The Fish Tank: Miami Dolphins Tales From The Deep

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Kim Bokamper: Bo Knows Sep 27, 2022

Show notes

Miami Dolphins Tales From The Deep Selected by the Dolphins in the first round of the 1977 NFL Draft, Kim Bokamper played his entire career in Miami, first as an outside linebacker from 1977-1980, and then as a defensive end from 1981-1985. Bokamper would become a fixture in South Florida as a television broadcaster on WFOR-TV CBS Miami, as a sideline reporter for Dolphins games for 560 WQAM Radio, and as a restaurateur with his “Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill” restaurants. Bo, who is also one of the all-time great story tellers in Dolphins’ history, dives in with OJ and Seth for the first time since 2019, and does not disappoint. Fresh of the Dolphins historic come-from-behind victory over the Baltimore Ravens, we relive the thrilling experience from his sideline vantage point (3:03), which of course sparks memories of Bob Griese becoming the first Fins passer to throw six TDs in a 1977 game that Bo also had a front row seat to (7:47). Kim tells us the craziest thing he ever witnessed as a sideline reporter (10:16), recalls weathering the storm of both Defensive Coordinator Bill Arnsparger and legendary Head Coach Don Shula after a missed sack opportunity (14:56), and explains why even the equipment truck was held to Shula’s strict schedule (17:58). Bo then gifts us two of the most hilarious stories ever told in The Tank as he details Ed Newman’s 12-Minute Run attempt (22:08), and an outrageous blackmail scheme for Dan Marino’s missing high school shoulder pads (39:03). Finishing strong, Bo delivers a walk-off-sack in our Two-Minute Drill (48:46). Contributors to this episode include Sean “DJ Prec” Todd and Dolphins Productions. Theme song created and performed by The Honorable SoLo D.

Rick Spielman: A Band of Brothers Sep 20, 2022

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Miami Dolphins Tales From The Deep To say that Rick Spielman has football flowing through his veins would be an understatement. The Canton, Ohio native has spent the past three decades evaluating players and helping to construct NFL teams, including his tenure as the Miami Dolphins top personnel man from 2000-2004, holding the position of General Manager that final season. Following his run with the Dolphins, Spielman spent 16 seasons (2006-2021) in Minnesota, including 10 years as the Vikings’ GM. In The Tank, Rick and OJ reminisce about their Ohio roots, with Rick sharing what life was like for him and his brother, Detroit Lions legend Chris Spielman, as they grew up in Canton and ultimately played for Massillon High School, one of the most storied programs in the country (3:04) while OJ comes clean on a memento he took from Chris’ Ohio State locker at a high school state championship game (10:56). Rick goes on to detail his journey from a college career at Southern Illinois, to NFL free agent tryouts, to being cut by the Lions while going to camp with his brother in 1988 (12:31). He discusses joining Dave Wannstedt in Miami in 2000 (21:06) and fondly reflects upon the Dolphins victory over the Colts in the Wild Card round of the playoffs that season, while providing unique perspective from the mind of a football executive who has no control of the outcome on gameday (28:05). Rick looks back at his short-lived experience with Nick Saban in Miami (23:05), discusses the decision to pass on Drew Brees in the 2001 NFL Draft (35:49), and reveals his unlikely location when making the trade for Ricky Williams (46:12). Rick finishes strong by expressing extreme displeasure after OJ blames Seth for Ricky’s 2004 retirement (50:22), and delivers one of the most hilarious Two-Minute Drills to date (52:40). Contributors to this episode include Sean “DJ Prec” Todd and Dolphins Productions. Theme song created and performed by The Honorable SoLo D.

