David Long Jr. – July 29, 2024
Download PDF version
Monday, July 29, 2024
LB David Long Jr.
(For starters, how are you feeling physically now that you’re back and active on the field again with your teammates?) – “I’m feeling good, man. Second day – pads and that heat is a crazy combination, but it’s good for me just to get in that action, test my body. We play in Miami so that sun isn’t going anywhere no time soon.”
(What were you dealing with starting camp on PUP and just talk about coming back.) – “Just taking my time, listening to the trainers. We got along season ahead. They know how I play – very aggressive, throwing my body. Just timing it out, that’s about it.”
(You obviously were very good in the Vic Fangio defense. How does a Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver defense suit your skillset?) – “It’s a lot like Tennessee, I’m at the mike. We play actually a lot of the similar play calls, just different terminology. So it feels a lot like something I’m used to.”
(I saw you yesterday getting some mental reps on the end line in low red zone. I’m just curious your perspective on what that helps you with?) – “I was eager to get back out there. I did like three plays yesterday, so I was really kind of pissed and I was trying to get any type of work I could. Just watching Anthony (Walker Jr.) and Zeke (Ezekiel Vandenburgh) – Zeke is having a hell of a camp. Just watching those guys work and just finding ways to still learn while I’m still out there.”
(Were you dealing with a knee?) – “Something like that, little a sleeve on it. But as far as a season, 18 games just the way I play, it’s not like I got to go out there and show something that I haven’t showed. Just listening to them and taking my time.”
(What have you seen from LB Jordan Brooks? From watching him on tape and being around him for a few months as far as his skillset?) – “He’s like a quiet assassin, that what I’ve been calling him. He doesn’t really say much, but he knows some ball. He’s physical and he fits right in with the play style that we want to play.”
(T Kendall Lamm said that now that the pads are on it’s an equalizer for them on the offensive line. How much does the game change when the pads are on out there?) – “That’s football. Anybody can make plays without the pads, especially it’s easier to get through a block, it’s easier to call a hold. When the pads come on, you just get an idea of how a player is, how aggressive they are, just the play style. I was messing with Kendall Lamm today with a run block he had. Just getting back to the action, just seeing the guys getting after it, especially in this heat. It was a hot one today.”
(What’s it been like working with Linebackers/Run Game Coordinator Joe Barry?) – “I can’t say enough good things about Joe (Barry). He makes the environment fun, but also we learn. We learn so much. It’s great to have a coach like him. I’ve had five – I’ve been in the league for six years. I’ve had about five or six linebacker coaches. I’ve been learning different styles as my years went. Joe just shows it a little different, a new style from what I’m used to in a good way. He fits right in with the culture and what we’re trying to establish here.”
(It took you guys a minute last year to get your footing in the Vic Fangio scheme. I think the first three or four weeks before it took off. Why do you feel like that won’t happen this year with the new change in the system?) – “Because of the chemistry I’d say. It’s easier to learn when you can gel together. Also hanging out outside of the facility was a bigger emphasis this offseason, so we did that rather it was me or Nik Needham or Channing (Tindall), just having the young guys around. That plays a part, it’s the little stuff. If we’re going to get something to eat or whatever that may be. It easier to come out here and hold each other accountable because we know it’s not coming from a bad place.”
(Is this an intuitive defense, or is this something that you really have to be in the book on or is it pretty straightforward?) – “It’s definitely intuitive. It gets straightforward when you learn the simple things because a lot of the plays go off each other. Once you get the basics down its easier and faster to learn once you get the basics of the defense down.”
(You singled out LB Ezekiel Vandenburgh earlier, what is he doing so far in camp that’s caught your eye?) – “Just making plays, man. He’s just like Jordyn (Brooks), he’s not really a talker, for real. He chops wood and seeing Zeke (Ezekiel Vandenburgh) through the offseason, he got hurt last year. Even in camp last year, he was making plays. It was unfortunate he got hurt. I’m just happy to see him back in action because I know how I feel when I am not playing ball. So just to see him out there having another chance to get after it, it’s cool.”
(What’s some of the finer points to pass coverage that you think you can still focus on to improve this training camp?) – “Everything – whether its assignments and just getting back in the gel. Like you said, I haven’t been here for the first four or five days, so getting back into the gel and getting back the chemistry from OTAs that we created, just trying to get back in the feel because they’ve been after it already a couple of days. So just trying to get a feel for it and get back to what I’ve been doing.”
(One thing we keep hearing about this defense is the level of energy you guys have felt on the field for the past month. How much of that is due to, like you said, the chemistry you built in the offseason versus what Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver has instilled in you guys?) – “I think it goes hand-in-hand. I think we all felt the energy, the change and how he installed it and how he incorporated the learning aspect of it. Whether it’s just the meetings, the environment, it’s easier to learn in good environments. Whether it’s football, whatever your workspace, it’s easy to come in and learn and retain once you get a good vibe.”
(What specifically? Or does an example come to mind of something that Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver has done where it’s like, “OK, this is going to be a fun environment. This is going to be a more relaxed environment?”) – “I wouldn’t say it’s something specific. Just gradually, every day, whether it’s something funny from the meetings or just being able to joke while learning. It just fits, the players on the team.”
(With LB Jerome Baker gone, how much will your role change on the field, if anything – calls and stuff? And also, how much will you miss him?) – “I miss Jerome (Baker) a lot. We hung together, especially off the field. As far as on the field, I think we gelled together just like me and ‘JB’ (Jordyn Brooks). As far as role, I’m the Mike, so back to having the play calls but also there’s different assignments for me as well than last year, but that’s something I’ve been doing since I’ve been in the league. So it feels good to be back doing that same thing.”
(How many snaps did you get in 11-on-11 today?) – “Probably like five, six each little – it’s revving up. As much as I want to hop back in there, that’s not healthy. Just trying to gradually, eventually get to playing fast.”
(So three yesterday, and five or six…) – “Yeah, you know – trying to rev it up, man. (laughter)”
Durham Smythe – July 29, 2024
Download PDF version
Monday, July 29, 2024
TE Durham Smythe
(So who took a cooler trip in the offseason, you or WR Braxton Berrios?) – “Definitely Braxton (Berrios). Braxton is always going to win that battle. I feel like people around the world know him now. So maybe one of these times I’ll jump on one with him and then I’ll be the winner in that situation but definitely him.”
(Did you get an international trip in?) – “I did. One of my good buddies, Jesse Bongiovi, a roommate of mine in college, Jon’s son, got married in London. So I was over there for a little while, great time.”
(Did Jon Bon Jovi sing at the wedding?) – “No. It’s funny, he’s not really that type of outward guy if he’s at something like that. He wants to kind of lay low, enjoy it, put the spotlight on his son, so that’s kind of how it was.”
(How do you see your role on this team at this point in your career?) – “Yeah, I say this every year – it changes every single year and I’m kind of a good example of that. Over my seven years here, I’ve had a vastly different role every season and that’s kind of what’s happening this time of year. Over the next couple of weeks with pads on, everyone kind of finds their role within this team and that’s something that happens naturally. So we’re still building that and it’ll be fun to finally come across what it is for me, because like I said, it changes every single year.”
(There’s at least three younger guys in the room, what do you see in the younger guys? You’ve got TE Tanner Conner, TE Jody Fortson Jr. and TE Julian Hill – they’re all younger than you, so is there a mentorship thing going on?) – “A little bit. Those are all mature guys, it’s funny, for their age. I feel like at their stages when I was that age, I was not like that. So that’s a testament to them, but as a guy being in this offense for the third year, I have learned things through experience so I’m trying to help them come along with that. This is something that kind of takes time, being comfortable in this offense, so if I can help in any regard there I will. But like I said, those guys are all very mature, go about their business the right way and they’ve all gotten a lot better since I first came across them to this point right now.”
