Tua Tagovailoa – October 15, 2023 (Postgame)
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Sunday, October 15, 2023
Postgame – Carolina
Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa
Q. Did you call an audible again for the WR Tyreek Hill touchdown this week?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Well, me and Tyreek talked in the huddle about that entire deal before his touchdown, and Mike (McDaniel) was actually on schedule with what we wanted to do. He said, ‘Here’s the play, but if you want to do this, if you want to do that, I don’t care. It’s not basically giving you full control, but I trust that you’re going to make it right.’ So that’s what we did.
But I kind of want to also just bring to the attention, I didn’t really realize how bad things were in Israel, and just wanted to bring to attention, for those who don’t necessarily understand things that are going on, that it really is bad, and if you don’t understand, if you go on Google, you look, you search, and you read about what’s going on in this world, this world needs prayer. I don’t know what we’ve come to, but just my thoughts, my prayers are out with those people in Israel. I know the Ukraine and Russia war is still going on, as well, and just wanted to bring notice that although we have the freedom to do this here, play football and be able to have the freedom to do these things that to come back into reality and think, that’s where we all are here in this world. Just want to bring that to the attention. Hopefully we all come together and can pray for the kids, the children, the wives, the women and the men that are putting themselves out there every day for those unfortunate events that are happening right now.
Q. I know you had an embrace with Panthers QB Bryce Young after the game. What did that mean, another one of your Alabama brethren?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Yeah, the conversation that I felt like if I was on the other side of the ball, I would want someone to tell me. I think he’s doing a tremendous job. There’s going to be times where you’re going to make mistakes because you’re a rookie, and there’s things that when he plays the next game that he wished he knew this game, and he’ll continue to grow from that. I just told him to keep the press, the naysayers, other people, that’s just external factors. They’re going to say what they’re going to say, but you continue to believe in yourself, you continue to do the right things, you’re going to go far.
Q. You guys are so good at home. I think you’re like 15-2. What makes it so good playing in this building?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: I think for one, the atmosphere that we have here. The fans come out and it’s really loud for the opposing team to hear. It’s probably been one of the loudest that I’ve ever heard today, while the opposing team was on third down. But I think it’s that, and then just the work that our guys in the facility have been putting in. This is one of the best weeks of practice that I’ve seen overall from all our guys. It says a lot with how we’ve come down from a 14-0 deficit and sort of overturned that entire deal into what it was.
Q. Slow starts aren’t really the norm for you guys. What do you think happened there at the start of the game?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Well, I think there were some mishaps, but you’ve also got to give credit to their defense. Their defense did a good job with what they thought we were going to do, and some of them, they guessed right, and some of them, we just needed to be better with our technique. That’s all the way across the board.
Q. No sacks today; what can you say about Eichenberg, Lamm and the whole o-line?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Yeah, that’s who you’ve got to give the credit to. You’ve got to give the credit to those guys up front. I think Liam did a great job of making the call, and whether it was the right call or not, just letting our guys go and play and we’ll play off of that or we’ll figure it out on the fly. He did a great job under center with his snaps, in the gun with his snaps. Really wasn’t any snap too high or too low. I think he’s starting to feel comfortable with the position that he’s at now. But it goes to say that our running game flourished because of those guys up there. I’m very proud of the way they performed, and we’re going to hope to continue this going into next week.
Q. You mentioned facing one Alabama quarterback today. What do you think of the one you’ll be facing next week, Jalen Hurts, a guy you’re a little more familiar with?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Yeah, it’s going to be good. I’ve got a lot of respect for Jalen (Hurts). I think this is a game that a lot of people are going to want to see, given the talent that’s on that side of the ball, the talent that’s on this side of the ball. It’s one of those where, okay, we’ve got a lot of good matchups across the board. How are these guys going to play us, how are we going to come out against these guys. So we’re really excited for this next opponent.
