Rams Give Holt $10M Deal

June 5, 1999 / 5:16 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Torry Holt gave himself a memorable 23rd birthday present Saturday, signing a five-year, $10 million contract with the St. Louis Rams.

In addition to the money, which includes a $5.4 million signing bonus, the Rams threw in a chocolate cake at a news conference for their first-round pick. Holt, who caught 88 passes for 1,604 yards and 11 touchdowns his senior season at North Carolina State, blew out candles that had been lit by coach Dick Vermeil.

"It's a great birthday present for anybody that's 23 years old and come into the amount of finances I came into," Holt said.

It's safe to say Holt's 22nd birthday was a lot less memorable.

"I think I got a cake and a hug and a kiss from my girlfriend, and my family," he said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing."

Holt wasn't exactly acting like an instant millionaire, given his extremely modest plans for the big day.

"I'm just going to relax," he said. "I may go out and buy some jeans or something. Stay fresh, stay looking nice."

Holt, the sixth overall pick, is the third first-rounder to sign. The others are running back Ricky Williams with New Orleans, and quarterback Tim Couch, the first overall pick, with the Cleveland Browns.

The signing reverses a trend for the Rams. The No. 1 pick last year, defensive end Grant Wistrom, signed on the eve of training camp. Two years ago, Orlando Pace, the first overall pick, missed all of training camp and in 1996 Lawrence Phillips sat until late July.

"I guess I wanted to be a little special," Holt said. "I wanted to go ahead and get things done, get that behind me. The team doesn't have to wonder, is he going to be here, or what he is doing, or is he selfish?"

The Rams never really had a worry there. Holt has been showing his dedication the last month, working out two hours a day at Rams Park.

Vermeil said it shouldn't be long before Holt is the equal of the Rams' other wideout, Isaac Bruce.

"We know what Isaac can do when he's healthy, and I think this man has the ability to be his equivalent," Vermeil said. "I don't know if it'll be his rookie year, but it'll be soon."

Vermeil said the signing was just another indication that the Rams, who are trying to end a string of nine straight losing seasons and were 4-12 last year, are a team on the move.

"We really feel we had an outstanding winter and spring," Vermeil said. "Moving into the summer and our final minicamp, all it does is keep the positive vibes moving."

The signing clears the decks for the Rams in their negotiations with newly-acquired running back Marshall Faulk. Faulk participated in the first minicamp last month after saying he wouldn't report until his contract was reworked, and may show up for the next minicamp next week if progess continues in talks.

"Communications look good," Vermeil said. "I can't tell how close they are, but I think we're in the same stadium."