Terry Kirby: I Am Cornholio Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

Miami Dolphins Tales From The Deep Terry Kirby was one of the most prolific high school athletes the state of Virginia has ever seen, leaving his mark on both football and basketball record books and earning his place in the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame. A standout career at the University of Virginia followed with the running back finishing as the school’s all-time leader in rushing before Don Shula selected him in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. Kirby continued to set records in his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins and was hugely popular with his teammates and fans alike but was traded by Jimmy Johnson prior to the 1996 season. Making his second Fish Tank appearance, “TK” claps back at his former college and pro teammate, Mark Dixon, who took shots at Terry’s hoop game (3:03) and continues the basketball theme by taking us to a heated card game with Michael Jordan (5:52). TK marvels at the rookie performance by current Dolphins wideout Jaylen Waddle while reflecting upon his own first-year success and how he was able to make an immediate impact on the team’s offense (10:17). Terry opens up about the trade that would turn his life upside down, the hurt he felt, and the resentment he held towards Johnson as a result (17:39), before becoming a dangerous kick returner late in his career (26:59). Wrapping up the episode, TK discusses his new passion for the sport of competitive cornhole (30:40), shares his pride in seeing son, TeKai, follow in his footsteps at the University of Virginia, and shows us all why he was such an offensive threat with a spectacular Fish Tank Two-Minute Drill (39:58). Contributors to this episode include Sean “DJ Prec” Todd and Dolphins Productions. Theme song created and performed by The Honorable SoLo D.

Stanley Pritchett: I’m Just a Fullback Sep 06, 2022

Show notes

Miami Dolphins Tales From The Deep Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Stanley Pritchett took his talents to an unexpected SEC school upon signing with the University of South Carolina. His decision paid off as he proved to be a dual-threat from the fullback position and ultimately became a member of Jimmy Johnson’s first Dolphins draft class when Miami selected him in the fourth round of the 1996 NFL Draft. Pritchett would go on to play four seasons in aqua and orange, many of them leading the way for Karim Abdul-Jabbar. In The Tank, “Pritch” explains why he chose the Gamecocks over his home-town Georgia Bulldogs (2:12) and surprises Juice and Seth by revealing he is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity (4:01). Stanley goes on to reflect upon his ’96 draft class that featured the likes of Abdul-Jabbar, Zach Thomas, Daryl Gardener, Shawn Wooden, and others and recalls how challenging his first training camp was (6:03). He discusses his relationship with former ‘Fins fullback Keith Byars (13:24) as well as his nerves entering a Dan Marino huddle for the first time (17:12). To Seth’s surprise, Pritch reveals he was unaware of several records he set in early games against two AFC East rivals (20:14), but vividly recalls his “welcome to the NFL” moment given to him by former Dolphins’ enforcer turned Chicago Bear, Bryan Cox (28:56). This all-purpose fullback stays on the field to wrap up the episode with The Fish Tank Two-Minute Drill (32:27). Contributors to this episode include Sean “DJ Prec” Todd and Dolphins Productions. Theme song created and performed by The Honorable SoLo D.

Remembering Jason Jenkins Sep 05, 2022

Show notes

Miami Dolphins Tales From The Deep In this special episode, OJ and Seth pay tribute to Jason Jenkins, Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs, who died suddenly on Saturday, August 27, 2022. Jason was the visionary behind the Dolphins Podcast Network and championed The Fish Tank from day one. His impact on all of us will never be forgotten.

Ronnie Brown: Offering Hope Aug 30, 2022

Show notes

Former Dolphins running back, Ronnie Brown, dives into The Fish Tank for the first time since his March 12, 2019 groundbreaking appearance. The number two overall pick of the 2005 draft played six of his 10 NFL seasons in Miami, helping to bolster the Fins rushing attack, and famously executing the Wildcat offense to perfection. Today, Ronnie makes an impact as a Financial Advisor, helping athletes and others with a variety of wealth management services. In The Tank, Ronnie discusses how watching the movie The Blind Side brought back memories of his own childhood (3:17), as well as his unique connection to actress Chloë Grace Moretz (9:20). He fondly recalls his memorable draft class, beginning with another epic Matt Roth story (21:47) as well as his special friendship with Channing Crowder (26:16). Ronnie goes on to explain where he felt former Dolphins Head Coach Nick Saban struggled (31:43), shares his excitement for the team’s new offensive system (37:06), and reveals who in the Brown household is a huge fan of Tyreek Hill (39:34). Finally, Ronnie calls off the Wildcat to orchestrate a textbook Fish Tank Two-Minute Drill (41:07). Contributors to this episode include Sean “DJ Prec” Todd, Alex Bitchatchi, and Dolphins Productions. Theme song created and performed by The Honorable SoLo D.