Q. This team is now 5-1 for the first time in 20-plus years. What does this mean to you to be one of the leaders on this team towards your goal/
TUA TAGOVAILOA: 5-1, it is what it is right now. It feels good any time you can get a win, but the job is not done yet. Where we want to go, we’ve got to continue to stack wins together.
Q. Tyreek did a backflip holding a cell phone…
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Unbelievable. Crazy. That’s the exact reaction I would have. You couldn’t even finish your question.. (laughter)
Q. I was just wondering what you thought.
TUA TAGOVAILOA: It was unbelievable. I didn’t even know he backflipped. I didn’t because I was looking to the sideline, and I was kind of gesturing to Mike (McDaniel), given the freedom that he gave me and Tyreek on that play. Then when I looked back, Tyreek was like almost – he was like sprinting towards me. I didn’t get to see it until I looked on the Jumbotron.
Q. What makes him such an inviting target for you? Why is this connection going so well?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: You just know where he’s going to be. Speed kills. You know that these other teams see that. Those guys have put that on film. It’s not just with Tyreek, it’s with Jaylen. We also have our running backs. There are a lot of other guys that are sneaky fast, as well, but they don’t get that opportunity much because of those guys. Yeah, that’s what I would say to that.
Q. Tyreek set the new NFL record for most yards through six games.
TUA TAGOVAILOA: What was it?
Q. It was 812, I believe it’s 814 now. Obviously you helped in that. What is it about – I know you mentioned what it is about him, but building your connection with him over the last two years, how has it led for you guys to be on the same page like you are?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Yeah, it helps. It helps having someone like him that anytime you get press, there’s a possible signal you can give him or there’s a possible eye contact deal that you can give him. Working through those things in practice and having those conversations where it’s, dude, that’s not even what we called, but as long as you guys know what you’re doing, like I trust that you guys are going to make it work. That’s what this past two years has done for quarterback to receiver, that sort of relationship. Then we meet and we talk about things that we want, not just with Tyreek, with Jaylen, with Braxton, with those that are included in the game plan.
Q. Your thoughts on RB Raheem Mostert’s performance today, being able to do what he did on the field, three touchdowns, just incredible as a teammate?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: It’s incredible, and that should tell you a lot because of the guys that we have in the running back room that I thought they did really good, too. Chris Brooks did really good, Salvon Ahmed did really well. But it’s hard when it’s being overpowered by the performance that Raheem (Mostert) had. But I mean, Raheem has been a great teammate. He’s a really, really good player. Very happy for him. I know the guys in the locker room are happy for him. He’s a great leader, and he’s got a lot of respect. He’s the old head. He’s the old head. To have the amount of respect he has from all these young guys, it means a lot to him. For him, his mindset is I’m never too old to play this child’s game.
Q. You alluded to this earlier, but what was the freedom that Head Coach Mike McDaniel gave you and WR Tyreek Hill on that touchdown play.
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Yeah, he basically said, ‘you can call this play or you can do this, but like whatever you want to do, like I trust that you guys are going to make it right.’ So that’s what we did. Turned out to be a backflip for Tyreek.
Q. Did you read something and make the call then?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Well, it’s on my wristband, and I get to call it and we have deals that we communicate in the huddle about. That’s what happened.
Tyreek Hill – October 15, 2023 (Postgame)
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Sunday, October 15, 2023
Postgame – Carolina
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill
Q. Tell us about the celebration. You had that planned the whole way?
TYREEK HILL: No, it’s just one of those things that kind of happened. I saw the camera and I just took it from him and he didn’t want me to take it from him. So I just called my shot. I’m just hoping that I didn’t lock the phone and the video actually went through so I look forward to…
Q. It’s out there. It’s already out there. It stopped at half a flip.
TYREEK HILL: Oh, man, that’s very hurtful. I know the NFL is going to fine me for about, but it’s worth it, though, just being able to create memories I can look back on when I’m done playing is always something I think of each and every time I play this game. Every time I step on the field, I’m going to try to make it memorable.
