New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, front, reaches for but misses a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp, back, during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, front, reaches for but misses a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp, back, during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
SEATTLE — Christian Gonzalez’s week started out great, receiving a $33 million signing bonus as part of his four-year contract extension with the Patriots, but Wednesday’s season opener against the Seahawks didn’t go the way the Pro Bowl cornerback wanted.
Gonzalez spoke about his four-year, $135 million contract extension after Wednesday’s 13-10 loss to the Seahawks.
“I mean, I’m extremely blessed, thankful. I love this team. I love Boston. I love the city. That’s where I want to be,” Gonzalez said. “So, I mean, I’m happy to be here and glad we were able to get it done. Now we’re on to the season.”
Gonzalez called it a “relief” to sign his extension before the season.
“It was it was a nice feeling, but I mean, it was right on to Seattle, to this game and being ready to come out here and do what I got to do for the team and do my role, play my role,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez was one of the Patriots’ top players in the loss, breaking up two passes and allowing just two catches on five targets for 9 yards. Seahawks star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught just one passes on three targets for 9 yards when Gonzalez was covering him. One of the issues in the game was that “JSN” caught seven passes on eight targets for 117 yards and a touchdown when Gonzalez wasn’t shadowing him.