Bonus money and rings for both the winners and losers

Michigan

Most of the members of the losing team however refuse to wear their rings as they see it as a symbol of failing to reach their goal.

MIAMI - In this day of multimillion salaries, you figure any bonus for winning the Super Bowl would be just that - a bonus.

But players say the extra money - $78,000 to each member of the winning team, $40,000 for each member of the losing team - still matters.


First, many of the players buy tickets for family and friends ($600 to $700 face value, with a maximum of 15). Many pay those extra travel expenses, too.

"It's cool, because you want people to share your moment," said Colts linebacker Cato June. "Besides, it's the ring that you're playing for."

The Super Bowl ring is no small deal.

The NFL allots $5,000 for up to 150 winners' rings (which also go to coaches and assorted team employees) "plus adjustments for increases in the price of gold and diamonds." The losers aren't left out, receiving jewelry which may not cost more than one-half the price set for the Super Bowl ring.

Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri has three of the rings, from his days with the New England Patriots. Two years ago, the ring held a record 4.94 carats distributed over 124 diamonds.

"You have to see it; it's amazing," said Vinatieri, who keeps all three in a safety deposit box, only occasionally taking them out for an appearance or to show friends.

"I've worn mine at times and I know (Colts defensive tackle and former Patriot) Dan Klecko has shown his to some of the guys. It's pretty exciting for them to see, but it's not nearly as much fun if it's not your own."

By the way, each Colt already has picked up $75,000 in these playoffs: $19,000 for the wild-card win over Kansas City, $19,000 for the divisional win over Baltimore, and $37,000 for the AFC Championship Game win over New England. The Bears are $19,000 shy, having a bye during the wild-card weekend.

megatron

<< <i>Most of the members of the losing team however refuse to wear their rings as they see it as a symbol of failing to reach their goal.

MIAMI - In this day of multimillion salaries, you figure any bonus for winning the Super Bowl would be just that - a bonus.

But players say the extra money - $78,000 to each member of the winning team, $40,000 for each member of the losing team - still matters.


First, many of the players buy tickets for family and friends ($600 to $700 face value, with a maximum of 15). Many pay those extra travel expenses, too.

"It's cool, because you want people to share your moment," said Colts linebacker Cato June. "Besides, it's the ring that you're playing for."

The Super Bowl ring is no small deal.

The NFL allots $5,000 for up to 150 winners' rings (which also go to coaches and assorted team employees) "plus adjustments for increases in the price of gold and diamonds." The losers aren't left out, receiving jewelry which may not cost more than one-half the price set for the Super Bowl ring.

Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri has three of the rings, from his days with the New England Patriots. Two years ago, the ring held a record 4.94 carats distributed over 124 diamonds.

"You have to see it; it's amazing," said Vinatieri, who keeps all three in a safety deposit box, only occasionally taking them out for an appearance or to show friends.

"I've worn mine at times and I know (Colts defensive tackle and former Patriot) Dan Klecko has shown his to some of the guys. It's pretty exciting for them to see, but it's not nearly as much fun if it's not your own."

By the way, each Colt already has picked up $75,000 in these playoffs: $19,000 for the wild-card win over Kansas City, $19,000 for the divisional win over Baltimore, and $37,000 for the AFC Championship Game win over New England. The Bears are $19,000 shy, having a bye during the wild-card weekend. >>



Just a little history lesson here. The reason that players get paid so much in bonuses for playing in these games is to deter them from partaking in illegal activities (i.e. think of the 1919 White Sox team). Paying players a huge sum of money makes them think a lot before trying to throw a game. Sure, given technology today, it would be pretty easy to spot someone trying to throw a game, but it was a practice that was instituted some time ago and has stayed around.

This is in addition to providing incentives to win and giving the players the opportunity to partake in all the money that the NFL takes in during the playoffs. After all, the fans are coming to see them and they get rewarded for it.

perkdog

I wouldnt say the bonus is to prevent players from throwing games, it is what it is....a "Bonus" for extended season play where the NFL makes $$$$$ of you even more.

stevek

I think it should be winner take all including the salaries. No player gets a dime throughout the season unless they win the Super Bowl. So the winning players would receive the equivalent of the other 31 teams salaries which would basically increase their yearly wages 31 fold. That would make for one heckuva Super Bowl.