Story by
Perkins: Dolphins LB Willie Gay’s new outlook helps him become a surprise starter
- Story by
- Perkins: Dolphins LB Willie Gay’s new outlook helps him become a surprise starter
The serenity and acceptance that high-energy Dolphins linebacker Willie Gay Jr. found more than a year ago is still working in his favor. Since then, he's been a shining example of a veteran making the best of a less-than-ideal situation.
"I'm abundantly blessed," said Gay, a six-year veteran. "There's nothing more I could ask for. Obviously, things don't always go your way…but when I look at what I do have, I thank God because there's people wishing they could be in my position."
Advertisement
Gay, a 2020 second-round pick by Kansas City out of Mississippi State, was a baller early in his career. He started 47 of his first 57 games while winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs. He thought he'd always be a starter.
But he's started just 11 of his last 23 games in the last two-plus seasons between New Orleans and Miami .
Gay had one tackle, in the Dolphins' 27-13 loss at Las Vegas last week while playing 41 of the 68 defensive snaps.
Whatever. He's learned to appreciate the opportunity. Gay, whose roster spot was in question during training camp, is somewhat of a surprise starter in the Dolphins' 4-3 base defense, and it's due mostly to the ankle injury sustained by rookie linebacker Trey Moore in the preseason finale.
Advertisement
But Gay's starting job also came via his attitude adjustment. Gay prepared himself for this opportunity by setting a good example, meaning not sulking, and being a good teammate. It didn't go unnoticed, especially when he was around rookie linebackers Moore, Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis (who has since moved to safety), and second-year linebacker Jackson Woodard, the youngsters being trained to eventually take Gay's job.
"He's kind of been taking on that leadership role with this being a young team," All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks said. "He's been taking that step forward as far as helping to take the charge, lead the guys."
In fact, whether he's giving his trademark yell that signifies the start of practice, something he's been doing for years, or dancing to music during practice or knocking somebody's head off with a full-speed hit, Gay has acted as though he's still a starter.
"He's always vocal, always in a good mood when he's out there," defensive coordinator Sean Duggan said. "He brings people up. Like when you're around Willie at practice, your day gets better because you can feed off his energy."
Advertisement
Perhaps the good vibes Gay has been sending will translate into a big performance Sunday at San Francisco, when the Dolphins' defense might need some run-stuffing skills against 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.
Or perhaps Gay will have a smaller role because the Dolphins spend lots of time in the nickel defense.
Either way, his newly adopted attitude has taught him to be appreciative of his situation, and the lessons have stuck.
"When I was a younger guy…that was more of a thing for me, like, 'Oh, if I'm not a starter I'm gonna be in a bad mood.'
"Sometimes, like I just said, man, the little things. I'm on a team. I've got a role, whether it's two plays or 20 plays. Do that role to the best of your ability and keep it moving.
Advertisement
"I feel like when I hit that mindset, I got happier. My joy was expressed more. People could see I'm happy whether things go for me or not. Because I know my expectations, and it's just to be where my feet are and be happy with what the good Lord gives me."
Gay has also learned to appreciate smaller things in life, such as his family and his home/farm in Starkville, Miss., where Gay has 12 chickens. His brother is looking out for the animals now, during the season.
"When I'm home, I get more," he said of the chickens. "I don't want to put all that on my family right now, to manage them."
He also has about six or seven cats.
Advertisement
Related Articles
"At one point in my life, at my daddy's house we had 20 cats," he said. "You know, in the country, man, they do whatever they want to do."
Gay also has dogs.
"I just have two dogs, and my dad has three of my other dogs, but two of them at my house in Michigan," he said.
Through recent ups and downs in New Orleans and Miami, Gay has learned to control the controllables, so to speak, and appreciate where he's been and where he's at right now.
"It's always a blessing (to be in the NFL), and sometimes when you're younger, you take it for granted," he said. "I'll be the first to admit there was a time I didn't think there was a chance I could be on the other side (of being a starter or on a roster).
Advertisement
"But obviously time will show you that it's a possibility things won't go your way, or where you think it will go. But thank God I'm still here."
