And a sigh of relief was heard around our city.

After he rushed for 1,616 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in his first season as a starter, Arian Foster was told by the Texans if he could do it again in 2011, they would reward him with a multimillion-dollar contract.

Foster did his part last season with 1,224 yards, 53 receptions and 12 touchdowns in regular season. He added 285 yards rushing and three touchdowns in two playoff games.

The Texans did their part on Monday when Foster agreed to a five-year, $43.5-million contract that included $20.75 million guaranteed, a $12.5-million signing bonus and $30 million in the first three years.

Foster, who turns 26 in August, made $525,000 last season when he was voted to the Pro Bowl for the second time.

I'm glad to see my season ticket money is going to a worthy cause.