There is a massive, market-changing contract extension coming soon for Indianapolis Colts left guard Quenton Nelson, but he’s doing his best to keep that out of his mind.
It’s only a matter of time before Nelson becomes the highest-paid guard in NFL history. Most are expecting his contract to be worth up to $20 million per season, considerably higher than the next highest-paid guard.
But Nelson isn’t focusing on that. Instead, he’s putting his time and energy into staying healthy and becoming a better leader on the team.
“Not focused on that,” Nelson told reporters Tuesday at minicamp.
As Nelson focuses on becoming a more influential leader in the locker room, he found his way into leaning on one of the best to ever do it.
Peyton Manning.
“I trained in Denver my second offseason, and it just happened to be where he was training,” Nelson said. “We built a relationship from there. He gave me his number and said ‘Feel free to text me anytime.’”
Having that kind of leader to lean on is something Nelson will be looking to take advantage of to the fullest extent.
“It’s incredibly valuable,” Nelson said. “He’s a Hall of Famer, one of the best to ever do it, he’s won two Super Bowls. Being able to pick his brain is nice.”
While Nelson’s streak of All-Pro First Team selections was snapped in 2021, he still earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nod. Dealing with injuries going into the season, Nelson is excited to be working injury-free this offseason.
“Yeah, I feel great. I feel really good. Strong, healthy, just ready to go. Excited for camp. I’m not going in there with two surgeries,” Nelson said.
It isn’t clear yet when the Colts and Nelson will get the deal done, but it’s only a matter of time.
Until then, Big Q will be focusing on becoming a better leader while working toward the fourth All-Pro nod of his career.
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