Chargers’ Pouncey says Miami release was “fuel to the fire”
COSTA MESA — Although Mike Pouncey is thrilled to start work with the Los Angeles Chargers, the center still has a few bittersweet thoughts about how his last job ended.
Pouncey joined Philip Rivers for the start of the offseason workout program Monday, exactly four weeks after he agreed to a two-year contract with the Chargers following his release by the Miami Dolphins.
Los Angeles was able to sign the three-time Pro Bowl center only because Pouncey had been abruptly dropped by the Dolphins, who apparently couldn’t make a deal on a restructuring of his contract.
Although Pouncey said he’s excited about a fresh start with a team that could get him to the playoffs for the first time, the manner in which the Dolphins dropped him still stings.
“I understand it happens,” Pouncey said. “It was just the way it happened. I was there for seven years, and for them to not bring me in, sit me down and let me know what was going on, especially the fact that me and my brother (Maurkice) worked out there every single day this offseason, sat down and met with the coaches every single day — it just didn’t sit well with me. Guys come in and get cut all the time, but I was there for seven years. They could have at least brought me in, instead of texting my agent and ignoring my phone calls and texts all day.”
Pouncey was a captain with the Dolphins, and he had spent his entire seven-year NFL career with the franchise. He also won a national title at the University of Florida after going to high school in central Lakeland, Florida.