MANKATO, Minn. Jordan Matthews Patriots Jersey . -- The Minnesota Vikings have pledged to make Kyle Rudolph a larger part of their offence for, well, his whole career. Now this enhanced role is almost inevitable: Hes carrying 15 fewer pounds this season and playing for a lot more money. "Its an honour to know that they have the faith in me and the trust in me to instil that value in me, and Im going to do everything I can to go out on the field and perform at that level," Rudolph said between practices on Monday, after signing a five-year contract extension the night before. He added: "I want to be the best tight end in the NFL, and thats why I go out every day to work the way that I do." The Vikings were enamoured enough with the soft-handed, slender Rudolph that they drafted him out of Notre Dame in the second round in 2011 despite a nasty injury, a torn right hamstring, that he was still recovering from at the time. Rudolph won the Most Valuable Player award at the Pro Bowl after the 2012 season, but he has accumulated a modest 1,055 yards and 15 touchdowns over three years in the NFL. Jimmy Graham exceeded both of those totals last season for New Orleans. Rob Gronkowski did the same three years ago for New England. The Vikings have long believed the 6-foot-6 Rudolph, who used a better off-season diet to start training camp at a lean weight of 258, can become that featured receiver who can catch passes all over the field, in addition to being a go-to target in the end zone. "I think hes trying to work the Jimmy Graham deal," close friend and quarterback Christian Ponder said, joking about Rudolphs sleeker look. "He looks good out here, and you can tell hes very polished in what hes doing." Rudolphs new deal has a maximum worth of $40 million. About half of that is practically guaranteed, and his annual average salary will be in the top five of all NFL tight ends. Graham makes the most. "Hes worked as hard as anyone in this organization, and he is getting himself ready to have a great year," offensive co-ordinator Norv Turner said. Rudolph, who missed the last half of last season because of a broken left foot, will be asked to run more routes up the seam between the 20-yard lines this year. Hell likely find himself standing up and split out a lot, rather than the traditional three-point stance for tight ends of the previous generation. With more rules discouraging defensive backs from levying big hits, larger, and faster and stronger athletes continuing to enter the league, and passing attacks become more and more potent, the tight end has flourished into a true skill position. Turner has a history of significant production by tight ends in his scheme, from Antonio Gates in San Diego to Jordan Cameron last year in Turners lone season with Cleveland. From Rudolph to running back Adrian Peterson, the early reviews of Turners system have been raving. "Im sure you guys wrote stories about us being predictable the past seven years. You wont be able to write that story this year," Peterson said. "Thats pretty much all Im saying: You wont be able to do that, because this offence is so versatile." The Vikings invested in Rudolph for reasons beyond the physical attributes, too. Head coach Mike Zimmer called him "a pleaser," whos willing to "buy into everything" the new staff is trying to do with the team. Rudolph said hed keep the same house in the Twin Cities area and continue to drive the same truck, splurging only for philanthropy: to upgraded the weight room at his alma mater, Elder High School in Cincinnati. "Im anticipating that hell continue to flourish," Zimmer said, adding: "Hes a good guy, and I like when good guys get rewarded." Adrian Clayborn Patriots Jersey . He left in the 4th inning of Saturdays game against the Tigers after experiencing tightness. Reyes and the team still hope that he will be ready for Opening Day in Tampa Bay in one week. Cordarrelle Patterson Jersey . According to a release sent by the league, the Saskatchewan Roughriders were the only team to exceed the cap. Their total salary expenditure of $4,417,975 was $17,975 over the salary cap of $4. http://www.shoptheofficialpatriots.com/Elite-Jordan-Matthews-Patriots-Jersey/ .com Tours Nova Scotia Open. The 27-year-old Sloan, a former Texas-El Paso player from Calgary matched first-round leader Rodriguez at 10-under 132 on Ashburn Golf Clubs New Course.ROME -- Mario Balotelli has expressed astonishment at the reaction to an argument he had with some Italian football pundits after a game on Friday. Following AC Milans 2-0 loss to Roma, Balotelli had a tense exchange with the Sky Italia TV studio hosts. Balotelli said: "When Milan wins Mario is great, when it loses Mario is bad." Told by one studio host that he doesnt move enough on the pitch, Balotelli responded: "You dont know anything about football. Trust me." His comments provoked plenty of reaction both supportive and critical, and Balotelli responded on Twitter around 4 a.m. local time on Saturday morning, saying in Italian: "Mamma mia I divide Italy in 2! Wow! While nearly everyone abroad is united with me!" Then he added in English: "What a strange game." Balotelli, whose career had been littered with controversies and clashes with both coaches and teammates, was largely ineffective against Roma and he was substituted in the 69th minute. As Balotelli walked off, he appeared to question coach Clarence Seedorfs decision to remove him. "I didnt understand my substitution," Balotelli said in the interview. Told that he doesnt criticize himsself enough, Balotelli said "Im a very normal player. Custom Patriots Jerseys. Its you who says Im a standout." Balotelli is having a strong season and set a personal record last week with his 14th goal of the campaign. "I chose to take off Balotelli, but when he came off he didnt say anything special to me," Seedorf said. "We shouldnt always analyze every detail, when there is something negative to say about Balo, you are always ready. There are things said and done in the heat of the moment, but then its talked about and resolved. "Hes coming off the back of many positive weeks, both with goals and with his behaviour." Balotelli has a history of being in the headlines as much for his antics off the pitch as his talent on it. He made light of his troubles in 2011 when he was with Manchester City by unveiling a T-shirt with the slogan "Why Always Me?" during a 6-1 rout of Manchester United in a Premier League derby. That came after reports that a fire had broken out at his house when fireworks were let off in his bathroom. Balotelli escaped punishment earlier in 2011 after throwing a dart at a City youth-team player. No one was hurt in the incident. Cheap Jerseys Online Wholesale Black NFL Jerseys Youth NFL Jerseys Wholesale Cheap Jerseys Wholesale Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping ' ' '