(You’re downplaying yourself because you were one of the most mature rookies that I’ve covered. What have you seen in TE Tanner Conner’s game that has helped him get to where it is right now?) – “Yeah, he’s improved so much over the last two years. But from where he came from, being a wide receiver at a small school in college to now being a full-time tight end in the NFL, that takes time, and he’s made great strides. He’s still an athletic freak. He was when he got here, he still is that. Now he’s way more used to contact, doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s transformed his body a little bit. He’s a lot bigger, so he’s done a lot of things over the last two years to improve while still remaining that physical freak he was when he got here.”
(With TE Julian Hill, what’s the next step for him in his development?) – “I would venture to say that Julian (Hill) might be the most physical tight end in the NFL, across the entire board. I don’t care what year you are, he’s the most physical player I’ve ever played with and he’s a professional. From Day 1, the main thing is the main thing for him, and this is what he cares about. That really sets apart rookies, especially undrafted free agents – some guys who care as much as he does and the sky is the limit for him. Like I said, he’s the most physical guy I’ve ever played with. He’s got talent outside of that, too, that he’s building on as a young player. Really, the sky is the limit for Julian.”
(We’ve heard a lot of the defensive guys talk about how you have to be able to play for every position and they can send different pressures at different times. From y’all’s perspective, how does that challenge the offense?) – “It does. It keeps everyone on their toes and it’s different looks. I think it really expands the offense too. When you have different things that you don’t see on a regular basis, really from every position, and then the offense expands and players’ roles expand.”
(You and TE Jonnu Smith seem like you’re going to be a tandem this year, how do you think your skills complement each other?) – “Right now, roles are still being worked out like I mentioned a second ago. I think really our entire tight end room is an impressive combination of people who complement everyone well. It’s tough to say a tandem or a duo right now, because there’s so many different players in the room right now that are trying to find a role. But I think we have a great combination of guys in the room who are very athletic, guys who are very physical, guys who do a little bit of both. And this coaching staff is great at finding ways of combining guys and their strengths on the field at the same time, so it’ll be fun. It’ll be fun to see who plays off each other, where we play off each other and really, I’m excited for all six guys in the room right now.”
(There was a long game last year of WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle having a ton of targets and maybe more balance, do you think tight end may be a bigger role in the offense this year?) – “There’s always a chance. It’s funny when you have guys like that on the outside. If they’re open, you want to get them the ball. And obviously, we’ll take a bigger share of the volume if we need to – that’s kind of been my mentality through the last two years with this system. If we’re called upon, we’re going to make the most of the opportunity. But if we’re going to throw a 70-yard bomb to one of those guys, I’ll be happy to protect for them. So it’s really just in this offense, do what you’re asked and then it kind of pays off for itself.”
(What are practices like at this point in camp when pads start coming on?) – “Much better. I am not a big fan of playing football without pads, it doesn’t suit my strengths very well. If I was as fast as Jaylen (Waddle) and Tyreek (Hill), I would love it, but I prefer having pads on. It’s real football. There’s real contact. It’s more what we all know very well. Practices are longer, they are a little tougher with pads on in this heat, but it’s real football and that’s what I like to play.”
(Going back to your comments on TE Julian Hill, how have you seen him kind of harness that physicality where he was Day 1 as a rookie to where he is today?) – “I think one of the things is just tempo, control. He’s always been not one to shy away from contact. He’s always been a very physical person, but there were times early in camp last year, maybe early in the season where he was just out there trying to crush somebody every single time. Maybe half the time he is, maybe half the time he’s missing. Now it’s a tempo thing where he understands when to pull the trigger and he’s not missing a lot, and when he doesn’t miss, he’s making himself felt. So I think it’s something that takes time to get used to with the speed of the game, players’ speed and then he’s definitely understanding that now.
(How do you feel about QB Tua Tagovailoa’s contract?) – “I loved it. I loved it, long time coming obviously. The kid deserves it. I’ve watched him over his entire tenure here go from point A to point B and there was a lot of stuff in between, a lot of steps along the way. I’m proud of him. He’s the right guy to lead this offense and this organization, and he got what he deserved.”
Jaylen Waddle – July 29, 2024
Download PDF version
Monday, July 29, 2024
WR Jaylen Waddle
(I actually want to talk wide receiver draft. Did you have the first pick?) – “No, I did not. I didn’t have the first pick. Me and ‘Reek’ (Tyreek Hill) like paper-rock-scissors or something for it. I didn’t have the first pick, but I had the second pick. I’m pretty happy with my second. My first-round pick, he’s been producing. My later draft picks, we’ve got to step it up some. I think we’re down – ‘Reek’ had a bomb today. So we might be down, but it was a tied ballgame going into today.”
(Can you please explain to me why WR River Cracraft is a first-round pick every year?) – “Him and ‘Reek’ (Tyreek Hill) like got some crazy duo or something like that, but ‘Reek’ always goes with ‘Riv’ (River Cracraft) first overall. ‘Brax’ (Braxton Berrios) was my first overall pick. ‘Brax’ has been producing, man.”
(But your bench players have to step up.) – “My bench players have got to step it up. They’ve got to, they’ve got to. (laughter)”
(So who gets WR Odell Beckham Jr. when he comes back?) – “We’re arguing right there now. Me and ‘Reek’ (Tyreek Hill), we’ve got our GM hats on right now, so we’re battling for who’s going to get ‘O’ (Odell Beckham Jr.) when he comes back.”
(Speaking of GM hats, your thoughts on the QB Tua Tagovailoa deal getting done?) – “Oh yeah, it’s great. It’s great. I look at him a little different now after seeing his contract, but man, I’m just happy for him especially the type of relationship that we have outside of the field. Happy for him, his family and it’s just great.”
(You guys go back to what, like 2018?) – “2018, 2018.”
(There’s a real chance you guys might play a decade-plus together…) – “I know, right? Like that’s a lot of ball. He’s got a crazy journey. I’m just going back to at least when I first got into the league, all the stuff that was going around until now; him getting a big deal done. So his journey has been crazy and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
(You mentioned WR Tyreek Hill earlier. I’m just curious, I’m writing about him. In 2022 when you heard he was coming here compared to now and what you’ve learned under him, how has your opinion maybe changed of him when you first heard he was coming here and to getting to know him over the last couple years?) – “Honestly when I first heard that he was coming here, I thought it was great. It’s always good to play with a lot of playmakers. He’s one that I knew in high school, I grew up watching – him and really Odell (Beckham Jr.), too – so it’s crazy just going and playing with them now. I used to watch their highlights before my high school games. It makes them sound old, but they’re not really old, man.”
(What do you think is the biggest thing that you have taken from WR Tyreek Hill that you’ve incorporated into your game or you think has made you a better player?) – “The big thing, I think his work ethic. He goes at it and he’s got all these accolades, all these different Pro Bowls and All-Pros, and he goes at it with the same approach every day – that no one can guard him, no one is better than him and he just stays hungry. He practices like he’s always got something to prove. So when a guy of that status goes and approach it, you have no choice but to learn and kind of feed off that.”
