Anthony Fasano – May 24, 2017
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Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Tight End Anthony Fasano
(How does it feel to be back?) – “It’s great. A lot of similar things and people in the building, but a lot has changed at the same time. A lot of change for the better, so I’m happy to be part of it.”
(What is the biggest difference you noticed with the last time you were here? You were part of two coaching staffs and what you see here now.) – “I just think that the competitiveness and pretty much the day-to-day atmosphere has really increased – the tempo of practice, the speed, the willingness to work. Not that it was lacking in the past, but it’s exceptionally high right now.”
(Does that have to do with expectations of where this team was last year, knowing they could’ve gone further, as opposed to the past when maybe things were a little rocky?) – “Yes, I think that helps. But it comes from the top down. It starts with (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase and what he brings and the culture he brings to our meetings every day. It kind of permeates through our team. I wasn’t here last year, but I can see from some of the film I watched early last year to now, a lot has changed for the better.”
(When did the idea of coming back to South Florida get on your radar?) – “Not until free agency started really – the day of. It came together pretty quickly. I was actually traveling that day and landed to a bunch of missed calls and messages that I had to field pretty quickly while I was in an Uber on the way home. It materialized pretty quickly, but I’m extremely happy how it worked out.”
(When you were thinking before free agency of possible teams you could end up with, did Miami enter your mind at all? Or were you thinking, ‘Well, they traded for TE Julius Thomas, they’ve got TE Dion Sims, this likely wouldn’t be a fit.’?) – “I think more so when Dion went to Chicago, I think it became more of a realistic opportunity. But I have always kept a home here. I was going to live here after playing or wherever I ended up anyway. So it was kind of a natural process and made sense for me and my family.”
(What more have you learned about what your role could be since we last talked to you right after you signed?) – “I don’t think much has been determined since then. I think right now we’re really working that out and seeing where people fit into the offense and where their skills lie. Hopefully I can bring something to the table; but I’m encouraged the way we’re working so far.”
(You mentioned a competitiveness. Can you give us one example where you just thought, ‘Wow, that’s surprising.’?) – “Yes. Just coming in March – the end March – when Ryan (Tannehill) would just organize a couple voluntary throwing (sessions) over at Nova. Everyone – most everyone – came. The willingness to work, encouragement and the quick pace and everyone was on the same page pretty quickly. (From) where I’ve been, that really doesn’t happen in March, so that was encouraging.”
(You’ve been here with QB Ryan Tannehill at the very beginning and to look at him now, what changes have you seen from him?) – “Well, even as a rookie, I thought he was very poised and had great leadership qualities. (He’s a) smart, athletic player but that’s just grown. I think he’s vocal. He’s definitely the team leader. Everyone knows it. He commands it in the meeting rooms and in the huddle. I think it’s just the natural progression for him. It’s turned out well.”
(You talked about the culture that Head Coach Adam Gase brings. Can you expand on that? It’s early in the game, but what are your impressions right now in your exposure to him?) – “Being a professional. He stresses that a lot. Caring for your profession and your job and working on your craft. I don’t think there’s a coach that outworks him and I think that comes … The team feels that. I think it not only puts the pressure, but it makes people want to work and get better at their job. He demands a lot. He’s very focused on the details and for especially a pretty young team, it’s encouraging to see that people adapt to that.”
(Five years is a lot in NFL seasons. Where are you now as a player at 33 versus when you left here at 28 years old?) – “I still treat every OTA and camp like I’m somewhat of a rookie. I try to learn something. I’ve been in … This is my 12th year and I think it’s my 10th offensive coordinator. I almost do have to treat it like a rookie every time I come in and learn not only the Xs and Os, but how they want things done. Being exposed to different offensive coordinators and philosophies I think helps learn how they want it done.”
(What are your feelings towards the blocking aspect of your position?) – “I welcome it with open arms. I think that’s part of how I’ve changed as a player. Recently (I’ve) been on teams that have kind of a more pass-dominant tight end and I’ve been the in-between motion, run-blocking guy, and I’ve embraced that. I try to work on that while also not neglecting the pass game and third down and key catches at certain times. So that’s kind of how my game is molded.”
(What do you know about TE Julius Thomas and his game and what he can potentially bring to this team?) – “I didn’t know much besides watching him on television as a fan; but I’m super impressed by his football IQ and how he comes to work every day. He works first-in, last-out type of guy. He really knows the playbook in and out and he asks all the right questions. He’s super engaged and I have a feeling we’re going to work really well together.”
(Same question for RB Jay Ajayi. How well did you know him before you signed here?) – “Not much besides being a fan and just watching and keeping tabs on what’s going on down here. I’m pretty focused on what I had to do on prior teams, but gain, (he’s a) super talented guy that comes to work every day. I’m excited to see what he’s going to do this season.”
(What do you think makes up a good head coach? What are the elements as far as Xs and Os, knowing the team, knowing what buttons to push? What makes a good NFL head coach?) – “If he’s calling the plays, he has to call good plays and come up with a good game plan; but I think coordinators do a lot of that as well. A head coach is really a motivator and takes the temperature of the team and where we’re at and where to push buttons and where to lay off and how to motivate certain guys. So far I think I’ve seen all of that.”
(Have you kept in touch with any of the folks from the Dolphins regime that brought you in? Bill Parcells? Jeff Ireland? Tony Sparano? Did you hear from any of them when you signed here?) – “Not that much. I try to keep in touch maybe once a year through text, just hello and see how everyone’s doing. I heard from Dan Campbell a little bit after I came, so I definitely value those relationships; but everyone’s busy with their own things.”
