as one of the NFL's top young receivers since being drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round in 2009.
But after posting back-to-back seasons of more than 1,000 receiving yards in 2010 and 2011, Wallace struggled last year after missing most of training camp because of a dispute over his contract. He had 64 catches for 836 yards and eight touchdowns -- all lower totals than from 2011.
Wallace told USA Today Sports that leaving Pittsburgh was "bittersweet" but that he anticipates a bright future in Miami.
"I performed so well for so long, I just wanted to be well compensated," he said. "I feel I got a bad rep. Free agency paid off for me, but it was bittersweet. The money is not all I'm in it for. I want to be a great player -- win Super Bowls, go to Pro Bowls continuously."