(You’ve kind of talked about, I think, in the past so I know your teammates have, but when you came as a rookie, you were the guy. You were the No. 1 target. Was there an adjustment when WR Tyreek Hill came? You’d be the No. 1 on a lot of teams in the league. Was it tough for you from a personal standpoint? Like “My targets aren’t going to be the same if I was the clear-cut No. 1 on the team”?) – “No, honestly, man. I come from Alabama. We’ve got a lot of different playmakers out there and we’ve got to feed everyone the ball. Obviously when you grab a guy like Tyreek Hill, you know they’re going to feature him a lot, so it’s all about making the most of the opportunities that you have. The same approach that I had in college got me to where I wanted to go. The same approach that I had when adding a guy like Tyreek and all these different playmakers that we’ve got to have – get the ball.”
(WR Tyreek Hill last year talked about the speed of CB Ethan Bonner, the young corner. Besides his speed, what skills stand out to you with him as he tries to find his way in the league?) – “Man, (Ethan) Bonner probably has had like the craziest jump from I think any player from last year, in my opinion. He just seems like a totally different player out there. He’s more patient at the line. Maybe it’s just a year under his belt. His patience, he’s using his long arms. He obviously knows he can run, so he can stay hip-to-hip with anyone and he’s playing with a lot of confidence out there. I tell ‘EB’ (Ethan Bonner) every day, ‘You’re getting us better.’”
(What does patience mean for a cornerback? When you say “patient” what does that mean?) – “Patient at the line of scrimmage. They run a lot of Cover 1. It’s best-on-best and just staying patient at the line, waiting until the receiver does his move and being confident, shooting his hands. He’s playing great ball.”
(How is he consistently posting one of the fastest mile per hour times last season?) – “I ain’t going to lie. Like he was on special teams, I was telling Mike (McDaniel), the special teams guys, they’re going to always get the highest mile per hour, so it’s different. (laughter) But Bonner is running though. Bonner – besides the point – but Bonner is one of the fastest guys on the team. I think people be thinking we be joking, but Bonner is probably top three.”
(Speaking of special teams, the new kickoff rule. Have you lobbied to be a kickoff returner for this team?) – “Me and Mike (McDaniel) and ‘Reek’ (Tyreek Hill) had talked about it a little bit before the first or second practice. We talked about it a little bit. Yeah, it’d be something, but I mean ‘Brax’ (Braxton Berrios) is a dangerous returner, so he’s going to handle business back there.”
(Now that the contract stuff has died and you can get to the football part of it, what does this team need to do – both sides of the football – to get over the hump and be where you want to be at the end of the season?) – “Stay consistent. The later games, we’ve just got to stay consistent, buying in with Mike (McDaniel) and all the guys are preaching and just play together, I think is going to get us over the hump. You look at our roster, I think you can stack us up against anyone in the league and be confident that we can play, but just staying consistent. Obviously being healthy is going to always be key, but honestly just staying consistent.”
(The success you had in Alabama, can you impart some of that on these guys in the locker room?) – “I ain’t going to lie, our locker room is pretty solid. We’ve got a lot of OGs that have done a lot of great stuff in this league and done a lot of winning. We’ve got Super Bowl champions on this team, so I think just adding on that into the locker room is always great and they kind of bring that championship mindset to the team and out there at practice.”
Braxton Berrios – July 28, 2024
Download PDF version
Sunday, July 28, 2024
WR Braxton Berrios
(Can you talk about the energy out there? The QB Tua Tagovailoa thing in the background now and the fans, how different was it?) – “It was awesome. We’ve been going three days obviously, and the intensity has been high nonetheless. Having all the fans out here and the energy they bring was really cool. It really feels like football is back now.”
(QB Tua Tagovailoa was Tua throughout this whole thing, but now that’s gone – that weights off his shoulder, how more relaxed you think he can be going forward now through camp?) – “I guess a part of this game is the business. Obviously when you can deal that side away and take care of things, like you said the pressure is off and now you can just go play football. It’s no longer about business, it’s about football. I think the each one of these guys, if you only have that to think about, I think you’re at your best.”
(Was it ever – I don’t know if distraction is the right word but just wondering when we’re going to get our quarterback back?) – “No, I wouldn’t say that. He loves ball. We know at the end of the day that’s our QB1, we’re going to have him. Again, you obviously know that part of this is business and you let the two sides figure that out and whoever is out on the field you have to go out and have business as usual. There was never really a distraction by any sense. But again, I think all parties are happy it’s done with and we can move on.”
(Head Coach Mike McDaniel has said that he tells players, “My job is to get you paid.” Now you see your quarterback get the biggest contract in team history, what’s that say about Head Coach Mike McDaniel?) – “It says great things about (Head Coach) Mike (McDaniel). He obviously has put everybody in positions to do that. It says about the same as Tua (Tagovailoa), just how great of a player he is, how much of a team guy he is, how much of a leader and how much he means to this organization. When you have everybody on the same path, on the same train, going the same way, it can be big.”
(What’s something you appreciate at this point in your career about the NFL or playing receiver that you didn’t know coming into the NFL?) – “I’m sure there is a lot. Looking back, what six camps ago? Obviously, growing as a player and really taking advantage of every day. There’s really a lot to say about picking one thing a day or two if you really feel like it to really excel at and really try to get better at that one thing a day and take each day as its own opportunity. I think if you look at it that way in the five or five-and-a-half weeks of camp, you can really build something and build momentum on until the season.”
(What would you do with $52 million?) – “(laughter) Wrong question, I would invest it. It’d be the first thing I would do. It’s awesome – it’s awesome, taking care of his family generationally is incredible.”
(Can you talk a little about the energy of the fans being out here for the first practice and the excitement for you getting ready for the season?) – “Yeah, it’s amazing. Obviously, we practice a lot in season and out of season, but to practice in front of fans, it really brings back a football sense that the season is really on the way. Like I said prior, we come out here with intensity as it is, but having the fans really push that momentum, it’s nice to hear them cheer and react to each and every play. It’s fun.”
(Is QB Tua Tagovailoa a guy that gives presents to his linemen, receivers if they have a good game or good season? What do you expect him to give you?) – “Yeah, absolutely – he has a great team presence. He’s an incredible leader in that locker room, and I expect Tua to be Tua. I expect him to continue doing what he does and be our QB1 and be as good as he is.”
(I meant presents with a ‘t’ – gifts.) – “Presents or presence? Oh no. (laughter) The QBs give the linemen presents every year. I’m going to slowly somehow try to make my way into the linemen group as my presence there and see what happens. But yeah, I think they have a lot to look forward to, right?”
(Was there a receiver draft this year? Are you doing that game again?) – “We’re always doing that game.”
(Who’s on who’s team?) – “I don’t know if I can give that away. I think everything would be looked at differently. I could say it’s 2-to-1 right now. It’s close, and I think the one team got it today, so I think it’s tied 2-2. I can tell you Tyreek (Hill) and Jaylen (Waddle) are captains.”
(Was WR River Cracraft still the first draft pick though?) – “I cannot confirm or deny that. But Tyreek and Jaylen and I think it’s tied 2-2 now. So we’ll do that all through camp, it’s fun.”
(Are you on Team Tyreek or Team Jaylen?) – “See, you’re poking. Jaylen, I’m on Team Jaylen. I’ll give you that.”
(So that means WR River Cracraft was the first pick.) – “By deductive reasoning, you might have something there.”
(So you gave WR Tyreek Hill the day off today, huh?) – “Exactly. I was like, you know what? You’re good, we’ll go out and try to get one. Now we’re back tied.”
