Ted Larsen – March 10, 2017
Download PDF version
Friday, March 10, 2017
Center/Guard Ted Larsen
(What drew you to Miami? How’d this happen?) – “I saw what they did last year and the style of offense they ran and how competitive they finished out the season, making it to the playoffs in the first year under (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase’s staff. I really felt like it was a team I wanted to be a part of.”
(How would you describe your style of play and your strengths?) – “I feel like I’m fairly versatile and that’s kind of … I can play right guard, left guard, center – wherever the team needs me – and I feel like I can play at a high level, at a starter-quality level. Everybody has strengths and weaknesses with pass blocking and run blocking. I feel like I’m fairly tough, smart and an athletic player.”
(This is a three-year deal? Is that correct?) – “Yes. That’s correct.”
(Where else had you looked? Where else was there interest?) – “There was all different interest. The thing for me is that Miami was a team I had been looking at and they … let’s say we kind of came and met in the middle. They were looking at me and I was looking at them. I thought it was a good place to go to compete and have a chance to go to the playoffs. This is where I ended up. That’s really all I’m focused on right now.”
(Do the Dolphins anticipate you playing right guard this year?) – “I’m just here to help the team and see. Wherever they want to put me is where they put me. I can play, like I said, right guard, left guard, center, at a quality level and I’m just kind of excited to get out and learn the system and compete.”
(What is your most comfortable position and what’s your comfort level at center?) – “My most comfortable position is the position that I’m able to play, that I’m given a chance to compete. Like I said, it makes no difference to me. I’ve played … I think I’ve started maybe 16 games total at center – maybe a few more, maybe a few less – something like that. But it’s fairly comfortable. I started the first two preseason games last year in Chicago at center. That’s my most recent center experience besides a couple of plays here and there last year where I had to fill in for injuries.”
(What do you notice about the scheme and what the Dolphins ask to do – ask that their offensive linemen to do – particularly in comparison to the scheme and style and assignments you’ve been given in the past?) – “I’ve had the opportunity to play for so many different offensive coordinators and different schemes and each team is unique and as I get here, I’m sure I’ll learn more about the scheme; but a lot of the stuff is also the same – your pass blocking, your run blocking. You may be asked to do it at a slightly different tempo or a slightly different angle, but I feel like Miami does a good job running, getting outside, running some outside zone, running inside zone. Like I said, a lot of teams do a lot of the same stuff. The little nuances and stuff is stuff that we’ll work on in the offseason. But I feel like it’s an explosive offense. They’ve got a ton of weapons and I’m excited to just kind of compete and help the team improve.”
(Is there any player or coach on the Dolphins roster where you have either a connection or relationship with?) – “There are a couple of guys. Anthony Steen, who played a little bit for the Dolphins last year, was on the practice squad when I was in Arizona. So I’ve got a little bit of experience with him. It was neat to watch him play last year and get an opportunity to start a couple of games.”
(I noticed you were born in Miami. How much of a homecoming do you consider this or do you consider yourself from other parts of the country?) – “I was actually … it said I was born in Miami since I got in the NFL, but I was born in Kansas and I just lived there briefly, and I grew up in Clearwater, Florida. I’ve played four years back in Tampa and now I’m coming back to Florida after a few years away, it’s exciting. Playing in Florida, it’s a different deal. The heat and the humidity is a challenge and hopefully you’re able to use that as a weapon against other teams. But coming back now with – I’ve got two kids and my wife – and we’re going to be able to enjoy, in the offseason, living near the water and taking advantage of that. For me, that’s awesome. Down here with the Everglades, Biscayne Bay, being able to enjoy that with my children is really important.”
(And you’re an outdoorsman or do you consider yourself an outdoors-type person?) – “Yes, absolutely – hunting, fishing, paddle boarding. I do really enjoy ,and that’s one of the things I’ve missed, is the fishing. I’ve still got my boat in Tampa so I’ve definitely missed that aspect of not being in Florida. Every day that’s – besides football – if you’re talking leisure, it’s definitely fishing.”
