(DENVER) — Following his new contract extension, Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Allen recalled the moment he thought his NFL career was over, looking back to his second season in the league.

Originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Allen’s rookie season marred by injury.

In November 2020 of his second year, following what Allen calls the worst game of his career, the now Second-Team All-Pro thought his career had ended before it really started.

The 27-year-old believed he would have to use his finance degree and find a job elsewhere.

Allen remained on the team, however, and points to the people in his life, along with a relentless mentality for his sustained success in the NFL.

Allen agreed to a four-year, $102 million extension over the weekend.