(Outside of Dolphins starting up the Canes are starting a new season. Have you been available to be out there and your thoughts of that program?) – “I think the program is in a great place. (Head Coach Mario) Cristobal has done a great job recruiting and obviously through the transfer portal as well. I know after the spring game there were high hopes. I guess for them it starts August 30th against Florida at Florida. I think things are looking up for them and I’m excited to watch them.”
Jeff Wilson Jr. – July 28, 2024
Download PDF version
Sunday, July 28, 2024
RB Jeff Wilson Jr.
(Congratulations on the orange jersey – looked like you wanted another one out there today with the way you were moving out there. How are you feeling?) – “I’m feeling blessed, feeling blessed. Coming back out here, fully healthy, body is feeling good. It’s just a blessing to be out here with the guys and put in some work.”
(So much speed in the backfield and you want some snaps, is that what you’re playing for out there? Extra snaps?) – “Yes sir, you’d kind of be naïve not to. If you see where this is going and you know where this team is headed, of course you want to be a part of it, because it’s special. So obviously to get some snaps and be able to help the team, that would be an absolute blessing for me.”
(Did you change anything for yourself this offseason? You look a little bit slimmer.) – “Yeah, definitely that. I wanted to make sure I was more nimble so I’d be able to move, sustain – basically, I was working on my ligaments, the joints, the smaller things. Instead of going in big, I was hitting the areas that you don’t normally pay attention to. So far, it feels like it’s working out for me.”
(Does that help you in the outside zone specifically?) – “Oh yes sir, definitely. I was getting my press, I’m more explosive off of my first step so I’m in sync with everybody. Everything flows so it always gives me a chance to be in the right spot.”
(What’s QB Tua Tagovailoa getting everybody? What kind of presents is he getting everyone?) – “Man, I don’t know, I’m waiting to find out. (laughter) Even if he don’t, I’m just proud of him and his family. He deserves it and I’m so happy for him.”
(Could you tell us maybe did the team have any kind of little minor celebration with him at all yesterday or today?) – “Everybody congratulated him, hugged. I’d seen his son when he came up here, I’d seen baby boy, so I dapped him up. He looked happy, he don’t even know what’s going on. You can feel the energy from your parents, so he could tell his dad was happy and it was running through him as soon as I’d seen him, he’s smiling, laughing. So like I said, I’m so happy for Tua (Tagovailoa) and his family – it was well deserved.”
(Seemed like a pretty run heavy session, how much do you like a practice like that?) – “Oh, I love it. I feel like this is our day. I feel like this is what we come for and this is our time to keep the practice and put the practice on our shoulders and keep things rolling. I felt like we did that today.”
(How different was the vibe at practice today just with QB Tua Tagovailoa locked in and everyone knows it? Was it noticeably just a different energy today?) – “Most definitely. You could tell when he first walked up and got the microphone and was getting the crowd involved. Shoot, that had us turnt from the jump, because to see him do that, to see him in his skin, to see him happy, man, it rubs off on everyone else because that’s how much he means to us. So to see him do that it got us extra hyped, and it just went on through the rest of practice.”
(In terms of how QB Tua Tagovailoa is built for this, how do you think having the increased expectations that come along with an increased salary – how do you think he’ll approach that?) – “Nothing different. He’s always approached everything with everything he’s got. Even paid or not paid. I’m pretty sure it’s going to add a little extra – it will for anybody, you know what I mean? But the person he is, he’s always going to be that guy. He’s always going to focus, he’s always going to be prepared and he’s always going to be a team guy. That’s never changed, it’s just going to be amplified now.
(I want to ask you about Head Coach Mike McDaniel’s role in all of this. He has said, we’ve heard him say many times before, that he tells players that “My job is to get you guys paid.” And now, QB Tua Tagovailoa is getting big time, what’s sort of message does that reinforce the players? How do you react to that – from Mike’s point of view?) – “That he’s on our side. You have a lot of coaches – maybe, I haven’t been around – But it’s a league where you feel like everybody don’t want to pay you, don’t want to get you paid or prolong you, but to see him fight and know that he was fighting for that and know how bad he wanted that for him. It just put a fire in everybody else because Mike (McDaniel) is for us. We know he’s going to fight for us, he’s going to push for us. Anything we deserve, he’s going to be right there behind us. To know that, to feel that it’s a wonderful feeling. It makes it easier to play for him.”
(How does it feel to have the first orange jersey for the fans practice? This surrounding, just having the fans there today and just everything, after a long layover of the offseason.) – “It’s a blessing. This time last year I was in the training room. I wasn’t even able to be out here with the guys and have that camaraderie and feel that atmosphere. To have that jersey, that was one of my goals this offseason was to get that orange jersey and everything, so just another check off the goal list. Like I said, it was an absolute blessing. My teammates were happy for me – glad I got the music to come back out on a Sunday, the first week of practice, get everybody going. Had to get my gospel, everybody told me they loved it. So man, it was an honor and a blessing. Honor and a blessing.”
(You have about as much experience as anybody in this offense in this next year. Are there any other evolutions of it with Head Coach Mike McDaniel or is it all just executing it smoother?) – “He’s always working. He’s always trying to improve and he’s always trying to expand. Every day you learn something new and every day you add something, so you never know what he’s going to give you. That’s why we always get in here and study and prepare and be ready for whatever he throws at us because Mike is not a simple-minded person. His mind always moves. He’s always trying to find new ways to do things and invent things and be different. Everybody on this team wants to be different, that’s why we’re trying to chase this championship. It all just merges together, and all collides. It fits and it works.”
Tua Tagovailoa – July 28, 2024
Download PDF version
Sunday, July 28, 2024
QB Tua Tagovailoa
(Opening statement) – “From the bottom of my heart, from the bottom of my family’s heart, I want to thank the Miami Dolphins organization. I also want to – because I am a true believer, I’ve prayed about this, I prayed on it – I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for allowing me this opportunity. I want to thank the Miami Dolphins organization. I want to thank the people that are in this room. I want to thank (Head Coach) Mike McDaniel for believing in me for entrusting this role in me as leader of this team. I want to thank (General Manager) Chris Grier and (Senior Vice President of Football & Business Administration) Brandon Shore for the immense amount of pressure that they’ve had to go through and whatnot to get this deal done. I also want to thank (Owner) Mr. Ross entrusting me this opportunity of leadership, for entrusting this role for me on this team and trusting that I’m the guy that’s going to lead this team to what we want to do and winning playoff games and winning championships. I also want to thank our coaches, the coaches in our room. I want to thank (Quarterbacks/Pass Game Coordinator) Darrell Bevell for helping me throughout this process. It hasn’t been an easy process, but we’ve had many conversations, we’ve done a lot of things that have been good, a lot of things that we needed to work on together and I’m very grateful for that relationship. I also want to thank Frank Smith, our OC, in collaboration with our head coach, Mike. And I want to thank my teammates. Throughout this process, those guys have been very, very supportive of me and my family throughout that and as a player, you couldn’t ask for more, especially from your guys. So we’re looking forward to this year. I’m super excited and ready for the first question.”
(I know this is special on many levels, but with your family here, could you just tell us what this means for you and your family knowing that you guys are now financially secure?) – “It’s life-changing. I know anyone in this room would say the same thing. Words couldn’t describe to me how that feels. It’s unbelievable, but it’s still like, I’m not like going to go and just ‘Hey, yeah, I got this much money. Now let me just go start – let’s go buy a private jet, Mike (McDaniel), and let’s go fly to Vegas and just go use all that money.’ I grew up like each and every one of you in the seats working as hard as I possibly can to be in the position that I wanted to be. I’m sure that’s what you guys are doing. And that’s how I grew up. I grew up in a middle class family. My dad was the only one that worked and my mom took care of the kids. And so my dad did whatever it took to take care of our family and I’m just very, very blessed and very fortunate that I’ve been able to use football as my career path to help my family generationally with the kind of money that I’ve been given.”