(What would you consider your career highlights so far?) – “I feel like as a sixth-round draft pick, being able to make it to – this is Year 8. I feel pretty good about that. Mainly, as far as the team, I was in Arizona. We had two teams that went to the playoffs. The second year I was there, we went to the NFC Championship. As a football player, you’re measured by how well your team does. Any time you can make the playoffs is really important to me and I feel like that’s one of the reasons why I’m here. I feel like this is a team that can go to the playoffs and win and consistently go to the playoffs and have that chance to compete.”
Lawrence Timmons – March 10, 2017
Download PDF version
Friday, March 10, 2017
Linebacker Lawrence Timmons
(Can you talk about this opportunity and what led you to signing with the Dolphins?) – “I had a visit here, I loved the energy here. I talked to the coaches and got a real nice response. I love the energy. I just felt it was fitting. I’m from here. I’ve been staying here for 10 years. It’s just fitting for me to be here.”
(Ten years in the NFL. What is it like to be dealing with the change of scenery?) – “It’s very different because you’ve been somewhere for so long. I love Steeler Nation always. You always respect what you’re true to. It’s just a new thing being here with the Dolphins. That’s why I love. Sometimes change is not so bad. It is a business. You can’t get caught up in it. I’ve just got to look at it as a business and do my job.”
(With a player of your experience, it is an inevitable question. How much do you have in the tank?) – “I’m the type of guy, I’m all or nothing. I’m going to try to give you my all no matter what. Nobody is going to change that.”
(What was the vibe that you got from Head Coach Adam Gase when you sat down and talked to him? I don’t know if you can compare it to other coaches but what kind of vibe did you get from Adam Gase?) – “Like I said, I like the energy here. You can tell the way this team was rocking the last four or five games of the year, they were a problem. They were a team to deal with. (With) me coming to that, I can add something to that. I can bring something to the table. For (Gase) to talk to me and give me the energy that he does, I want to do that for him.”
(What do you think about playing with LB Kiko Alonso? What do you know about him and how you guys might fit together?) – “He kind of reminds me of (Ryan) Shazier because he’s very fast. He’s got a lot of range. He’s all over the field. I like the way he plays and he picks the ball off pretty nice.”
(This is obviously a different scheme than what you are used to. What do you see your role is here? Are you a Mike or a strong-side linebacker?) – “I don’t know yet. When we figure everything out, we’re going to get it rocking.”
(What kind of a transition do you think it’s going to be going from a 3-4 to a 4-3?) – “I’m a football player. I’m just see-ball, get-ball. I’m not going to try to go out here and glamorize anything, I’m just going to go out here and play ball.”
(What did the Dolphins tell you they were looking to add and how does that align with your strengths?) – “I think me being an older player, I give them some veteran presence and some leadership from that standpoint. I’m just coming in, just trying to ante up to what we are doing here because it’s very special. I’m in the NFL, with the Miami Dolphins. God is good. This is beautiful.”
(What can you attribute to your remarkable durability?) – “God. I thank God every day. I work hard too, but God has always got my back. I work hard and stay loyal and stay true to that.”
(You mentioned the energy in the building. Was there an energy on the field? Did you notice anything about the Dolphins those two games last season?) – “Yes. Being in the AFC, you play against them (almost) every year, so we do know each other. It’s not necessarily Baltimore, but you know the two.”
(If you were asked to play outside linebacker, how do you think you’d react to that?) – “I don’t know. I don’t know about that. I’ll just figure out what they’re going to do. I just signed here. I haven’t even put a jersey on yet so I don’t know.”
(From my perspective, one of the things the Dolphins were lacking last year was kind of a physical intimidating linebacker – someone who could run, hit, chase quarterbacks and just sort of be aggressive. How does that align with your mindset and the skillset that you think you have?) – “They brought me here. I’m just trying to live up to those expectations. They believed in me. Football is what I love, what I live for. So, when I’m out there, I’m going to show that.”
