Mike Wallace's dad: Vikings offered more money than Dolphins

In a recent interview, Mike Wallace's dad said that his son could have signed for more money if he had accepted Minnesota's offer. Wallace's dad didn't say what the Vikings final offer was, but apparently it was more than the 5-year, $60 million that the younger Wallace ended up taking from the Dolphins.

For Mike Wallace, Miami's warm weather was a better option than the bigger pay check Minnesota offered. (USATSI)

South beach or snow. 

Mike Wallace's decision to sign with the Miami Dolphins wasn't all about getting the biggest paycheck, it had a lot to do with weather, according to Wallace's dad, Mike Jr. 

In an interview with the Miami Herald, the elder Wallace said that the Vikings actually offered more money than the Dolphins -- he didn't specify how much more -- but Minnesota couldn't offer what his son really wanted: better weather. Minnesota isn't a snow-covered tundra filled with igloos, but it's not exactly South Beach either. 

In the end, Wallace, who's real name is Burnell Michael Wallace III, turned down the Vikings purportedly more lucrative offer and ended up signing a 5-year, $60 million deal with the Dolphins that included $27 million in guaranteed money. 

"The [Vikings] had come to the point where they were telling him, 'You don't have to live here, just be here during the season,'" the elder Wallace said. "He wanted to get out of the snow and cold weather."  

For someone looking to get out of the snow and cold weather, South Beach was probably the safest decision. Wallace's dad said that besides Minnesota, the Rams and Seahawks also expressed interest in his son.  

"[Miami] feels like home," Wallace's dad said. "I'm just excited for a new start. On to the next chapter."

Before signing with the Dolphins, Wallace had spent his entire four-year career with the Steelers.   

Keep your eye on everything NFL by following John Breech on Twitter: @JohnBreech.