(Could you kind of take us through how this got past the finish line? We talked to you I guess last month and we got an update from you there then. What’s changed since then?) – “I think it’s been a hard process. Like I said earlier with Brandon (Shore) and Chris (Grier), I mean, those guys have worked tirelessly with my agent. I’m not going to go into any of the details, but I can tell you, it’s done. I’m not looking back, we’re looking forward, and we’re looking forward to what we can do to help this team win more games win games when it matters.”
(Your first start, the Rams game, I remember after the game you were on the field at midfield in full jersey, and I don’t know exactly what you were doing at that time, but in that moment which I know was special for you, did you see yourself getting here at that time?) – “At that time, I wouldn’t say that I saw myself being at this exact moment. In that exact time, I can remember my thoughts were more so being grateful that I was still able to play the game. I was offered the opportunity to get into the Jets game, yeah it was the Jets game, I believe. And just being able to play football when there were so many unknowns throughout that offseason – as I got drafted, you know, is he going to be able to play the same? Is he going to be able to run? Is he going to be able to move? There were a lot of doubts and as I went in there, I was just grateful that I was able to play an NFL snap and it was it was more so for my confidence as well being in there, and I just soaked up that moment.”
(Have you had a chance to speak with your mom and dad after signing?) – “Yes, so I talked to Mr. Ross, I talked to my wife and after I talked to my wife, then I called my parents. Then I called my brother so I got to talk to all of them. It was cool. It was emotional for them, but it was really cool.”
(Seems fitting that all this would happen on the day when the fans come. They get to watch, you get to address them. What was that energy like for you just to know that there were so many Tua fans there?) – “That’s fun, that’s fun. But this comes with the business, right? This comes with the position. Whether you’re liked, whether you’re not liked; you’re always going to have people tell you you’re the greatest thing and you’re always going to have people that are going to tell you you’re the worst thing. But it’s what you believe between your heart and between your head space, so that’s what I’d say.”
(You’ve led the NFL in passing yards. You’ve led the NFL in passer rating. You started in the Pro Bowl. What’s the next step for you personally and in your career?) – “Well, we haven’t won the games that we’ve wanted to win. Deep into the playoffs, get deep into the playoffs. Win the games that matter, that’s what I would say. All of that is cool, but I could’ve been the worst, had the worst passer rating, I could’ve threw for a thousand yards; but if we were in the those games and we were winning those big-time games and we got to go and win the championship, I’d trade all of that. I’d trade all of that for that.”
(When you reflect back on all those throws with your dad growing up to this moment, what goes through your mind?) – “I’m actually very grateful for the setup that my dad had given me. There’s been a number of times that after school, I’d have to try to do my homework as fast as I can because once my father was home, it wasn’t about school. Like your mind better be ready to go to go and practice. And when you practice, you had to practice a certain way. And if it wasn’t to his standard, then it, it was like, OK, I know, I’m going to have to do extra work. Or if I didn’t have to do extra work, we were going to have a talk, that’s for sure. So I just can remember after football games if I didn’t have a good game, my dad would send me to a throwing camp. And I’d go straight from my football game to throwing camp in my pads. And I wouldn’t be with the kids the same age as me, I’d be with the kids older than me. So I was kind of nervous. I’m nervous to go with the older guys because if I throw and I don’t throw it right, the older guys are going to say something and my mind is like, OK, I want to fit in with these older guys. But then at the same time, I’m like, I don’t know if I want to go through all that stress. Maybe I should just stick with the younger guys. And so one thing I didn’t want my dad to do, was my dad to come down and force me to go and throw with those guys or tell whatever coach who was there, like, ‘No, my son’s going to go throw with these older guys.’ And so I was just more afraid of the standard that that was set for me by my dad, but it’s helped me become who I am today with how I see the game and I’m grateful for that part that my dad has helped me with.”
(Head Coach Mike McDaniel shared with us that he gave you a big hug when he saw you after your signed. Can you talk a little bit about that and also the reaction from your teammates when you physically saw them first besides text? I’m sure they were sending you congratulations, too.) – “Yeah, so Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel, they’re knocking on the quarterbacks’ door, open the door and I see ‘Bev’ (Darrell Bevell) look. And I’m like, ‘All right, everybody’s too quiet. Let me take a look.’ And those guys are peeking in. They’re peeking in through the door and nobody says anything. They’re just nodding their heads. Everyone’s nodding their head. And so I’m like, ‘I mean, all right, is it time?’ So I walk up and as I’m getting to turn the corner, I’m like, ‘Wait, let me grab my pen,’ as a joke. As a joke, I’m like, ‘Wait, let me grab my pen.’ Chris Grier sticks his hand out. I’m like, ‘Dude, we got it done?’ He’s like, ‘Congratulations.’ So I shake Chris’ hand and give him a hug, give Mike a big hug – Mike squeezes me super hard. And then as I’m getting ready to go back into the room, lo and behold, Brandon Shore is just coming down and walking down the alley, I’m like, ‘All right, this is going to be like a two-minute walk.’ (laughter) So I’m like, ‘All right, hold up, Brandon. Let me go throw something away.’ Come back out and give Brandon a big hug. The whole process I’m sure for everyone, both sides, had to be mentally draining because there’s just so many gymnastics that you have to go through. It’s not just, here’s the money. This is what we can do. We’re going to do that. I mean, we’re talking big, big amounts of money. So I thought that was super cool and the receivers, I went into the receivers room and it was a party. (laughter)”
(Can you tell us a little bit more about Head Coach Mike McDaniel’s role in all of this? He obviously shared faith in you before his plane even landed in Miami. And now you come to this point, he has always said his job is to help the players get paid and now the biggest contract in franchise history. What does that say about Mike and his relationship with you?) – “Well, I think it says a lot. Word gets around quick and I don’t think he knows that I know, but I’ve been told from several birdies that are here in the facility, that are upstairs as well, that he went to bat for me the day that I went out and practiced 11-on-11, seven-on-seven before we went on that little break. That he went to bat for me with our owner, and I won’t go into details of things that I heard were said, but just know like, he is what he says. He says what he told me and he did what I was thinking he would do for me, and not just for me, but for any other player. So I’m very grateful for that.”
(When you were growing up you talked about going from games to throwing camps and everything. Did you – in a middle-class family – did you ever have, for lack of a better word, a real job or was this your job?) – “This was my job. This was my only job. I never had a real job. Yeah, this was my job.”
(What did you learn during negotiations about the process of negotiating an NFL contract extension from this process?) – “It’s long, brother. It’s like I said, it’s not as easy as, ‘Oh, yeah, here – let’s just throw a million dollars over here.’ Like, let’s just give you this number here. There’s just so many semantics and loops that you’ve got to go through to get something like that done, especially trying to maneuver other contracts around if you’re trying to do that. There’s just so many, many things that you got to go through, but I’m happy that we got this thing done. It’s unbelievable.”
(How tough was it for you to balance not practicing early in the week with negotiations still going on?) – “Oh, that’s tough. That’s tough for me. I don’t know how the other quarterbacks like around the league do it, but for me, I’m a rep guy. Like I need to do it in order for me to kind of see what I need to do better or see what feels right, what doesn’t feel right. And then the other thing, the communication in the huddle, right? Those guys are hearing other guys in the huddle. That’s not who they’re going to be hearing. The cadence is just a little different with the way I say the cadence than the way the other guys say the cadence. So that was a little tough for me to kind of stay out and so a lot of the decisions to being out there and whatnot, I made those knowing, like whatever’s going on outside, like, dude, this is the reps that I need and that’s why I was out there.”