William Hayes – March 10, 2017
Download PDF version
Friday, March 10, 2017
Defensive End William Hayes
(How would you describe your reaction to being traded to the Dolphins?) – “Nothing really surprises you in this league, but I got excited. I felt like it was a team that wanted me last year during free agency and for them to still have interest in me again, it wasn’t the worst feeling in the world. I think if it was anybody else, I probably would’ve been a little bit more bummed; but I’m excited to get the opportunity to play for (Head) Coach (Adam Gase) and hopefully help this team any way I can.”
(How close did you come to signing with the Dolphins last offseason?) – “Very close. Very close. It came down between them and L.A. and I guess I chose to continue to go with the coach (Jeff Fisher) I knew. But I was maybe 10 minutes away from taking a flight here and probably signing (with the Dolphins).”
(With DE Cameron Wake and DE Andre Branch here, how do you view your role?) – “Whatever role they want me to play. Whatever role I can help the team. Cam is an exceptional football player and whatever way I can fit in to help better the team, I’m going to be that guy, the role player. (I’m going to be) the guy that can come in and just help fill in the holes as needed.”
(Obviously you’ve had a long career. I don’t know how many winning teams you’ve been a part of. How important at this stage of your career is making a playoff run, making a Super Bowl run?) – “It’s huge. I want to leave this game and when I leave it, I want to win some games. That’s the good thing about Miami. I’m coming in with a team that had 10 wins last year and you see them on the incline. The team is going up. That’s a big other thing. This team is on the incline and it’s only going to get better. Hopefully, I can come in and help make the team a little bit better.”
(How would you describe your game? What are your specific strengths?) – “The run. I play the run. I think I play the run fairly well. I think I’m pretty good from a leadership role. I want to come in and create an image and when guys see a guy come in, work hard and bring his lunch pail to work every day, but also have fun at the same time. That’s what I want to bring this team. I’m not trying to come in here and change the culture or try to do anything amazing. I just want to come in and fill that role that’s needed and help lead the team in a way that it’s probably already been led.”
(Do you have any friends on the Dolphins roster?) – “Not now; but hopefully in the next couple of weeks I’ll have couple of friends. (laughter)”
(Do you think the change of the coaching staff in L.A. kind of led to this? You obviously had been with Jeff Fisher for a long time.) – “I’m not sure what led to it, but I’m okay with whatever led to it. That’s something I can’t control. I’m not going to sit up here and try to figure out why it happened the way it happened. I’m just grateful that I have the opportunity to continue to play football and that’s what I definitely want to do. I’m not trying to go into this and figure out maybe if I would’ve done this different, if I was … I don’t know. That’s not really my concern anymore. I’m not affiliated with L.A. Rams anymore. I’m a Miami Dolphin. I’m not trying to figure out why. I’m not trying to be disrespectful, but I’m just not really trying to figure out why I got traded. I’m just happy to be where I’m at right now and I want to win.”
(You mentioned having fun. How would you describe your personality and how that plays into who you are?) – “Full of life. I don’t know what I’m going to be when I … Every day I can come in and I can be a different character. But it’s never going to be negative. I just want to … I’m all about positive vibes. You can be happy and come to work and you can enjoy coming to work, it makes coming to work a lot easier. So that’s what I’m all about. I’m about good vibes and just creating a good atmosphere for me and everybody around me.”
