The word “disappointing” was the first thing out of Brandon Marshall’s mouth when I asked him about his first year in Miami. But the fifth-year receiver sees a bright future for him and the Dolphins and he’s not settling for just a playoff appearance in 2011: He’s thinking bigger.
Armed with a new website, Twitter page and a great outlook about his future in Miami, Marshall is hitting the ground running this offseason. The lockout hasn’t stopped him from improving as a player and reaching out to fans that he says have supported him through ups and downs. He even recently called a group of them just to talk and thank them for their ongoing support.
Brandon was also kind enough to talk with us recently about how he’s dealing with the lockout, what it’s like to go through an offseason where he’s actually healthy and what his experience was like in Miami last year. He also named a couple of teammates that are ready for breakout or Pro Bowl seasons and he dropped a big hint about what free agent he’d love to have line opposite him in the Dolphins’ offense next season. (It’s not hard to figure out if you followed Brandon’s career at Central Florida.)
Check out Brandon’s official new website at www.BrandonMarshall19.com and his Twitter page @BMarshall19.
The Scores Report: Hey, how are you, Brandon?
Brandon Marshall: I’m good! How are you doing, Anthony?
TSR: I’m great! I just saw that you had a birthday recently.
BM: Yeah, I did.
TSR: I’m a little late but Happy Birthday!
BM: I appreciate that. We had a good time yesterday.
TSR: So what, cake, balloons, pony ride? Do you have a party?
BM: No, my wife had a surprise dinner for me at Maggiano’s at the Hard Rock.
TSR: Very cool. Well I’m a fellow March man – my birthday is next week.
BM: Aries baby!
TSR: That’s right! We’re hardheaded and don’t like to be told what to do.
BM: That’s right.
TSR: (Laughs) Congratulations on the new web site – I like the beat going on in the background.
BM: Yeah, that’s Lindsey. Lindsey picked that beat out. (Editor’s Note: Lindsey is one of Brandon’s managers at EAG Entertainers and Athletes Group, who was also kind enough to set up the interview.)
TSR: Really? I’ll have to tell her she did a nice job the next time I talk to her. So tell me about the site and what it’s designed for. You noted recently that you wanted to reach out more to fans.
BM: It’s nothing too crazy. First though, I wanted to thank you for allowing me to do this interview with you guys. I know you guys are pretty popular.
TSR: It’s my pleasure Brandon, we really appreciate your joining us today.
BM: The website is simple. I’ve been in the NFL for five years and I haven’t been too happy with my interaction with the fans over the last five years. I’m trying to get my foot in the door and try to establish myself as an elite athlete and a great receiver. It’s now where I feel like I’m entering my prime and I’m comfortable with where I’m at in my career, so I have some room to interact more with the people who put me in this position. You know, just in terms of the support they give me – especially through my ups and downs – and sticking with me. I just want to be able to give back to them. Last night I actually did a UStream where I had them text me their numbers on the computer and I called a bunch of fans just to chat with them.
