Salvon Ahmed – September 9, 2021
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Thursday, September 9, 2021
RB Salvon Ahmed
(I just remembered that the last time you played the Patriots, you ran for a lot of yards. What went well that day? What would be something that you would hope that could be recreated in the game on Sunday?) – “I think that was just a team effort. We want to go out there and have success every year and every game. We’re going to attack this game like it’s the first one of the year, like we do every single game. Last year, that was a great win to be a part of as a team. This year is a new one.”
(What did that do for your confidence, having a breakout game like that?) – “It was cool, but I think it’s a team effort. That builds confidence in the team – what we were able to do, the offensive line was able to do great things, Tua (Tagovailoa) was able to do great thing, the receivers were able to do great things. It was just a team effort. I think having games like that builds the team up for sure.”
(How important is it to have a run game identity? Every year it’s a goal, but how important is it to establish and start out the year strong?) – “I think the run game is obviously a big part of the offense. It’s something that us running backs take big pride in. Whenever we get the ball, we want to be able to make the most out of it. But like I said, it’s a team effort. We have to be able to do more than just run the ball. We have to be able to pass the ball and be able to protect. I think we’re going to be able to do everything.”
(We’ve seen you maximize the passing game. We saw in training camp the sideline routes when you’re matched up against the linebacker. How much have you worked this offseason to make sure you are your best self as a receiver if you’re getting targets 15, 20, 25 yards downfield?) – “I just try to be a complete back. I just want to be able to do everything. This offseason, I focused on not just one thing, but everything that comes with being a running back – pass protection, running the ball, catching the ball, being complete. I just try to be as much as you can for the team. At the end of the day, you just think about how you can help the team.”
(You had a meaningful moment in your life last October when the Chargers tried to poach you. Have you ever thought about what happened then and are you happy the way it’s turned out?) – “I love being here. I love being a Dolphin. I love this organization. I want to be here as long as I can, for sure.”
(What was your primary focus this offseason?) – “Everything. Just being able to focus on everything. I think that’s when you get problems is when you try to focus on one thing. There are things that you do well during the season that you’ve still got to work on. Even though you did well, it still needs to work. I think you try to focus on everything.”
(After the game in New England last year, I remember a story that you were supposed to give the game ball to your grandmother? Tell us what happened after that, what was the follow up?) – “Yeah, I was able to give her the ball when I was able to go home in the offseason. That was a special moment for her.”
(Is she doing well?) – “Yeah. She is doing well. She is doing well and kicking. She’ll be here this season getting some games in.”
(You got promoted to the 53 after the Chargers wanted to sign you?) – “Yeah. It was something like that. Really my agent handled a lot of it. I just got the call from my agent and talked to the organization and I was able to get promoted. I don’t really know too much about it, but I’m happy to be in this organization and I love being a Dolphin.”
(When you signed here, was it practice squad to start?) – “Yeah, I was on the practice squad when I first got here.”
(What’s the difference between practice squad life and 53-man roster life?) – “Really, how I approach it is every day is important. I don’t really think much changes from being on the practice squad. On practice squad, you’re still here every day. You have a chance to help the team on game day. I think you’ve got to take those reps you get at practice and make the most out of it. I don’t thing too much changes really.”
(The money too, right?) – “(laughter) Yeah, you could say that, too. But as far as football-wise, I think there is no difference from practice squad and being on the team. You’re still on this team and you’re an important part of this team.”
(You have a prominent role even though you were an undrafted rookie, on the practice squad, that got elevated. Do you ever think about where you came from? You were cut before you even got here.) – “Yeah, definitely. I’m just thankful to be here every single day. It’s a blessing. Like you said, I’ve been cut and I felt what that felt like. I’m just thankful to be here every day. Every day is a blessing. It’s not forever. You can’t play this game forever. I’m happy about my journey, how I got here and how I continue to be a part of this team and things like that.”
(What was being cut like?) – “It was hard, for sure. But I think at the end of the day, it’s a part of the game. It’s not your last try, it’s not your last go around. You just have to keep your head up and keep going. It’s something you’ve got to work through. What can I work on? What do I need to do to be better? Coming here and being a part of the practice squad was one of the best things to ever happen to me. I was getting those reps and just getting better every day, going against the defense. You don’t get to just go against the No. 1 defense all the time. I think you could say our defense is pretty good. I think doing things like that is just a part of the journey.”
(How much time do you and RB Myles Gaskin now spend together off-site? Are you at each other’s apartments much? Will you get together to watch the Michigan/Washington game Saturday night?) – “We’re together all the time. We hang out 24/7. That’s my road dog. We hang out all the time.”
(How close are your apartments together?) – “Not too far away from each other.”
(Y’all moved out of the same building?) – “Yeah. We were in Davie. We don’t live too far from each other. We stay close. That’s my dog.”
(I’ve noticed that both of you guys put in extra work – whether it’s in the weight room or on the field after practice or before practice. If you had a 40-yard dash tomorrow, you would win right?) – “Absolutely. I bet on myself all the time.”
(You are faster than RB Myles Gaskin?) – “I tell him all the time I’m faster than him. He says he’s faster than me but that’s an awesome thing we get to debate on and go back and forth with. I’ll take myself nine times out of 10. (laughter)”
(What part of RB Myles Gaskin game or his attribute as a football player do you most admire?) – “I learned a lot from Myles, just from being in college. We were in college together and everything. I learned a lot from him, so I don’t know. Patience is one thing I took from him. When I first got to college, I just wanted to run fast and do everything. I took his patience and tried to put that into my game. We’re both two different guys, but I’ve learned a lot from Myles. I can go on and on; but yeah, I’ve learned a lot from him. That’s my guy, for sure. I appreciate him a lot.”
(Are you all gift givers, do you give each other gifts on your birthday or anything?) – “Yeah, for the most part. He got me some shoes last year. I forgot what I got him. Oh, I think I got him some slippers for his birthday. He got me some shoes; I got him some slippers. (laughter) It’s a give and take.”
(Have you bulked up from last year or anything?) – “I think I’m about the same weight. Do I look bigger? I’ll take it. (laughter)”