(Have you had a chance to talk to Dan Marino about this and what did he say?) – “No, I haven’t seen Dan (Marino) in a while, but Dan will be excited. Every time we see Dan in our quarterback room, he’s really excited.”
(Now that you have the backing of the organization, the backing of the fans, getting this deal done, what’s next for you? What’s the best part about having all this done and kind of looking forward to the next, hopefully get this organization that playoff win and the bigger picture – winning it all?) – “That’s exactly what it is. That’s exactly what we’re looking forward to. Now that all of this is done, this is behind us, we know heavy is the crown, so whoever’s wearing that. Like right now, I’m the highest paid employee in this in this office. I’ve got to get my whatever together, I’ve got to get that right and get our guys moving in the direction that we need to go, to be able to do those things.”
(You gave the “show me the money” to the crowd. Take us through the evolution of showing your personality more to the fans and to us?) – “Yeah, that was somebody told me that I wouldn’t say it. So that’s why I said it. (laughter) It wasn’t like I quoted that from a movie. Somebody told me, ‘You won’t say it.’ I was like, ‘OK.’ So I said it.”
(You’ve talked about how you are grateful to the organization, to your family – can you talk about why do you love Miami as a city? And why did you want to stay?) – “Well, I grew up in a similar state, if you will. Hawaii is also a melting pot of many different cultures, right? You have Asians, you have Polynesians, we have Hispanic, we have it all down there in Hawaii. And out here, it’s very similar, but there’s more Hispanic people – people that speak Spanish, Cubans, Colombians, and it’s also a melting pot in that way. But the weather does justice, the food does justice. And I just don’t think you’d want to be anywhere else. Taxes. (laughter)”
(Obviously, having met you when you were 16, watching through the Elite 11 journey – what would you say to that 16-year-old kid about the journey? And what is necessary to be successful as an NFL quarterback?) – “You know, I think I would tell that 16-year-old Tua to continue to do life the exact way you’re doing life. The lessons that I learned from 16 till now, I wouldn’t change any of that. I wouldn’t deviate from any of the things that I’ve made mistakes with and where I found success. So I would tell him just continue to do what you’re doing. You’re going find it and when you find it, you’ll know you found it.”
(You’ve talked about this a little bit before, but can you just walk us through your journey from the day Head Coach Mike McDaniel was hired to now and how you transformed as a player and a person?) – “Dude. We’d be here forever. That’s like so long because then we’re going to talk about the jet conversation, then we’re going to talk about the conversation when he got here, then we’re going to talk about the videos that he’s shown, I’ve forgot how many, like 900 clips. I mean, that in itself is like a book already that we’re talking about. Then, OK, let me go profess to the world that you’re my guy. You’re this, you’re that, let me go be bold. But yeah, there’s just so many things that we’ve gone through from the journey of two years ago, and it’s not just football related. It’s just life related. A lot of it is much more life related off the field type of things, the mental aspect of the game, just the mental aspect of life, the mental aspect of family life back home, and just a lot of things like that and it’s really helped me throughout the course of growing up from, what was that, my third year? My third year growing into this offense and growing into the player that I am in this league and the man that I am off the field, there’s just so many so many things to talk about. But in a nutshell, that’s sort of what it is and it’s a cool full circle moment, because it’s what he said he’s wanted to do for not just me or said player, but it’s for all the players that he wants us to make money and he’s going to do everything he can to help us do that.”
(I did want to know, there’s an emphasis put on mobility. Losing weight, trying to work on the mobility – what do you think that will do for your game?) – “Well, I think that’ll do a lot. Being more mobile, being able to run the ball a little more, being able to try to simulate that I am trying to run the ball a little more then pull up and able to catch someone off guard in a way. I just think being more mobile, being lighter on your feet, all of that helps with this game and everything in this game helps. That’s sort of the thought there.”
(What’s your first big purchase?) – “My first big purchase, what’s the most expensive thing? (laughter)”
(A house? NFL franchise? A jet?) – “A jet? No, I don’t know. I haven’t thought about purchasing anything big. Everyone is talking to me about collecting watches and what not, I’m just not a watch guy. And then clothes, I’m just not a clothes guy, too much.”
(Hawaiian property? Do you have property?) – “I probably wouldn’t, taxes, too much over there. (laughter) That’s too much, so I probably wouldn’t want residency out there. But to go back and visit my family, I would do that. But to be able to do the things that we need to survive, we don’t need that much money, but to have that much money to be able to take care of my family and then my kids’ kids, and their kids’ kids, having that is very, very cool and it’s very, very special. I think anyone here that would be in this position would say the same exact thing and would be extremely grateful.”
Mike McDaniel – July 28, 2024
Download PDF version
Sunday, July 28, 2024
Head Coach Mike McDaniel
(Addressing the elephant in the room, do you believe this deal was team-friendly and what qualities or achievements influenced this franchise’s decision to make this investment?) – “You’re going to have to further – what deal are we speaking of? (laughter)”
(The quarterback, QB Tua Tagovailoa.) – “Tua’s deal? Whatever, the deal is done and that was kind of the hope. I’m fired up for the organization. I’m really fired up for Tua and the work he’s done to receive something like that. I think it’s a cool validation for sure and I think what’s been cool about the process is I think Coach (Darrell) Bevell has done an outstanding job with Tua to connect to the fact that, hey, whatever is going on, our focus is what we’re going to do today in developing our game to make the ground, make the gains that we expect in the offseason from Tua. So from my perspective, I’m happy, but I also expected it to get done, and now that’s done it’s about moving forward because it’s maybe a handshake and a smile, but it’s not a celebration. It’s a cool point for the organization to move forward, but moving forward we are.”
(Like it or not, people will look at this and say, “He’s making ‘X; therefore he should be playing at this level.” They always equate it to. What makes you think that Tua’s going to be able to handle that kind of heat?) – “It’s a pretty hot place to be a quarterback in the National Football League and so you get a lot of reps at seeing how people respond to things. I think that is absolutely the nature that you should expect and something that I know Tua’s very, very aware of and I think that’s one of the cool things about sports is that Tua can know that, his teammates know that and they already have pressure and expectations for themselves. I think as long as you acknowledge that, which quite frankly Tua has shown me that throughout the entire offseason that he knows what time it is and fortunately him and all his teammates can go out and determine whatever the narrative is built upon by the way they play. So we focus on the way we play, understanding that we will always hear about the results regardless of what they are. So why don’t we try to move the needle on what those results are and focus on that and nothing else, because that’s what our jobs are.”
(Head coach success in the NFL is most often tied to the success of a quarterback. Your future might be tied to QB Tua Tagovailoa’s success. How do you feel about that?) – “I feel outstanding about the fact that – I feel really good about the team. I feel really good about Tua and I will always be determined by the success or failure of the team, as it should be. It’s black and white, your success or failure. It’s cool about sports. There’s a lot of variables in that, but that’s not something I think you run from. You embrace it because you worry about what you can control and then when things you can’t control happen, you adjust from there and keep it moving. But there’s plenty of people that could be a head coach of a team and lose a ton of games. You have to win and be successful, and I knew that the very first day I got the job and so whatever is coming with whatever narrative and extracurricular thing; it doesn’t really bother me.”
