Somebody else might have looked at the bonus check Colt Brennan got for signing with the Washington Redskins this week and mourned visions of decimal place(s) that had gotten away.

Not to mention the mansion, fleet of cars and bling-bling that seemingly could have gone — poof! — as well.

After all, we're told Brennan's check was for $96,800 — not $1,968,000 or even $968,000.

Good bucks to be sure, solid sixth-round NFL draft money, of course, but hardly the huge step toward lifetime financial security of first- or second-round lucre that had been forecast for him 18 months earlier. The possibility of fortune that might have come his way had Brennan opted, as he had considered, to leave the University of Hawai'i after his junior season instead of returning for a senior year.

Not that you could detect even the faintest sense of disappointment in his voice. Not so much as a tear of regret or sigh of misgiving in a 10-minute conversation.

Excitement over being cleared to open practice Sunday, definitely. Surging adrenaline about competing for a spot on the Redskins' roster, unmistakably. The dream of playing in the NFL finally at hand, undoubtedly.

But second-guessing himself? "No way," said Brennan, who maintained the decision over whether to return to UH, "never came down to the money."

It had been easy for Brennan to profess an absence of what-if when he was still at UH living the life of a student, being the toast of the state. And through the Sugar Bowl and beyond he had claimed returning to UH for a third season had been the right thing.

But once the rookie that Redskin veterans have come to nickname "McGarrett" got a look at the check and had an opportunity to compare pay days, rides and portfolios with other players, you wondered if there would be second thoughts?

After all in the NFL, unlike many other pro leagues, the signing bonus is one of the few things that is guaranteed. For all the gloss of a reported $1.8 million, four-year contract and prospects of a first-year salary of $295,000 and escalation to $555,00 on the fourth year, only the signing bonus is assured. Everything else depends on performance, perception and health. The employment agency can be a ligament — or free agent signing— away.

But the beyond-remarkable season of 2007 was worth whatever the tradeoff, Brennan said. "What (that season) meant to me, the team and for the state was something. We got to do something tremendous. We were one game away from living the (unbeaten season) fantasy. The team, the love and respect of the fans, meant more to me."

A magical time filled with memories that, apparently, money couldn't buy. And, now, seven months later, a reminder of why its leader had been so special, too.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.