This is an excerpt due to political comments. Want to read the whole article? Click the link below.
******************************************************************************************
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-robert-quinn-20180404-story.html
New Dolphins DE Robert Quinn talks football
Chris Perkins
A fairly upbeat conference call with
Robert Quinn, the
Miami Dolphins’ newly-acquired defensive end, ended with a political slant Wednesday.
About 10 minutes into the call, after being asked about the brain tumor he had in high school, his role with the Dolphins and other on-field topics, Quinn was asked why he raised his fist during the national anthem last season and whether he plans to continue.
Prior to that question being asked the moderator said this would be the last question.
Quinn, the 27-year-old, seven-year veteran, didn’t say whether he planned to continue raising his fist.
The Dolphins acquired Quinn last month from the Los Angeles Rams for a fourth-round pick and a swap of sixth-round picks.
Quinn admitted the trade was shocking, but he also spoke of needing a change.
“Honestly, you don’t realize you’re suffocating until you can’t breathe anymore,” he said, “so honestly I’m glad I can have a new breath of fresh air down here in Miami.”
Asked what he meant by that Quinn, who grew up in South Carolina, attended North Carolina, and spent his entire seven-year career with the Rams, the first five years in St. Louis and the last two in Los Angeles, said, “Well how about this – I’m not a West-Coast guy. I’ll just put it that way.”
Quinn, a two-time
Pro Bowl selection, is viewed as a bookend pass rusher to
Cameron Wake. Quinn is the latest to attempt that role recently, joining
Mario Williams,
Andre Branch and Charles Harris.
During the 2012-14 seasons, Quinn posted double-digit sack totals each year, including a career-best 19 sacks in 2013.
Last season, the Dolphins ranked 26th in the NFL with 30 sacks. Wake, who is coming off back-to-back, double-digit sack seasons, is the star of the pass-rushing show. The Dolphins are hoping Quinn also becomes a star pass-rusher.
Quinn, a 4-3 defensive end, played 3-4 outside linebacker last season with the Rams, totaling 8.5 sacks.
He said it’ll be good to having his hand in the dirt as a 4-3 defensive end again with Miami. He said that pass-rushing style works to his advantage.
“I don’t know if you’ve ever watched the Olympics,” he said, “but I’ve never seen one of the sprinters run from a two-point stance.”
Quinn made it clear he’s looking forward to a new beginning with the Dolphins and he’s glad he’s away from the Rams.
“It’s like this, this is the first time I’ve been traded,” he said. “You commit yourself to someone and basically you have a family member turn their back on you, and you realize who appreciates you around here and you commit yourself to them. I’ve got a new family now here in Miami and that’s all I’m concerned about.”