(Not to put too fine of a point on it, but QB Tua Tagovailoa’s career got turned around when you got here and his outlook on football I think turned around when you got here. Can you just speak to his personal journey from when you took over a player that was kind of questioning himself three years ago and now this?) – “What’s the best way to say it? It’s why one of the absolute main reasons you get into coaching. You hope that you can help people realize their best selves. So for him to be at this part of his journey with the growth, that’s why you do what you do. And it’s also, I think you’re also in the process really making sure that that whatever player that is getting compensated in whatever way; OK, you are trying to get their game to a point where they can be in that market to do that, and the second, you’re in that market to do anything, what comes from that so you don’t get surprised by it. So it is really, really cool for the organization. It is really cool for Tua, something that has been a lot of man hours, a lot of investment. And I mean, what’s cooler than that? I think a lot of people can get on board was that story, but it’s hard for me to talk about it without the caveat that from the beginning, our objective, was to continue growth and work together and in that process, you get compensated. And then you get compensated, what do you do with the organization, for yourself and for your family. With that, with this tremendous opportunity. So it’s a cool moment that we have a couple high fives and we’re moving on to today’s practice to really get after that. That’s one of the reasons why he has the contract he has, because that’s the type of person he is.”
(With fans at practice, does that give players more energy?) – “I think it does naturally. They have a lot to worry about each and every play and they’re focused on improving all sorts of things within their game and understanding their assignments and how they relate to their teammates. But there’s nothing – the second you walk out that door, it feels different for practice and I think it’s a nice little reminder because it’s always after a long break. Remember the last time they were in a situation where they were doing what they do professionally and what they love, the last time they had fans to do it in front of, was the season previous. So it’s always a fun day that gives you some juice. You may see some guys lathered in stretch because it’s hard to come out of the doors of the facility and not get a brisk jog going with the momentum that’s carried by the fans being here. So really excited for that. The team knows they’re coming and we should get some extra juice on top of the juice that we’ve already had each and every practice which has been pretty good.”
(Pads coming on soon. Will that start giving you a good judgment on o-line, d-line?) – “I think there’s a lot of judgment that you can have without pads if you practice the right way. Having said that, there’s always the caveat. There’s always the asterisk of, OK, well, is that going to translate with the pads and how does a tight end go after the edge player on a run player with the pads on? Who’s winning the point of attack? Football is played with pads. It’s a good evaluator and next natural evolution so we have a lot of information, but the information is incomplete, you’re right, without pads.”
(After the news broke, QB Tua Tagovailoa posted a video thanking you specifically. How does that make you feel and also is there anything that you told him that you’d be willing to share with us after he signed the deal?) – “So you’re telling me he thanked me by name? I’ve never heard of this. For the record, positive stuff, I would love to hear about. (laughter) Yeah, it’s humbling. For me it’s really cool to be a part of somebody’s journey and for them to see that you’re a positive impact on that. But immediately, it’s hard for me to really accept that fully without wanting to just babble to all the people that are instrumental in his process and development. First and foremost, him, but you’re talking about his position coach Darrell Bevell. Those guys are thick as thieves and I’m really proud of how he’s been a part of that, too, so it’s hard for me to accept that. I appreciate it, but it was a lot of people working together and first and foremost that’s Tua doing it. And that’s probably the hardest part. Would you guys agree? I can tell you the same stuff I tell Tua: ‘Will you do it?’ Well?”
(On the deep shot to WR Tyreek Hill the other day in practice, we saw CB Jaeln Ramsey go up to QB Tua Tagovailoa afterwards, almost mimic the play-action fake that he executed there. I’m curious your perspective on the importance of ball handling for the quarterback and how Tua drills that to make it a strength?) – “That was a very high-level observation, you’re very right on that. Really if I’m you guys and I’m observing practice, those types of things would fire me up the most. Because what that means, if you have the players on your team that have the most footing in the league, the star players, when they are communicating about what they just saw and being able to share how certain things affect – how Tua’s footwork affects Jalen, how Jalen and what he’s seeing – for everyone, that’s a win. That’s also a tone setter for the entire team when players of that caliber and those conversations about high-level intricacies about the quarterback’s drop and about vision, zoning players and all these things. These are conversations that are coming up a lot because what I see are players more invested than they’ve ever been and I’m seeing plenty of investment here so all the things play into trying to be elite at your job. Quarterback footwork for the back end, if you’re trying to get turnovers, is pretty important. If you’re trying to get PBUs, it’s pretty important and those are things that are beyond their playbook responsibility that can only – you can only get real gains in your game if you have 22 players really going after it in a game-like fashion so you can get game-like reps.”
(Going back to the question a minute ago, is there anything more you can share with us on your first interaction with QB Tua Tagovailoa after he learned of the deal knowing how close you two were? I imagine it was a pretty cool moment?) – “Yeah, it was, to say the least. I think I’m of unassuming stature, but when I get enough adrenaline and I’m pretty excited, can surprise some people with my leverage and my strength and my hug surprised him. I can tell because he spilled his coffee.”
(So this means that you knew before practice started?) – “Absolutely not. We have players attacking the day to the level of early afternoon coffees are like, a dime a dozen. That moment, I wasn’t playing on that, but it’s definitely something to remember. Just you know how it’s hard not to have a lot of time pass through your mind really fast, but it was something cool to share and he was coordinated enough not to spill the coffee that I spilled onto me, so I was fired up about that as well.”
(Did you pick him up with the hug…?) – “I basically suplexed him. (laughter) And then Chris (Grier) was very mad. No, it was just a leveraged form-fit, nothing to the ground. We didn’t violate the CBA, we’re good.”
(I know we’re talking about QB Tua Tagovailoa, but I do want to address LB Anthony Walker Jr. Obviously LB David Long Jr. being sidelined, he’s playing a more prominent role in the defense. What have you seen from him to make him an orange jersey player in the first week?) – “Well, he first and foremost, very rare that I get feedback so early in the offseason from so many people, about you know, ‘I effing love this guy.’ Won his teammates over just by how he goes about business in the offseason, and then you take that to – in terms of you’re developing the defense and developing camaraderie – when you have a player that is as bought in as he is and a connectivity that he has with (Linebackers/Run Game Coordinator) Joe Barry and (Defensive Coordinator) Anthony Weaver, he’s been able to really execute some fundamentals and techniques at such a high level, taking indy to team, that he’s really helped the rest of the group in a couple of situations where a lot of times as players, you hear it from the coach, you see it one time from a teammate, ‘Oh,’ and then it’s able to be replicated. So he’s pushing the envelope in his game while also bringing others along with him and he has had – I gave him a hard time just today – he’s had his hands on multiple passes, but right now he’s just the first pick for the beach volleyball team because his bump-set-spike is leading the league… but being around the ball as much as he is, he’s going to start getting some interceptions soon and you’ll see a lot of teammates cheering, which I think is very telling.”
(We’ve seen LB Jaelan Phillips and LB Bradley Chubb work out on their own in their recovery. What can you tell us on maybe how they’re doing in their individual recoveries?) – “We have some great news. There’s been no setbacks. I hate to do this, but there’s partial credit due the fact there hasn’t been timelines set on them. So they haven’t over-pressed. But I’m very, very proud of them because first and foremost, I spoke at length; the biggest challenge and concern that I have is that they try to get back too soon. And that’s just natural for their competitiveness and how they love football, but they are a fixture. After they get their work in, after they get their movements done, where they’re pressing on uncharted territory every day, they are a big part of our practice every day and that’s because they are out there. I can always tell where they’re at in their rehab because you know how vibrant their cellies are. Their celebrations are, I mean they are a fixture of the team while being hindered from playing. It is very hard to do. Only special people can move the entire team’s needle based upon how present they are and how invested they are in their teammates. But they are in a cool spot, helping the team as they work their way back on the field.”