(A little bit of a left field question but I think I saw on Hard Knocks, your take on dinosaurs not existing but mermaids existing. Is that correct? Elaborate on that.) – “I’m going to give you a quick little tutorial on the way William Hayes thinks. My theory is, I don’t necessarily believe in mermaids; but I believe in a theory there could be mermaids. For me personally, we have this world that is 80 percent water or something ridiculous like that. We’ve only discovered a small part of it. Every single day we pull out different creatures out of the ocean and we find different forms of life in the ocean. So my whole thing is, who is it to say there can’t be an Ariel floating down there in the water. We haven’t even looked everywhere. There are certain areas of the ocean that we can’t even see. So that’s my theory on mermaids. It’s a body of water. We made up this mythical creature called mermaids. It had to come from somewhere. With all of the body of water out there, I’m just convinced there could be (a mermaid) out there. But as far as the dinosaur thing, I just can’t roll with it. I go to the dinosaur museums and people tell me you see a fossil. You might see one bone that’s a fossil they dug up and everything else are just pieces they put together around the fossil and created a T-Rex. When I went to the Hard Knocks thing, I went to the dinosaur museum and they told me most of the fossils that was on the one dinosaur, everything was completely fake. It was just like made-up fossils. It was maybe like one leg – just a piece of a leg. You would have to create this big massive creature. It just doesn’t make sense.
(Are there any other interesting theories you have? I guess just to dig into your personality a little bit.) – “I don’t think men ever went to the moon. They told me not to say nothing, but that’s just another one. I’ve got plenty of theories. I can do it all day but we don’t have to do it right now.”
Nate Allen – March 10, 2017
Download PDF version
Friday, March 10, 2017
Safety Nate Allen
(What was your understanding from talking to the Dolphins about the role they want you in this year?) – “We didn’t really talk too much specifics right now. It was more so just getting to know everybody and the different stuff they like to do as a defense and the culture around the organization. I don’t expect anything. I’m just ready to come in and start working right away and getting to know everybody and start building that chemistry together with everybody.”
(What sold you on the Dolphins then?) – “Just being close to home – I grew up in Fort Myers – and just the direction that this organization is going. It’s headed in the right (direction). They’ve got the right people and they’re bringing in people and I’m just excited to be a part of it.”
(Can you talk about how your health is? Obviously you had that setback two years ago and then you played last year. Where are you physically right now?) – “I’m healthy. I feel good. Yes, I had that little MCL thing but that’s all good. I played all last year and I’m healthy. I feel good, no problems and I feel good to go.”
(Sometimes a knee injury takes two full years for you to feel right. Were you still hampered by it last year and is that the case that you’ve totally recovered from it?) – “I don’t think I was hampered with it last year. It was just certain things happened last year. I was just doing whatever I needed to do in Oakland. I’m 100 percent. I’m good to go. I’m healthy.”
(How would you describe yourself as a safety, your style of play?) – “I like thinking of myself as being pretty well-rounded and all-around. I feel like I have pretty good ball skills and I feel like I can tackle pretty well. I feel like I’m pretty knowledgeable about being back there at safety and I’ve been doing it for a while now. Hopefully I can bring some knowledge to the room and just help the guys out however I can. I know we’ve got a good room and a good group of guys so I’m excited to start working with them.”
(What do you think of the opportunity to play alongside S Reshad Jones?) – “It would be great to play alongside him. He’s a heck of a player. Like I’ve been telling everybody, I’ve watched him through the years. He’s a heck of a player. His play speaks for itself. We can learn from each other and I’m excited to start working with him.”
(How many teams were you talking to and what was the deciding factor with Miami aside from I guess money?) – “You obviously want to take care of certain aspects of things but I’d rather be in a more comfortable place where I’m happy and my family is happy than necessarily about the dollar signs because at this point in my career, I want to enjoy who I am playing with and enjoy the coaches I’m around and just be part of a group that has a chance to do something big. That’s what I feel like we can do here in Miami.”
(Is it fair to assume that you may have left some money on the table elsewhere to come to Miami?) – “No, not necessarily. I just like what’s going on here and like I said, I’m close to home. My family can come watch me play. There are certain things that you just can’t put a dollar sign on that appeal to me, being here in Miami.”
