DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -Jake Long visited New York City for the first time this week and landed a nifty souvenir – a Miami Dolphins jersey bearing uniform number 1.
The former Michigan tackle held the jersey on the stage at Radio City Music Hall after officially becoming the first player taken in the NFL draft Saturday.
The Dolphins had committed to choosing Long when they signed him to a five-year contract Tuesday for $57.75 million, including $30 million guaranteed.
“I was a little more relaxed just knowing where I was going and just being here to make it official,” Long said in a conference call. “That solidified it all. It was just breathtaking to walk out there and shake the commissioner’s hand and hold up that jersey. It was a dream come true.”
With Long to help him celebrate were his parents, two brothers and girlfriend.
Commissioner Roger Goodell’s announcement of Long’s name drew boos from fans of the New York Jets, the Dolphins’ rivals.
“I got booed pretty bad,” Long said with a chuckle.
He’ll be in South Florida next week for the Dolphins’ three-day rookie minicamp beginning Friday.
The Dolphins had seven other picks. On Friday they traded their fourth-round pick to acquire linebacker Akin Ayodele and tight end Anthony Fasano from the Dallas Cowboys.
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