The Miami Dolphins don't hold or endorse press conferences for new players, yet newly signed wide receiver Brandon Marshall held court at the Renaissance Plantation today anyway -- with nary a front office lackey diving in front of a microphone to call it to a halt.
Perhaps that's because the brass want the community to hear their $50 million man say all the right things about his production, that troublesome past and that unnerving reputation. And boy, did he.
"I plan on wasting no time bettering myself, establishing myself on this team and embedding myself in this community," the 26-year-old said. "That’s a big part."
Expect him to pop out from behind a toadstool near you.
"I don't think you guys understand. It's an amazing feeling [to be traded to Miami]. My whole family is excited...it's the best fit personally and professionally."
And about those arrests? Marshall said those incidents have taught him to be more patient, to think things through, that part of his "community embed" would involve getting kids to listen to his story.
"My past is exactly what it is: the past," he said. "I've made my mistakes...With my experience in the past I can help the younger guys.
"The Dolphins did their due diligence and that's why I'm here... In the past, there's alot I didn't focus on. This offseason, I will. I plan for this year to be my best year so far.
"This game means a lot to me. it's much more than just money... You would love to secure your family. But I play because I want to have my name in the books and win lot of games."
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We can only hope. But Marshall says he doesn't anticipate any authority issues like he displayed in Denver.
"[Tony Sparano is] "my type of coach, my kind of guy," he said. "I'd run through a wall for a coach like him."
Of course, the last guy who said that might be in the process of being run out of town, but Marshall's five-year contract seemingly prevents such disaster. And that jersey drama? Turns out The Beast is just a kitty.
"It's his locker room," he said, declining to challenge incumbent receiver Davone Bess for the number 15. "I'm just worried about the number of wins. I'll be happy with 87 or whatever other number."
Okay, on 3, Dolphins fans: DROOL.