(Do you consider yourself a player that’s more likely to play closer to the line of scrimmage or deep?) – “I feel (I can do) both. I’m pretty comfortable in both scenarios. Throughout my career I’ve played down in the box before; I’ve played in the post. I feel like I’m pretty well-rounded and have a lot to offer.”
Andre Branch – March 10, 2017
Download PDF version
Friday, March 10, 2017
Defensive End Andre Branch
(What was the biggest reason that the deal was able to get done?) – “Since I got to Miami, it felt like a family-based organization and I haven’t felt that since college … The fit was just right. We’ve got some unfinished business here down in Miami and I want to be a part of that.”
(I assume there were other teams involved. I know you won’t probably want to say specifically who, but how many teams are in the mix and was there one that was close to Miami and Miami won out because of your familiarity with them?) – “There were quite a few. There were quite a few but I’m very happy to be a Dolphin and I’m very happy to continue playing with my teammates and my brothers.”
(How does this contract impact your life?) – “I talked to my financial guy. I was like, ‘So what different can I do?’ He was like, ‘Um, you really don’t spend money on anything but fashion and food.’ Other than that, I might just eat out a little bit more and buy another item per month, but other than that I’m living a good life already. The only way it’s going to impact is … This contract was for my mother. I’m able to take care of her and give her what she wants. She’ll tell you she doesn’t want anything but I guess I can spoil her now.”
(I’m sure you’ve paid attention to all of the moves the Dolphins have made. A) Are you aware of it? And B) If so, how excited are you to have this talent infusion on defense? You guys obviously at the end of last year were down a bunch of bodies. Now it seems like you’re stocked up.) – “I’ve been noticing the (additions) on the offensive and defensive side. I’ve got my brothers back in Reshad (Jones) and I’ve got Kenny (Stills) back on offense. So for me, it’s awesome we added some key pieces. With the depth now, it should be a very, very good season.”
(What do you believe your ceiling as a player is?) – “I’m just getting started. I didn’t start until Week 7 (last year). So with me, I’m just going to go out there and give it my all and continue to grind and continue to be the best player that I can be to help this team win.”
(NFL fans and NFL media, they judge players who make more money in a certain way. Have you thought about how, now that you make more money, that might view or impact the way that your performance is judged and viewed?) – “At the end of the day, I play for my teammates and my coaches and fans. For me, I’m going to go out there like I’ve done since I stepped in the league and give it my all. Nothing is going to change, that’s for sure. I feel like I have a lot of unfinished business to handle. I know what (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase wants out of me and I know what I’m going to give this team, and that’s going to be my best each and every day. Outside of that, I don’t really know what they say.”
(Do you have any professional goals? Pro Bowl, 10 sacks, anything like that, that you now want to go out and get?) – “I have a ton of goals. I actually set these goals last year and the list has changed now, but I’m not going to say those goals. I’ll let you know at the end of the season if I hit those goals. I think you’ll know if I hit them or not. (laughter)”
Anthony Fasano – March 9, 2017
Download PDF version
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Tight End Anthony Fasano
(How expected was this for you? Did this come out of the blue or was this something you were thinking about?) – “It materialized pretty quickly for me. I always knew there was some interest but different dominoes fell different ways for a couple of different teams. It ended up working out for a great situation for myself.”
(I think Pro Football Focus rated you as the best run blocking tight end in the entire NFL last year. How would you describe why you’re an effective run blocker and how important it is to you?) – “I think it’s an important part of the position – somewhat of a lost art in the NFL nowadays – so it’s something I take great pride in. I do believe to be a good football team you need to be a good running team, and good running teams have good blocking tight ends. It takes everybody on the field on offense, but I take pride in my run blocking. I’m not too up on who keeps those stats but I’ll take them where I can get them.”
(How important was it for you to come back to this organization after the five years you spent here before?) – “It definitely weighed heavy on me when making the decision. I never had ill feelings when I left. I always followed and rooted for them and the guys that I knew on the team. I still live in South Florida during the offseasons. It was a great fit and I look forward to getting to work here.”
