CLEVELAND — His long, painful comeback complete, D’Qwell Jackson couldn’t contain his tears and broke down.

It had all been worth it.

Cleveland’s middle linebacker, who fought back after missing almost two full seasons with torn muscles on both sides of his chest to become a star for the Browns again, signed a multi-year contract Monday with the club.

For Jackson, the security ended an ordeal that nearly ended his career. After suffering his second torn pectoral muscle and missing the entire 2010 season, Jackson through his career might be over.

But he pushed on, and won.

“At that point, being at the time which I thought was the lowest of the low, I was able to get out of it, dig myself out of the hole and it wasn’t the end of the world,” he said. “Not being able to play football would not have been the end of the world, but that’s my life right now and I was going to put my best foot forward doing it.”

ESPN reported Jackson’s deal is worth $42.5 million over five years and includes $19 million in guaranteed money and roster bonuses.

At the end of his news conference, Jackson struggled to keep his composure when asked about the doubts that crept into his head.

“You can’t think about it,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “You have to think about getting healthy.”