Quinn upbeat with his new start
A fairly upbeat conference call with Robert Quinn, the Miami Dolphins’ newlyacquired 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 onfield 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. He answered the question by stating his view of the current political climate, touching on President Trump’s desire to build a wall along the border with Mexico. More on that later. The Dolphins acquired Quinn last month from the Los Angeles Rams for a fourthround pick and a swap of sixth-round picks.
Quinn said 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 doubledigit 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-toback, double-digit sack seasons, is the star of the passrushing show. The Dolphins are hoping Quinn also becomes a star passrusher.
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 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 twopoint stance.”
Not long after that, Quinn was asked about raising his fist during the national anthem last season.
“Let me tell you this,” he began, “the way America was built and the way people talk, the President said we should build a wall to keep Mexicans out. And this country was built off the … they killed the Indians and built off the backs of the blacks, and yet y’all tell us to keep quiet.
“So at the end of the day, let’s confront the situation and let’s bring humanity and friendship and let’s get rid of all of the ignorance and let’s face it head on, look at each other as humans, and I always live by this one law — ‘Treat each other like you want to be treated.’
“You don’t ever want to smack someone in their face and don’t expect to get smacked back. It’s just that simple fact. Don’t treat someone bad and expect not to get treated the same way. That’s just how it is.”
The moderator then says, “Thanks guys.” And the call ended. Earlier, 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.”