You literally been the center of
player safety and Mission
protocol.
I would like to know what it's like to live in that space
because you have to be waking up seeing videos over and over
being asked questions. Repeatedly. How does that feel?
Hmm,
I do understand that
with what had happened in Cincinnati and then prior to
that was was Buffalo,
you know, the incidents that occurred and they were, you
know, within a four day time span, you know, guys?
Ali.
Really, we're trying to find find a way to help, I guess
I'm all for player safety button. When I hear guys saying
like,
you know, oh, this is the tool rule or this is, you know, rule
because of to, uh, you know, I don't want to be known as that.
I just want to go out and do good things for my team, help.
My team win, do whatever I can to,
you know, to help support the guys out there on the field.
Because, you know, we only have a short span of of
our prime time. If
Well,
yeah,
when you think about some of the things that your parents
said to you during that time their biggest concern, I'm sure
it's just the health of our son. Mmm.
Yeah, that was,
that was their biggest concern, you know, prior to the injury
and then things in the hospital and then after that, and then
going through the interview process,
going to see second opinion. Doctors,
but
you know, for, for me, I
I love volleyball. You know, I just love it, I love the,
the feeling that it brings.
I love that football
can help change people's lives. Really, I just missed it.
No, I just missed it. Miss playing. I love that you, you
talked about the community kind of rallying around you
that you know, kids in the neighborhood we're bringing
over cookies for you and just describe what it's like to
have the support. I mean, you're getting it from players,
you're getting it from your community. But some of
the things that stood out to you during that time off,
Yeah,
I thought it was really cool. I came home to
there were
like big letters on my door. It said, get well, soon, too.
I thought it was really sweet, you know. They were kids, that
came to the door, they brought like posters and, and letters.
And it's not just the kids, and the parents and the families in
our community. It was a, it was also kids from other areas of,
Country. Some people aren't even fans of the Dolphins but
just watching and showing how much they cared, it was
awesome. How if in any way do you think what you've been
through with your health concerns? It's going to affect
how you play this game
moving forward, you know, just
thinking of the longevity of me playing, you know, get the ball
out, if I'm getting sacked, just just fall down, you know,
don't try to be the superhero
and that's something that
I would say, has been wired in me.
Me to try to always make something happen
and sometimes the smartest play or the best players just to
throw the ball away and just punt the ball 100%. Yeah.
You know, guys might take away from being with two as that he
really does understand the severity of the injury that he
sustained. He says he's learned a lot more about concussions
from seeking out some of those second opinions.
And that it really
is going to impact the way that he plays this game. Moving
forward coach. And I think that's something that we might
be able to look at and see maybe even as soon as tonight.
Yes, I'm curious to see how he does play because he obviously
is
very thoughtful. He's concerned about his health. He knows he's
got to be out there for his team. He said it, I'm wired to
be a superhero. I'm wired to make those plays. I know what
I do. Best extending place.
Is he going to be able to rein that in
will have to CJ's? That was such a great piece and such
a great peek at him and his mindset. The thing for me is
it's a collaborative effort as a coach. You have to think
about this and Miami, they have these speed guys, that can make
these plays down the field,
make sure when you're throwing the ball down the field, you
have enough protectors. If you're using five-man
protection and getting everybody out, the ball has got
to come out quickly. You got to think about protection first
with
Quarterback. Certainly into his case
as they go forward. Yeah. And to a set it to, in that piece
that, you know, he doesn't want it to be the to a rule or a, he
doesn't want to be remembered for this. But the reality is,
this is a bookmark in the story that is player safety. And
changing the game for the better
in the NFL. What if anything do you hope is taken away from to
a situation. The injury that he sustained and
his process, getting back onto the field as we move forward.
And improve the game. The game is as safe as it's ever been,
the rules that have gone in place. In recent years with
protection, how you practice? Cactus how they call the game.
All those things have been great for player, safety. The
concussion issue has been in
the Forefront for a long time coach. And I think the biggest
thing is everyone has to follow the protocols, get rid of your
competitive juices, think about player safety first, I do think
the new protocol is going to help eliminate some of that
subjectivity going forward. Now you're right, Jason, it's been
13
years since I've been in the game, but when I was coaching,
we had this come in and we had different protocols. Come, we
just have to follow them. That's the key.