Cleo Lemon: I Didn’t Take The Ordinary Path Aug 23, 2022

Show notes

Miami Dolphins Tales From The Deep Cleo Lemon’s unlikely odyssey from camp casualty to South Florida hero culminated when he forever etched his name on the hearts of Miami fans with a game-winning, overtime TD pass to Greg Camarillo, lifting the Dolphins to their first and only win of the 2007 season. Despite a prolific career at Arkansas State, the Greenwood, Mississippi native went undrafted in 2001 and spent two years out of football before finally landing with the San Diego Chargers. Three seasons in San Diego came to a halt in 2005 when Lemon was traded to Nick Saban’s Miami squad, where he would enjoy the most significant playing time of his NFL career. In The Tank, Cleo reflects upon his childhood in Greenwood (7:49) and the circumstances that led him to don a Red Wolves jersey (12:44). He then candidly details an incredible two-year journey that would have forced many out of football (15:26) and included stops in the AF2 League (21:54) and a University of Memphis Pro Day before finally landing a workout with the Chargers (22:48). Cleo goes on to share details on a Bolts quarterbacks room featuring Drew Brees, Doug Flutie, and Phillip Rivers (26:27) and makes the team after figuring out in the fourth-team huddle that an undrafted rookie basketball player turned tight end named Antonio Gates should see the ball often (27:32). Lemon discusses his unique connection to Cam Cameron and where things went south for Miami in 2007 (29:14) and opens up about the responsibilities and challenges for Dolphins quarterbacks since Dan Marino retired (35:19). Of course, Cleo recalls that fabled touchdown toss against the Baltimore Ravens to “save” the 2007 season (37:54), explains his transition from playing, to coaching, to the corporate sector (45:24), and steps to the line and executes the perfect Fish Tank Two-Minute Drill (50:19). Contributors to this episode include Sean “DJ Prec” Todd, Alex Bitchatchi, and Dolphins Productions. Theme song created and performed by The Honorable SoLo D.

Kevin Carter: Truth, Justice, and The American Way Aug 16, 2022

Show notes

Miami Dolphins Tales From The Deep No ordinary defender could possibly stand out in the shadow of two of the most famous offenses in football history - The University of Florida’s Fun ‘n’ Gun and the St. Louis Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” - but Kevin Carter was anything but ordinary. At 6-6, 305 pounds, Carter’s presence was felt the moment he walked into a room or onto a field, but it was his rare combination of freakish strength, athleticism, and intelligence that transformed this mild-mannered zoology major into a gridiron superhero. Joining OJ and Seth in The Fish Tank, Kevin fondly reflects on his Gators’ experience and how Steve Spurrier’s dynamic personality won him over (2:43), shares details of his journey from college All-American to becoming the first defensive player selected in the 1995 NFL Draft and trying to figure out the league and himself on a struggling Rams franchise, to becoming an All-Pro for a Super Bowl champion (10:12) and reveals how a star defensive player finds his way among flashy offenses that featured the likes of Fred Taylor, Errict Rhett, Danny Wuerffel, Reidel Anthony, and Ike Hilliard in Gainesville and Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt in St. Louis (15:31). Kevin goes on to reveal the phone call from Jason Taylor that helped bring him to Miami in 2005 and why his Dolphins tenure was the most fun day-to-day life he lived as a professional despite Nick Saban’s physically demanding practices (22:43), discusses how fortunate young players like Channing Crowder and Matt Roth were to be surrounded by the Dolphins’ veteran leadership (30:40), and provides his perspective on JT’s epic post-game locker room tirade in Cleveland (34:44). Finally, this NFL Iron Man opens up about playing in an impossible 224 straight games (starting 219) over the course of his 14-year career (42:34) before tackling The Fish Tank Two-Minute Drill and calling our first-ever timeout (52:33)! Contributors to this episode include Sean “DJ Prec” Todd, Alex Bitchatchi, and Dolphins Productions. Theme song created and performed by The Honorable SoLo D.

