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Former Illinois OL extends his decade-long NFL career once again

A former offensive lineman for the Illinois Fighting Illini just signed an extension, stretching his already lengthy career in the NFL.
BySam Fariss|
Nov 2, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini offensive lineman Ted Karras (69) blocks during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium.
Nov 2, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini offensive lineman Ted Karras (69) blocks during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

It was over a decade ago that former Illinois offensive lineman Ted Karras first stepped onto the field for the Fighting Illini.

Since then, he went on to become a sixth-round draft pick and a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots. Now, his illustrious career is going to last for even longer.

Karras just signed a contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals, who acquired the veteran center from the Patriots in 2022, which was his second extension with the franchise in the last two years.

"This is where I want to be," Karras said. "People here have been so great to me on and off the field, and the goal remains the same: to win a championship."

Karras played for the Illinois Fighting Illini from 2011 until 2015, and was then selected 221st overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. He played four seasons with the Patriots before spending a year with the Miami Dolphins and eventually returning to New England for the 2021 season.

Also read: NFL executive has high praise for former Illinois wideout Pat Bryant

Over the last decade, Karras has played in 143 games and earned starts in 99 of those appearances. Simply put, this season is going to be one for the books.

On Sunday, Sept. 7, Karras will make his 100th career start as the Bengals take on the Cleveland Browns, giving Cincinnati more "Ted Time" as the franchise lovingly referenced in its announcement of his contract extension.

With the one-year extension, Karras is signed on with the Bengals through the 2026 season, ensuring that his NFL career will last for at least 11 years.

"We've got a lot of work to do in both," Karras said. "I've been blessed and lucky to be doing it this long and to be now signed for year 11."

Karras is at the center of the Bengals' offense, quite literally, and is a massive reason why Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow was able to lead the team to the No. 1 passing offense in the league last season.

Last year, Karras played over 1,100 offensive snaps and allowed just two sacks, six hits, and 23 total pressures. That means he helped keep the pocket clean on nearly 98 percent of Cincinnati's plays.

Karras, alongside the rest of the Bengals, will play in Cleveland at noon on Sunday, Sept. 7, and the game will be broadcast on FOX.

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