(What do you know about Head Coach Adam Gase and how you will fit into his offense?) – “We’re just starting to get to know each other personally. I knew about him just from news around the league and talking to different buddies around the league. I’ve heard all great things and look forward to getting to know him more personally. He’s always had success wherever he’s been. He’s kind of known quietly as the quarterback whisperer. I look forward to getting involved in the offense and picking it up quickly.”
(You were with QB Ryan Tannehill for a year, I believe. What’s your guys’ relationship?) – “We’re still great friends off the field (and) always stay in touch during the season, just checking in on each other. I’ve always been a big fan of him. He was a great teammate for the year that we were teammates and he continues to be a great friend. He was another reason – another decision factor – on why I came back. I really believe in him and the prospects for this team.”
(You said you followed him and followed the Dolphins for the past few years. Have you seen a big change from QB Ryan Tannehill dating back to when you guys were teammates?) – “Yes, I have. Don’t get me wrong, I thought he had a great rookie year when I was here, as well. I had high expectations for him then and he’s just continued to meet them. I look forward to tying to help him out and accomplish our goals together.”
(How would you describe kind of where you are in your career and how would you like your career to end?) – “I’m searching for a playoff run and an opportunity to win the Super Bowl. That’s where I’m at in my career. I’m going into my 12th year and I’m not really concerned about stats or this, that and the other thing. I just want to make a playoff run and get a chance to win a Super Bowl ring.”
(I don’t know how much of a chance you’ve had to study TE Julius Thomas’ game, but what do you know about him?) – “I don’t know much. I know he’s had tremendous success in his career so far. We played in the same division in Jacksonville the last couple of years; but again, I’m looking forward to getting to know him well too. I’ve heard all positive things.”
Reshad Jones – March 9, 2017
Download PDF version
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Safety Reshad Jones
(When we talked to General Manager Chris Grier last week, he sounded very confident this would get done. Was this a fairly painless process between you and the organization?) – “They kept their word. I’m glad it’s behind me. It’s a surreal moment. I’m excited to be back. I’m excited to be out there with my teammates.”
(Did you have an idea that it would be today? Was it the plan all along that it would happen today?) – “I kind of had an idea. I knew it would be by the end of this week. I wasn’t certain that it would get done today, but I had an idea.”
(How much was this weighing on your mind? As far as you, was this the No. 1 thing on your mind or No. 2 after the shoulder recovery?) – “I think my health is important. It is No. 1, so I wanted to get back healthy and I think I’m pretty much where I need to be. I’ve just got to keep working. (The) contract was probably my No. 2 priority; but I’m glad it’s behind me now. I don’t want to focus on too much. Nothing changes for me in terms of continuing to be consistent and go out there and help this team win football games.”
(How important was it for you to be among the top half-dozen paid safeties in football?) – “I think it was important. I put so much into this game. My hard work and dedication has paid off for me and I’m thankful. I’m grateful.”
(Can you update us a little more specifically on where you are physically?) – “I’ll be ready for camp. I’ll be ready for offseason programs.”
(Can you describe how you see the remainder of your Dolphins career going?) – “I wish I could tell the future but I do know I’m going to give it my all – like I’ve been doing –dedicating myself on and off the field to the game and to the Miami Dolphins. Who knows? I think I have a high ceiling. I just want to continue to be consistent and continue to show I’m one of the best safeties in the game.”
(How much have you followed what’s going on so far in free agency for you guys as far as acquiring TE Julius Thomas at tight end, everything’s that’s happened with Kenny Stills, with Andre Branch? I see the ‘New Miami’ out there. How confident are you about the future of this team and what do you think you guys can do next season?) – “I think our ceiling is very high. I think we’re building something special here. We have to give credit to our staff and (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase putting the right pieces of the puzzle together. I think it’s shaping up pretty well. We just have to continue to work, focus, put our head down and build off what we did last year.”
