The two-time NCAA Division 1 wrestling champion started exactly one game in three injury-filled seasons before stepping in and playing 19 games (17 starts) this year and helping Corey Dillon run for 1,927 yards. Though he owned a pair of Super Bowl rings from 2001 and 2003, Neal acknowledged in the days leading up to Super Bowl XXXIX he ‘‘really wasn’t a part of it. I felt like, I’ve got a Super Bowl ring, but I really didn’t earn it.’’ The free agent never has to feel like that again. He’s earned it, with interest.