The Vikings have agreed to a five-year contract extension with John Sullivan, their starting center who has anchored Minnesota's offensive line since 2009, the team announced Saturday.
Terms were not announced by the team, but ESPN 1500-AM reported Saturday that the deal is worth $25 million, with $10 million guaranteed. The 26-year-old Sullivan was a sixth-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame.
"Over the last four years, John has contributed in countless ways to the Vikings organization," said team owner Zygi Wilf in a statement released by the team Saturday. "He has been very active in the community along with being a key member along our offensive line. John is a bright young man and we are fortunate to have him in the Vikings organization."
Sullivan was tapped to start for the Vikings in 2009 after the departure of longtime center Matt Birk. Sullivan has appeared in 58 games, making 42 starts, including 12 this season.
"We are very excited about the future of John Sullivan," coach Leslie Frazier said. "He has quickly become a leader among the offensive linemen. John is having an outstanding 2011 season and he is a big part of why our rushing attack is near the top in the NFL. We are thrilled about having John as a member of the Minnesota Vikings for years to come."
