Clive Walford – March 15, 2019
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Friday, March 15, 2019
TE Clive Walford
(What went into your decision to join the Dolphins?) – “To be home. I played college ball here and just the opportunity to come help this team out.”
(How would you describe your strengths as a player at this point in your career?) – “I’d like to say that I’m versatile. I can catch the ball downfield, I can make some in-line blocks and pretty much do both, so I like to say I’m versatile.”
(Can you tell me a little bit about Belle Glade and Palm Beach? On NFL.com it says you were born in Clewiston but I’ve also seen you listed as Belle Glade and South Bay. Can you tell me about where you grew up and where your family is now and all of that?) – “So that’s kind of negative. I’m originally from South Bay but I grew up in South Bay and Belle Glade. It was a poor, rough upcoming environment. Like most athletes, we chased rabbits and did stuff like that to kind of help our ability on the field.”
(You had a promising first two years of your career when you were in Oakland. What happened from then? Was it injuries? Was it the ATV accident? What went wrong?) – “Just timing. Unfortunately, after my second year, the Raiders brought in a new offensive coordinator and a new staff. Then they also brought in a veteran tight end, Jared Cook, so some of my opportunities started to diminish. I just wasn’t getting the same opportunities that I was getting my first two years.”
(How do you feel physically now?) – “I feel great. I’m in the best shape of my life at this point. This should be my best year to date.”
(When you talked to the Dolphins, who did you talk with? Did you come for a visit or did you just sign after a phone conversation? What is it about this coaching staff that makes you optimistic it’s headed in the right direction?) – “Obviously, (Head) Coach (Brian) Flores, he comes from a winning background being they just won the Super Bowl. I think they have a great staff that he’s put together. It’s a fresh start to my career. I got the opportunity to go in here, help this tight end room and help the offense and just kind of make my mark on the team.”
(Have you crossed paths with TE Nick O’Leary from Palm Beach in your career?) – “We actually had a route-running session last summer. We spoke and shook each other’s hand. It’s a mutual respect. Obviously, he’s a competitor and I’m a competitor, so there’s no bad blood between me and him.”