(Since we’ve seen you, former Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph has gotten a head coaching job and Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke has been promoted. What do you think about those two things?) – “I think Coach ‘V.J.’ (Vance Joseph) is well deserving of a head coaching job. Coach Burke is a great coach. I think he’s deserving of a defensive coordinator (position). I’m looking forward to playing a part of it.”
Kenny Stills – March 8, 2017
Download PDF version
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Wide Receiver Kenny Stills
(How do you feel about the way this has turned out and why did you want to stay?) – “Obviously it makes me very happy and excited for this deal to get done. This is what we wanted from the very beginning and like I said, it’s something we wanted from the start – the fact that I wanted to be back here with this team and we were building something special, and so that’s exactly why I’m back.”
(Did you think you could have gotten more money from another team and how much was a certain amount of money a factor in the negotiations here?) – “You know there’s always opportunities out there – other opportunities – but I was focused on what we’re doing here in Miami and what we’re building here and honestly, that’s really all I cared about.”
(Was staying in Miami something that theoretically would have been worth taking less money for you to do because of how important it was for you to be with this particular team?) – “Yes, definitely. And that’s something I talk to with the younger guys all the time. It helped that I had two different experiences with two different teams and different head coaches, and I was able to make the best decision that I thought was for me and my family and also something that I knew that I was going to be able to live with in the long run.”
(You’ve obviously been in the league for four years now, but this is kind of life-changing money. It’s your first huge contract in the NFL. Has that kind of set in yet, that your life’s pretty good now?) – “Honestly, I haven’t really thought about that. I’m happy and I’m excited and I think back at some of the low times in my life and the things that I’ve been through and all of the hard work and sacrifice that myself and a lot of people have put in for me to get to this position, so I’m just thankful. I’m happy to be here. I know it is right.”
(You established yourself as a major player in the community with all the stuff you did in your first two seasons in Miami. What kind of role did your community work and what you do in the community – what you’re able to do here – play in you wanting to stay here?) – “It played a big role. All the relationships that I’ve built here in Miami – every single person in this building, every single person that works for this organization and the fans – from Day 1, have made me feel like I was at home. Like I said, I believe we have something special not only here in this building, but here in Miami. We’re going to continue to build on that the best that we can.”
(When you say that you feel like you guys are building something special, is there one reason for that? Is it Head Coach Adam Gase? Is it the 10-6 finish, the six-game winning streak? Is there one reason or maybe one or two primary reasons you have that feeling?) – “I have that feeling from the top down – from what (Owner) Mr. (Stephen) Ross has invested in this team and all the way to the players and the people in this building. Everybody is working towards one common goal. When you have an organization being ran that way, you have something special, and that’s what I’m talking about.”
(When we saw Head Coach Adam Gase in Indianapolis, he mentioned that some days he felt good about you coming back. Some days he said he felt like crap about you coming back. He said he hates free agency. He said that he has a very special relationship with you. How would you describe the role that Coach Gase played in your decision to want to come back? What is it about him that allows you guys to connect?) – “It’s tough. I would echo what he said about the free agency process. It’s tough, and we – day-by-day – had these different ups and downs and feeling like if it was going to get done or not. Our relationship is unique, because of him, and he allows that with this team and with the guys on this team. I feel like that’s a part of this building being special. He really, genuinely cares about us and is looking out for us and wants what’s in our best interest. So, it makes it easy to play for a guy like that.
(I’m sure you don’t want to talk too much about negotiations, but I wanted to ask you how many other teams called about you, how many teams you seriously considered, and if there is a … Philadelphia is obviously a name that we heard thrown out there. Was that accurate?) – “You can’t believe everything that you read, but a majority of what was out there was pretty true. We had three major players in this. Like I said, I felt like Miami was the best place for me.”
Page 1 of 11