Q. Every time you’re going to make it memorable and lose some dollars, man. When does it become not worth it for you?
TYREEK HILL: I just feel like to me, I’m having so much fun. My life isn’t about money. I never really played this game for money. I play this game for passion. Even before I had the money, I feel like our great God, he used to wake me up each and every day and give me drive to go out and do what I love to do. That’s football. I could care less about money. I know the money is going to come obviously if I continue to play the way I’ve been playing. Coach (McDaniel) is setting me up and stuff like that. It’ll come. You feel me? Not saying I don’t love money, but yeah, man, I’m just having fun, enjoying it.
Q. Through six games you have the NFL record for the most yards…
TYREEK HILL: Seriously? I don’t get caught up into any of that, but to be at the top of that list is something I’m always grateful for. I feel like to me, I feel like that’s what it’s all about, me being able to set the standard, not only for our receiving room, but it’s bigger than that to me. I’ve got kids, and I want them to just look at their father as like, hey, my father used to attack it every day. He used to work hard every day. That’s just the standard I’m trying to set for not only this team but for my legacy and my family and my kids.
Q. You guys really don’t lose at home. I think you’re like 15-2 now. What is it about playing in this building, why you guys are so successful at home?
TYREEK HILL: Just the 12th man factor, man. Our fans do a great job of bringing great energy to this stadium each and every game, win or lose, so that always helps. Yeah, our fans have been great. Just having the ability to stay at home and then just coming straight to the game always helps, too, though, not traveling on a plane, obviously, and doing all the extra stuff obviously helps. But I’ve definitely got to say, the 12th man is definitely a factor. It’s becoming a factor the more and more we win.
Q. I’m trying to get to the root of the IV issue. How fast did you get an IV after you went into the tunnel?
TYREEK HILL: I’m the Cheetah, baby. Everything happens fast with me. What’s crazy is I’m really sad about that play, and I know the team is going to give me a lot of crap for it, and they’re going to say I got ran down again. But as soon as I took a step, my calf was like, no, sir, time to go get an IV. It was crazy.
Q. You didn’t get an IV at halftime?
TYREEK HILL: Man, I got an IV at the beginning of the game, halftime, then I had to come in and get one for that, too, though. I had to at least have six bags today, which is crazy.
Q. Statistically you’re having the best season of your career. Do you feel like you’re playing the best football you’ve ever played?
TYREEK HILL: Yeah, yeah. Obviously the credit doesn’t only go to myself. Like we have such a tremendous team, and it’s so well-rounded that it gets me open with the offensive creativity that Mike draws up each and every week, him and Frank, they do a great job, and also having the playmakers around also plays into that. Obviously the offensive line is playing great ball up front, so that’s also a key, and then Tua (Tagovailoa). Like Tua, I just feel like the way he’s been playing over the past few weeks — well, ever since I’ve been here, he’s been lights out. All of that plays into me playing well. I know a lot of people will say, ‘Reek, it’s all because of you.’ It’s not, man. It’s really because I’m on a really good team.
Q. What do you think about getting the Eagles next on Sunday Night Football?
TYREEK HILL: I’m looking forward to it. Looking forward to playing against a really good team, Super Bowl runner-up, and it’s going to be fun. I think we definitely need a challenge like that. It’s going to be a real good challenge up front and on the back end because they’ve got two All-Pro corners. Obviously their d-line is real good. Looking forward to it. I love to compete, baby, so I only want to go against the best.
Q. Just to confirm, the guy in the back of the end zone, that’s not K-Fitz who you worked with previously?
TYREEK HILL: K-Fitz? Yeah, that’s my boy K-Fitz. Yeah, that was him.
Q. What was the team’s response on the sideline after going down 14-0 in the first quarter?
TYREEK HILL: You know what’s crazy, man? I’m not going to say that, but you know what, there was no pressure at all. I feel like last year obviously – I’m going to talk about last year. Going into games like this one whenever we was down 14-0, there was doubt, but it seemed like today was different. Everybody was calm. Everybody was relaxed because we understand how the game goes and how well we are prepared. You feel me? Our head coach, he has done a great job on preparing this team. Shoutout to him for just getting this team to that level, and it’s awesome to see. It’s awesome to play.
