(On re-signing with the Patriots)
LM: It's great. I'm really happy to be staying here for hopefully the rest of my career. I want to thank the Krafts and their family, coach [Bill] Belichick, and the guys upstairs. I'm glad this is done with; I am very happy.
Q: Were you surprised that your new contract came together so quickly after training camp started?
LM: I don't know. I wasn't involved. I just practice and I got the call when it was done, and that was it. I'm happy about it.
Q: Did you have any idea the other day that this was happening?
LM: No. I had no idea that anything was happening.
Q: Is it pretty much what you were hoping for and looking for in terms of the long-term years and security?
LM: Yeah, I'm happy with it. I'm ecstatic. This doesn't feel real yet, so I don't know how to take it yet, but I'm very happy to be here. Looking forward, I'm hoping to have a good season and hopefully I can help this team win games for the next six years if I make it that long.
Q: What are you going to spend it on?
LM: I don't know. We'll see.
Q: What did you do out at Fresno State with the turf?
LM: They were putting in field turf and I made a donation to my good friend out there. I wanted to help those guys out.
Q: I believe it says 'The Mankins Family' on the side of the field there. What does that mean to you?
LM: It's down in the line [in the] corner, so that's a good spot for it. I just think they did that because I stepped up to the plate and helped them out. I was trying to show some appreciation for them.
Q: Are you happy that you don't have to deal with contract negotiations anymore?
LM: Yeah, that's one of the things. It still hasn't sunk in yet. That's what guys always hope [for] – to get to this point, and I think when you get there it takes a little while to set in, so I'm still at a little bit of a loss for words about it. But I'm sure eventually I'll have something better for you guys.
Q: Is there a part of you that doesn't want it to sink in?
LM: Yeah, that's one of the things I told my wife [that] now I've got to make sure I earn it. I don't want to be one of those guys that shows up to collect his check, or one of those guys that gets hurt every year. So, hopefully I can stay healthy and give my best effort.
Q: Being a long-term guy, are you a leader?
LM: I don't know. I think guys follow me already by my work ethic - how hard I work, and they see the hours that I'm here. I think that part takes care of itself. I don't know, maybe someday I'll have to speak up a little bit more. I don't know. When that time comes, we'll find out.
Q: Did you think there was a moment where something shifted and stuff turned?
LM: I don't know. Stuff just falls into place sometimes. (On Dante Scarnecchia...)
LM: No, you know what, I think a lot of people take Dante for granted. In my opinion he's the best offensive line coach in the league, and I'm glad I get to play with him for a while longer. He works the dog out of us, but we're always in great shape during games, so we really appreciate his work.
Q: What are you going to buy?
LM: I don't know. I don't even have time to go shopping right now.
