Transcripts

Search Transcripts
Stephen M. Ross (Second Quarter) – August 17, 2024 Download PDF version

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Chairman of the Board/Managing General Partner Stephen M. Ross on CBS Miami Broadcast (Second Quarter)

STEVE GOLDSTEIN: First off, how much did you enjoy that first drive with your quarterback?

STEPHEN M. ROSS: “He looked good, he looked good. I don’t think we’ll see him again tonight.”

GOLDSTEIN: No, QB Skylar Thompson now and that should be it, right? Wait till the regular season.

ROSS: “That’s right. That’s it.”

GOLDSTEIN: They do the NFL Players Association poll every year. Your team, A’s and A+’s across the board in treatment of players, facilities, a brand-new locker room here – how much pride do you take in those types of things of having this team be where it is?

ROSS: “Whatever we do, we want to be best in class. I mean, in my business career I’ve had the same philosophy, but we have to win on the field at the same time. One thing that – we haven’t gotten that Super Bowl, but we’re hoping but I think everything – players want to be here in Miami. They want to play for the team, they see what we’re doing. They see the facilities, they see the respect they get, so it’s great. I think as an organization, with Tom Garfinkel heading it up, we’re best in class. So, (I am) proud of that.”

KIM BOKAMPER: Mr. Ross, every time I see you, you look younger and younger.

ROSS: “I wish. (laughter)”

BOKAMPER: Speaking about the players in the locker room and everything, you’ve got this team where you want them. You’ve got a contract to QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle, some of the young guys that are on this football team that they’re going to lean on. How important was it for you to get those guys in the fold and send a message to this football team that you want to win, and you want to win this year?

ROSS: “Well, I want to win this year and I want to win next year, as well. But you’ve got to start early, and I think having those players and signing them to long-term contracts and knowing the nucleus of the team, I think that’s important. They are stars — Tyreek was just voted the No. 1 player in the league. With Waddle and Tua and some of the important young guys, retaining them – that’s what you want to do. You want to retain as many of your draft choices that really pan out. That’s a challenge though in these times.”

BOKAMPER: You’ve got a roster full of other players out here. General Manager Chris Grier and his staff have done a really good job seeding in the young players with all the veteran talent you got, and it looks like you’ve got a very good roster out there.

ROSS: “Right now, we have a great roster and I think everybody has great expectations. But hey, it’s the old injury bug. You got to make sure that that doesn’t happen like last year. I think without that and we stay healthy, I think we’re certainly a contender for the Super Bowl.”

GOLDSTEIN: You’ve had a few years now with Head Coach Mike McDaniel, he’s taken you to the playoffs a couple of times. He does things a little differently, and you’ve got to love the positivity that he brings to the table. What are your overall impressions now that you’ve been with him for a few years?

ROSS: “We took a chance, but I was impressed by him. I mean his intelligence and as a person, he’s unique certainly, and he’s doing a great job. Everybody loves him.”

GOLDSTEIN: You look at the stadium, obviously a huge investment – time, money, everything you’ve put into it. Soccer games, the Miami Open, Formula 1 – has it met your expectations of the world class destination location that you wanted it to be?

ROSS: “Yeah, I mean I think what we’ve done has really become that, but I mean it always can get better. We’re looking at different things, how we make the stadium even better, different events here and everything. It’s great for Miami, it’s great for all of South Florida. Owning a team, I think that’s what you really want to do is bring the community together and do things to enhance the community.”

GOLDSTEIN: You talk about all that other stuff, but the stadium is beautiful here. You’ve got the practice facility right over there, there’s a medical center right there next to them where they can walk in. The state of the franchise right now has got to be at an all-time high. I don’t think I’ve ever been more impressed with any place we’ve been and with the franchise than where this team is right now.

ROSS: “You’d feel a lot better when we win the Super Bowl, wouldn’t you? (laughter)”

BOKAMPER: I’d feel a heck of a lot better. I’d like to feel a lot better.

GOLDSTEIN: ‘Go for Bo,’ that could be the motto. Get one for Bo. Mr. Ross, a pleasure. Enjoy the rest of the game.

Ross: “It’s a pleasure, it’s always great. Thank you. Looking forward to a good season, thank you.”

BOKAMPER: For any Dolphin alumni, thanks for what you do for us, my friend. Appreciate it.

Ross: “Thank you.”

Search Transcripts

Weekly Archives