Jake Bailey Media Availability | Miami Dolphins

Introduction

In a recent interview with the Miami Herald, Jake Daniel, the newly signed specialist for the Miami Dolphins, shared some insights into his thought process during the free agency period. While many players consider scheme fit and specific coaching staff as factors in their decision-making process, Jake had a different perspective. He emphasized his admiration for his new special teams coach, Danny Crossman, and his excitement to work with Jason and Blake, whom he already knows personally. In Jake's world, relationships and personal connections played a significant role in his choice to join the Dolphins.

Battling Injuries and Back Struggles

During the interview, Joe Shad from Palm Beach asked Jake about his back injury and how it affected his performance last season. In response, Jake revealed that his injury stemmed from his increased focus on squatting as part of his training routine. He admitted that he had never emphasized squatting in his early years, neither in college nor during his first three years in the league. Hoping to integrate it into his routine, Jake started squatting more and more, resulting in his back injury and a decline in accuracy. It was a tough experience for Jake, especially considering that he had not experienced any back issues since his teenage years.

Moving Past the Suspension Drama

When Jake signed a long-term contract with his previous team, he expected to stay with them for a while. However, things took an unexpected turn when he found out that the team had placed him on a suspended list. Although Jake acknowledged that there were some issues and confusion between him and the team, he expressed his belief that both parties have moved past it. He had a conversation with Coach Belichick to address the situation, and now he is focused on his future with the Dolphins.

AFC East Rivalries

One interesting aspect of Jake's move to the Dolphins is that he has joined a growing list of players who have switched teams within the AFC East. Players from the Jets, Dolphins, and Bills have all swapped teams, creating intriguing matchups for the upcoming season. When asked about facing his former team, Jake played it cool, saying that it's just another team on the schedule. However, he did acknowledge the variety of elements that players in the AFC East face, from dealing with the extreme weather in Buffalo to the heat in Miami.

Rebuilding Confidence and Performance

David Franes questioned Jake about his performance in 2022 and how it compared to previous years. Jake didn't make any excuses for his numbers, admitting that he didn't feel like himself throughout the season. He attributed this decline to the back issues caused by his squatting routine. Despite his struggles, Jake maintained a mindset of pushing himself to be the best partner in the league, even if he outwardly projected humility. He is determined to perform to the best of his abilities every time he steps onto the field.

Adjusting to a New Team

As this is Jake's first time changing teams, he was asked about any anxieties or concerns he might have had. Surprisingly, Jake dismissed any notion of anxiety, stating that he doesn't view himself as the same player who won All-Pro honors. He sees himself as just another player trying to meet new people and contribute to the team. He shared his positive experience with his first workout with the Dolphins, expressing his excitement about meeting new teammates who were all friendly and welcoming.

Taking to the Skies

During the interview, Travis brought up an interesting aspect of Jake's life outside of football – his pursuit of a pilot's license. Jake revealed that this offseason has been dedicated to obtaining his pilot's license. Although he had met the minimum requirements during college, he never had the chance to take the final exam due to being drafted into the NFL. Now, he has been putting in hours of flying time and is on the verge of completing the requirements. Jake envisions himself piloting small aircraft for now, but he dreams of expanding his skills to flying to places like Key West and the Bahamas, maybe even getting a float plane license in the future.

Moving Forward and Focusing on the Present

Amidst the interview, Jake was also asked about the grievance filed by his agent regarding his suspension and guaranteed money. He mentioned that the details of the grievance were confidential between him and the Patriots, but he assured everyone that he is fully focused on his new team, the Dolphins. Jake is eager to contribute to the team's success and leave any past issues behind.

In conclusion, Jake Daniel's journey into free agency and his move to the Miami Dolphins was driven by personal connections and relationships. Although he faced setbacks with his back injury and suspension, he remains confident in his abilities and his commitment to performing at his best. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Dolphins, he also pursues his passion for becoming a licensed pilot. With his determined mindset and positive outlook, Jake is ready to make an impact on and off the field for his new team.