Daniel Kilgore – July 27, 2018
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Friday, July 27, 2018
C Daniel Kilgore
(How do you feel that things – and I know it’s the second day – but how do you feel things are coming together here?) – “It’s good. We’ve got a really good group of guys – guys that want to come in and work every day. For me, as a newcomer, it’s been a fresh start. It’s been a great start. I’m enjoying everybody here and just getting used to this heat, so that’s the only difference. It’s been really good though.”
(How important is it that this line has been together all throughout OTAs and minicamp, and does it help you going into this year?) – “Absolutely. I think the starting point this offseason was a big stepping stone for us. (There were) a lot of new guys, younger guys, coming in, and guys like myself that have playing experience and building that chemistry – not just the line but the whole offense – it’s huge. We’ll keep building on that every day, and again, it’s a whole group of guys that really want to come out and work and are really dedicated to their craft, so it’s been great.”
(What’s the key or formula for a cohesive unit?) – “Just taking it one day at a time, work together, communicate, and really just look at what you’re doing. Don’t get defensive, learn from one another and just build each and every day.”
(Can you sort of give us some insight into one specific football thing that’s different with the Dolphins’ offense that you’ve learned versus what you were doing last year?) – “Different from last year, we’re a little bit more up-tempo, which I had a little bit of that with Chip Kelly. Just more up-tempo I guess, and you’ve got guys all around that can make plays. There’s guys out there that could, but it just seems like you’ve got six or seven backs that don’t drop balls, so it’s been great.”
(Coming into this role, obviously C Mike Pouncey, you’ve got some big shoes to fill, and just the way you’re assimilating to your role with this team?) – “Yes. I won’t say that I’m Mike Pouncey or I’m trying to emulate him or not trying to. I’m Dan Kilgore and I’ll be my own guy. But (I have) nothing but respect for Mike for what he did here for seven years. He’s doing his thing now. I’m not trying to fulfill his role. I’m trying to be better from what this team was last year and just build with this team and this group of guys.”
(Can you get an idea of the kind of talent you have around you right now?) – “Oh, yes. You look around and you’ve got guys flying around catching balls, making plays on both sides of the ball. You’ve got a lot of guys that like turtles. (laughter) Just all around, you’ve got the talent. You’ve just got to go out here and win ball games. You’ve got to keep building every day, take it one day at a time like I said, and just trust the system. It’s going to be long – early mornings, a long training camp – but we’re looking forward to it.”
(What does an offensive line have to do to get RB Frank Gore going?) – “Nothing. Frank Gore runs on his own motor. He always has for however many years he’s been playing. He’s 35 years old and he looks like he’s 21. Pretty good for a guy that had two bum knees out of college.”
(You’ve got your coach out, Offensive Line Coach Jeremiah Washburn, in a boot with a broken leg. How does that affect your guys’ practicing and what does that say about your coach being out here being injured?) – “He sets the tone. ‘Wash’ is the man. He actually called me when it happened I guess, or a few days after. I wouldn’t expect anything less of him. I knew he’d be out here. This is how these NFL coaches are – dialed in. It’s how they’re programmed. They’re not going to miss anything. That sets the tone for us as an offensive line, and it’s nothing but respect for that.”
(Was it jet-skiing or something?) – “I don’t think it was jet-skiing. I think (Jeremiah Washburn) got in a little traffic accident where somebody hit him.”
(Are you a little jealous? Offensive Line Coach Jeremiah Washburn gets to ride around in a golf cart.) – “I mean it would be nice when the sun’s out and there’s no clouds; but he’s enjoying it. Plus his son is able to ride around and hear all of the cuss words that his dad says, so it was pretty close. It’s a good thing for him.”
(Is there sort of a phrase or a motto or a theme that Offensive Line Coach Jeremiah Washburn just constantly says, constantly talks about with the group?) – “As far as a theme, our team theme is ‘forge’ right now. ‘Wash’ is not a big ‘grind’ guy. He doesn’t like the word grind, so don’t say it to him. He’s more like ‘come in, do your (expletive), get your job done and get out, take care of yourself.’ ‘Wash,’ I mean, I don’t know. There’s not a thing with him.”
(What does forge mean?) – “Forge.”
(What does it mean?) – “I guess another word for grind. (laughter)”
(Is there anything you guys did for more cohesion during the summer time?) – “As far as cohesion in the offseason, I mean we group text. I mean there’s guys all around the states. There’s a few guys that stayed here and worked together, trained a little bit together. For me personally, I went back to Tennessee with my wife. We’re expecting, so I had father duties to take care of. We did a lot this offseason, whether getting dinner together or going to Top Golf or spending time, we did a lot this offseason. I’m sure we’ll get into more of that this season.”
(Did you get anything for your quarterback for his 30th birthday?) – “So, Kenny (Stills) told me today that his birthday is today. I think he turns 30. I don’t know. We might have to throw him in the cold tub or something, I don’t know. I didn’t get him anything.”
(When’s your baby due?) – “Baby is due September 11th, so it’s two days after our first game. Hopefully it’ll come before it.”
(Is it your first?) – “First. (We’re) not finding out what the sex is either, so it’s a total surprise.”
(When you look at RB Frank Gore, do you see any difference from the time you were together in San Francisco?) – “No, not really. I mean, he’s honestly … What is it, three years, four years we spent away from each other? Frank’s still the same person. He’s always going to be the same. It’s just cool to see him now, and what they do, bringing the high schools here, and his son comes to practice with him. That’s pretty cool. Just knowing him for so long and knowing his work ethic, he’s not lost a step. It’s unbelievable what he does before practice, after practice, staying here until nine at night, doing whatever he’s got to do to get himself ready for the next day and he’s been doing it for so long. He’s a Hall of Famer. He was when he was out west, he was with the Colts and he will be here. It’s pretty special for him, and pretty cool if you know Frank, to come back and be with him and watch him be able to play for his home team is pretty special.”
(So how are you going to handle the birth of the baby? Is your wife down here?) – “She’s here. Yes, we’ll have the baby here. We’ve got a great support with our family, so we’ll have plenty of support.”
(What if it comes September 9th?) – “I’ll be at the game. I’ll be at the hospital after. I mean, what more can I do? When a baby comes out, you’re just holding it, right? So, I’ll go do my job, and then I’ll see the baby afterwards.”