(With OL Aaron Brewer what do you like his use at center? And are there any concerns about some of snapping mishaps?) – “Really fired up about ‘Brew’ (Aaron Brewer) and what he’s going to be able to contribute to our offensive line. He’s done a tremendous job assimilating into the group and really taking to some of the things that we ask players to do that maybe, a little unique based upon their history. And he’s a guy that can be a weapon in the run game. And I think he sees himself that way. We see it that way. The way he comes off the ball, how lightning quick he is and the leverage he plays with and I think – yeah, I’ve become like more wise in my coaching years, and snap issues used to just trigger me to all end. Now the process, I still get triggered, but it’s really fast because it is a part of the process that you that you have to understand when you have quarterbacks and centers and guards playing with different people at the beginning of the camp and you’re using multiple snap counts and you’re going against multiple looks, it is something that I’m used to, you wish it didn’t happen, but the main thing is you want to see some improvement and development as the time goes on. If you have the same issues with the same players continuously, that’s when it’s a huge red flag. Otherwise you’re just making sure that the issues that you had are addressed and worked on and hopefully those are corrected. We just want them corrected, really.”
Anthony Walker Jr. – July 26, 2024
Download PDF version
Friday, July 26, 2024
LB Anthony Walker Jr.
(What was the review on the playlist?) – “Oh it was a little bit of everything, trying to make sure everybody felt like they were home. I told them I was going to take them to practice and bring them out of practice, so I hope I did my job.”
(Tell us about the orange jersey performance yesterday and how you feel you’re fitting in and blending in overall?) – “Obviously, I think a lot of guys deserve it. I think we’ve been practicing really hard as a team. Defensively, offensively, special teams wise, a lot of guys getting better every day. Obviously, it’s only, what, Day 3? It feels like 23 – that sun adds a couple. (laughter) I’m thankful. I’m thankful for the opportunity. Last year I thought it would be almost the end for me towards the end of the season with the injury and everything, so to be out here, I’m grateful for the opportunity. I can’t overstate that enough just knowing that the game was almost taken from me. So just thankful for that and ready to keep working.”
(Tell me about the mental approach of coming back from an injury. How much of it is mental and how much of it is physical?) – “The game of football is all mental, for real, for me. Obviously, the physical part that’s just what it is when you play football, but as you get to this age and you get to the backend of your career, it becomes more and more mental. Just the daily grind – the day I stop loving the daily grind is the day you guys won’t see me out here anymore. I love coming out here with my teammates competing and getting better. Like I said, just opportunity – the opportunity to win as a team and opportunity to use the gifts that God has given me.”
(What did you think of QB Tua Tagovailoa out there today in 11-on-11s? He’s always the focal point, he didn’t practice yesterday.) – “He made a throw today, I was like, ‘Dude.’ It’s a play that the Mike linebacker – I’m just happy that I wasn’t in. (laughter) But the Mike linebacker should be there, but he threw the ball before I think Tyreek (Hill) was even out of his break. You see what he brings to the table, you see what he means to this team, how he pumps up the offense. They know when he’s out there, it’s just a different feeling. They love everybody, we love all the quarterbacks, but it’s a different feeling when (No.) 1 is in there, and I think the guys feel that.”
(Kind of piggy backing off of that on how this offense can stretch you vertically and create that space on the second level, how have you taken from that for your three days of practice, just how much space you have to defend against this offense?) – “I think I had to run 40 or 50 yards yesterday to defend a play, but I told (Head Coach) Mike (McDaniel), the middle of the field is closed down while I’m in there. I take pride in that, and that’s what he prides himself on. He broke that down to us in OTAs. This is how the Mike linebacker plays, showed clips of Fred Warner just owning the middle, and I take pride in that. That’s my job, and us as linebackers, we take that challenge. Obviously, when you’ve got the speedsters out there, the ‘DBs’ are already stressed enough, so we don’t want them to have worry about covering the shallows as well. As long as we can take away the middle of the field and let those guys stay on top, we are doing our job.”
(The tipped interception, I think it fell through your hands. What are you kind of feeling after that?) – “Yeah, got to make the play. We’ve got to make those. The ball is so precious in this league. The more turnovers you can get, the more opportunity to set your team up for success. Any time we’re able to get hands on the ball, we got to come down with it. Obviously, I missed an opportunity today.”
(You’ve been with him for a few months now, Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver, how would you describe his coaching style?) – “I think you can tell he played the game. He played the game at a high level, and he understands and respect the grind that we go through as players, but also takes the approach of that he’s the coach and this is his show. I think from Day 1, I felt that from him, that confidence that he has as a coach, but also the understanding that there are going to be mistakes as players and that we’re going to keep learning and keep getting better. It’s a new scheme, but we’re all getting better from it. I think that he takes that approach every day. You love playing for a coach like that.”
(You’re coming from a really good defense in Cleveland where Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz is there. How would you describe the difference in styles of scheme? You both probably do a lot of blitzing but in different ways.) – “We always said that the Ravens were very exotic – they had a lot of looks for us when we were playing in Cleveland and playing those guys two times a year. Now being in it, I see why. You want to show a lot, but it’s the same for us. You want the offense to look like it’s 1,000 looks, but defensively, it’s very simple for us. I think that helps us. (Jim) Schwartz was a great coach, he has a great scheme as well. Obviously 3-4 and 4-3 is a little different, but at the end of the day, they are all about the same thing – stop the other team from scoring. It’s defense.”
(The front office made a big push to improve the linebacker position with the collection of players you have here. Does this compare to anything you’ve had before or is this the best collection of linebackers you’ve been around?) – “Oh, don’t get me doing that. (laughter) No, this is a great group. I think I put this 1A-1B with – I had a group in Indianapolis with me, Shaquille Leonard, EJ Speed, Zaire Franklin, Bobby Okereke, guys that are all starts and all captains for their team. I think that was a special room as well, and I think we’ve got a similar type of a group of guys as far as the leadership and all guys being able to play, step in and play big role for this team.”
(I saw you guys going against TE Jonnu Smith in one-on-ones today. What has he brought to this team?) – “I’ve known Jonnu (Smith) for a very long time. I played against him twice a year for four years when I was with Indy. He’s very special talent and explosive with the ball in his hands, and that’s any way you can get it to him. I saw him get a jet sweep today, I was like, ‘Alright, we’re just installing stuff now. We’re getting bored on Day 3.’ (laughter) But again, he’s a very unique talent at that tight end position, pretty much can run like a running back, catch like a receiver and then get down and block like an o-linemen. So a very special talent.”
(He was telling me about how he finishes his runs in the end zone when he catches a ball. Do you like talk to him like, “You were down, I got you down right there?”) – “Always. He’s always down, don’t let him tell you… He’s just running for cardio at that point. (laughter)”
(What’s it like to be back in South Florida?) – “It’s hot. (laughter) My dad was at practice today. He hasn’t seen me practice in the NFL before. He was like, ‘Hey man, how is it?’ And I’m like, ‘It’s hot.’ I haven’t practiced here in 12 years – since my last senior year of high school practice. Getting back used to that, obviously global warming is a real thing I’m assuming because it’s hotter. (laughter) But definitely just happy to be out here, be home. Like I said, my dad’s first time seeing me practice in the NFL is very special. Being able to have family come out every day is very special, so I’m thankful for that.”
