I can remember Rodwell being talked about as a certainty for a long England career. But like so many others, he just couldn't stay fit - but still, I'm sure £70k a week for 4 years was some compensation. Certainly more than was earned by many similarly injury-plagued players, such as the likes of Christian Ribeiro (ex-City, retired at 28 IIRC).
Grauniad article about Jack Rodwell