Kendall Langford turned small college success into major results when he became the Miami Dolphins third round pick in 2008. The soft-spoken big man spent four of his 10 NFL seasons in South Florida following his career at Hampton University, bringing a physical presence to the Dolphins defensive front.
In The Tank, Kendall discusses the rich history of his home town of Petersburg, Virginia (01:25), laments over losing a 2.5 carrot diamond earring during a team practice (13:43), details a costly and frightening elevator experience that lead to a trip to then head coach Tony Sparano’s office (22:22), explains why he will never fly with Matt Roth again (28:13), and shares why he and Paul Soliai decided to carry Dolphins legend Jason Taylor off the field following the final game of the Hall of Fame defensive end’s career (36:21).
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Born and raised in Fort Pierce, Florida, Anthony Harris took his talents to the Southeastern Conference where he played linebacker at Auburn University. Despite his success at Auburn, Harris went undrafted in 1996 before signing with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent, benefitting from first-year Fins head coach Jimmy Johnson’s commitment to youth and speed. Harris worked his way into the starting lineup for the final three games of his rookie year and became a full-time starter in 1997. Upon retirement at the conclusion of the 1999 season, Harris remained in South Florida where he began a lifetime commitment to working with youth.
In The Tank, Anthony fondly recalls his rookie year in a linebacker room that included fellow rookies Zach Thomas, Larry Izzo and O.J. Brigance. He details his penchant for challenging veteran players to high stakes running races that attracted major attention from his teammates, shares the story behind the biggest moment of his career, which involved a critical fourth-down stop of Hall of Fame running back, Marcus Allen, and explains the secret behind his death grip of a handshake.
One might find it hard to believe that a small-town Wisconsin kid could be come an All-Pro NFL linebacker – in Miami no less! – but that is exactly what John Offerdahl did. Offerdahl received just one Division I offer following high school, a partial scholarship to Western Michigan University. It didn’t take long for the partial to become a full scholarship, nor did it take long for Offerdahl to become a four-year starter, team leader, three-time All-MAC player, and second-team All American. It was his performance in the 1986 Senior Bowl, however, that truly peaked the interest of NFL scouts as Offerdahl’s goal line stops against Heisman Trophy-winning folk hero Bo Jackson helped him earn the game’s Defensive MVP award. Don Shula’s Miami Dolphins were impressed enough to use their first selection in the NFL draft on Offerdahl and he did not disappoint. In his rookie season, Offerdahl was selected to the Pro Bowl, named a second-team All Pro, and shared NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. The Pro Bowl became a second home for Offerdahl as Shula’s defensive captain was named to the all star game in each of his first five seasons. When he wasn’t knocking down running backs, Offerdahl tackled the restaurant industry, building Offerdahl’s Bagel Gourmet into a 10-store mini empire and eventually selling the business to what would become Einstein Bros. Five years after the sale, he re-entered the restaurant industry opening what is now called Offerdahl’s Off the Grill.
In The Tank, John vividly details his head-on meetings with Bo Jackson, shares how he handled an epic Don Shula expletive-filled rant, explains how a contract hold out also may have helped prepare him for the restaurant business, and discusses how his desire for, and receptiveness to, good coaching has shaped his life in many ways.
Wes Welker has been underestimated for most of his life…and what a mistake that has been! Despite a spectacular high school career for which he was named the Oklahoma State Player of the Year as a senior, the 5-9 Welker did not receive a single college offer until a Texas Tech recruit backed out of his scholarship at the last minute. As a Red Raider, Welker quickly earned the nickname “The Natural” and over four years, hauled in 21 receiving touchdowns, two rushing TDs, and set then-NCAA records for punt return yards (1,761) and punt return touchdowns (8), but did not receive an invite to the NFL combine, and went undrafted in 2004. Welker signed with the San Diego Chargers as a free agent and made the team’s final 53-man roster, only to be released after the first game of the season. The Miami Dolphins signed Welker and he became an immediate cult hero in South Florida. Initially shining as a special teams standout (and still holding several team records in the kicking game), Welker quickly became a valuable contributor to the Dolphins offense as well. The New England Patriots traded for Welker prior to the 2007 season, and he rewarded them by becoming one of the most productive wide receivers in NFL history, leading the league in receptions in 2007, 2009, and 2011, earning five Pro Bowl nods, and finishing his career with 16,797 all-purpose yards and nearly 15 NFL records.
Wes dove in with OJ and Seth prior to the 2021 NFL Draft and discussed his Cherokee heritage, explains a helmet-sized initiation into the Dolphins locker room, fondly recalls attending an outrageous bar mitzvah with Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas, shares how he pulled Tom Brady and Bill Belichick into an epic prank of fellow former Dolphin Larry Izzo, and reveals his thoughts on whether or not he deserves a bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. |
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