*Redskins ink FB Larry Centers to four-year deal*
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ASHBURN, Virginia (Ticker) -- Fullback Larry Centers on Tuesday
signed a four-year deal to remain with the Washington Redskins. 

Financial terms were not disclosed for Centers, a powerful
blocker and exceptional pass-catcher out of the backfield. 

The 31-year-old Centers led the NFC East Division champion
Redskins with 69 catches in his first season with the team after
nine with the Arizona Cardinals. 

He fell one short of Joe Washington's record for catches in a
season by a running back, set in 1981, but led his team in
receptions for the sixth time in eight years and was named first
alternate to the Pro Bowl for the second straight season. 

With 604 catches, Centers is just six short of Keith Byars'
career NFL record for running backs.  He rarely runs the ball,
carrying just 13 times for 51 yards in 1999. 

"Larry is a vital part of our offense and we are very pleased
and excited to have been able to work with him on a new contract
that came together quickly," Redskins director of player
personnel Vinny Cerrato said. 

Centers made the Pro Bowl in 1995 and 1996 with the Cardinals,
making and astounding 101 and 99 receptions, respectively.  He
was the first NFL running back to have 100 catches in a season. 

"Larry is such an important part of our team and I am ecstatic
to have him back," Washington coach Norv Turner said. "He is not
only an outstanding football player, but and outstanding person
as well." 

Centers was a fifth-round pick of the Cardinals out of Stephen
F. Austin in 1990. 

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