Q. What do you have to say about the naysayers that think this early run has been a cupcake schedule. We’re coming to the second half of the season right before the meat and potatoes. What do you have to say to those naysayers?
TYREEK HILL: Hey, we just let the outside people talk, man. It’s our job to obviously stay in our lane and play ball, and we wouldn’t be who we are today without the naysayers. We must be doing something right if they’re out there talking. And I’ve been saying this all season, get your popcorn ready, man. Get it ready.
Zach Thomas (Third Quarter) – October 15, 2023
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Sunday, October 15, 2023
Third Quarter – Carolina Panthers
Hall of Fame Dolphins LB Zach Thomas on CBS Broadcast
(I am joined by a special guest in Zach Thomas. Zach, congratulations on your induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. You were just honored here at halftime, how cool was that for you?) – “Well, what was even cooler was running out with my kids for one last time. That was special. I miss those days. This organization’s been so good to me, but to be able to end it on that was amazing.”
(Give us a shot of that ring, it’s pretty awesome. Take us back to August when you were actually inducted into the Hall of Fame. Is there a special memory that stands out from that?) – “I think the gauntlet. When you’re walking down the gauntlet and you’ve got all these Hall of Famers there, guys you used to look up to, Larry Csonka and Dan Marino, it’s just amazing to give them a hug and be part of that team. It’s surreal.”
(Zach, you’re one of the best defensive players of all time. What would it have been like going up against this incredible Dolphins offense?) – “Wow, they do so much movement and motion and everything, it’s just a confusion to slow you down. It would be tough.”
Zach Thomas (Halftime) – October 15, 2023
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Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023
Halftime – Carolina Panthers
Hall of Fame Dolphins LB Zach Thomas (Halftime Ceremony)
President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Jim Porter:
“The mission of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is to honor the greatest of the game, preserve its history, promote its values and celebrate excellence together. Today, we get to celebrate that excellence by presenting and honoring Pro Football Hall of Famer Zach Thomas with his Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence presented and created by our great partners at Kay Jewelers. The Ring of Excellence along with the bronze bust and the gold jacket are the three iconic symbols that represent inclusion into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Over 300 million people have played this great sport of football, 30 million on college campuses and just 30,000 in the NFL. Zach Thomas is one of only 371 Pro Football Hall of Famers. This game is built upon the shoulders of men like Zach, and Zach thank you for all you’ve done for our great game.”
Miami Dolphins General Partner and Owner Stephen Ross:
“Thank you. It is my thrill to be able to introduce Zach Thomas. We all know Zach Thomas and what he stood for. We know where he came from. A fifth-round draft choice to become one of the greatest, if not the greatest, defensive Dolphin of all time. He is everything you could ever want in a ballplayer. To this day, his legacy remains among every single day. I know when we’re in the draft room when they’re evaluating players, everybody asks, ‘Could this be the next Zach Thomas?’ We are proud of all of his achievements, for what he has meant to this team, as well as this community, and what he has meant for the National Football League. It is my pleasure to introduce Zach Thomas, as we are so proud to enter him in the Hall of Fame as a Miami Dolphin.”
Hall of Fame Dolphins LB Zach Thomas:
“Thank you, Miami! I want to thank Jim Porter, I’m grateful you’re leading our Hall of Fame team. I want to thank Stephen Ross and Tom Garfinkel for making this Hall of Fame experience so memorable and extra special for me and my family. My deepest gratitude is to God, my family and friends, the entire Dolphins organization, my teammates, coaches and staff. Most importantly – I want to say this very clearly – I thank each and every one of you fans for helping me get to Canton. Your energy fueled me every Sunday, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you Miami. This is my home. I am a Miami Dolphin for life. God bless you all. Go Dolphins, and now let’s win this second half!”
