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Many NFL players dislike being designated with the franchise tag, which pays the player the average of the top 5 salaries for their position.

Per Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Rams safety Oshiomogho "O.J." Atogwe is not one of them.

Technically, Atogwe won't be under contract until he signs his tender offer, which would pay him a guaranteed salary of $6.34 million for 2009.

Normally players who haven't signed their tender don't show for off-season activities. Especially not for voluntary activities. However, Atogwe is different.

"I think it's a blessing I get another chance to come out here and play," Atogwe said Friday. "To be thought of as one of the top five at my position is an honor. So, I relish the designation."

"I feel like I'm obligated to be here for my teammates and for my coaches," Atogwe explained. "If I'm going to be a part of this team, I'm going to be a part of this team from the beginning to the end."

The Rams would still like to negotiate a long-term deal with Atogwe. It's refreshing to see a player who gets it and appreciates how lucky he is. Atogwe, the Rams third-round pick in 2005, has 13 interceptions over the past two seasons.

Dunta Robinson, who was franchised by the Texans, can learn something from Mr. Atogwe.