Rob Konrad: I’m Hitting The Shore Aug 09, 2022

Show notes

Miami Dolphins Tales From The Deep Rob Konrad, the last member of the Syracuse Orange football program to don the university’s legendary jersey number 44, enjoyed a standout career that positioned the fullback to be selected by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Konrad hit the ground running, catching a touchdown pass from Dan Marino in his very first professional game, and went on to play six seasons in Miami, starting 57 games, and blocking for Ricky Williams during his dominant 2002-03 run. Since hanging up his cleats, Konrad has enjoyed a successful career in the finance industry, however a 2015 boating mishap left him fighting for his life in the Atlantic Ocean in an extraordinary act of survival that he has not spoken about publicly in years. Joining OJ and Seth in The Fish Tank, Rob discusses his hometown of Danvers, Massachusetts and its connection to the Salem witch trials (3:56) and fondly reflects upon his relationship with Syracuse’s storied 44, as well as his bond with the legends, like Jim Brown, who wore the number before him (6:14). Rob looks back at his 1999 draft class for which he was one of three ball carriers selected (14:40), reveals how nervous he was starting his first NFL game on Monday Night Football at Mile High Stadium against the Denver Broncos (23:10), and shares how Ricky Williams’ arrival in South Florida resulted in him becoming a better football player (27:43). Konrad goes on to explain how the diminishing role of the NFL fullback coupled with the sacrifices required by the position compelled him to take significant steps towards his post playing career (32:50), and then provides a detailed account of the 16-hour, death-defying swim for his life (41:28), before wrapping up the episode with The Fish Tank Two-Minute Drill (1:05:10). Contributors to this episode include Sean “DJ Prec” Todd, Alex Bitchatchi, and Dolphins Productions. Theme song created and performed by The Honorable SoLo D.

Tim Bowens: You Don’t Want This Smoke Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

Miami Dolphins Tales From The Deep Tim Bowens made an immediate impact with the Miami Dolphins, who selected the massive defensive tackle in the first round of the 1994 draft despite the Okolona, Mississippi native having played just nine games of NCAA football. Bowens would be named NFL Rookie of the Year that season and would go on to anchor the Dolphins defensive front from 1994-2004 with a mythlike strength and toughness that is still marveled at to this day. In a rare interview for the Pro Bowl defender, “Timbo” reflects upon life in Okolona (2:40), details his journey from Itawamba Community College to Ole Miss (5:05), and recalls a hometown, pre-draft visit he received from Pro Football Hall of Famer and then-Miami Dolphins defensive line coach, “Mean” Joe Greene (9:05). Tim also reveals the hilarious details of his first-ever conversation with Don Shula after the coaching icon selected him in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft and explains why hazing attempts by veteran players got really ugly, really fast (11:20). The big man in the middle also discusses the mindset necessary to play defensive tackle in the NFL (19:05), opens up about the transition from Coach Shula to Jimmy Johnson (27:08), reveals his role in Jack Del Rio’s short-lived Dolphins tenure (29:13), and provides more insight as to what made Zach Thomas a special player (34:50). Finally, Timbo dominates The Fish Tank Two-Minute Drill like only he can (46:45). Contributors to this episode include Sean “DJ Prec” Todd, Alex Bitchatchi, and Dolphins Productions. Theme song created and performed by The Honorable SoLo D.

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