Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill has taken criticism for reportedly belittling a practice squad player for snagging an interception, but according to ex-NFL receiver Donté Stallworth, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady once took a different approach.
In a response to a tweet from NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, Stallworth—who spent parts of two seasons in New England—said Brady paid practice squaders who made a play on one of his passes.
Brady actually paid practice squad and look team guys if they picked him off in practice. http://t.co/7c4cDcI1ol
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) October 6, 2015
Tannehill recently confirmed a report from Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that revealed the Dolphins gunslinger was upset about an interception and said he’d build a scout team trophy case for Brice McCain, who picked off a pass.
Why was that an issue? Well, all the way back to high school, practice squad players are typically supposed to be dummy defenders during late-week sessions. Nevertheless, Jackson notes the secondary continued going after Tannehill’s throws, which certainly didn’t calm the quarterback down.
It’s a stressful time in Miami, since the team has started 1-3 after an offseason full of hype and fired head coach Joe Philbin. That doesn’t excuse Tannehill for his trophy case comment, but it provides some insight into his frustration.
Now, if Tannehill wants to follow Brady’s lead, the fourth-year quarterback did just sign a $96 million contract. Tannehill certainly can afford to reward the practice squad performers.
In the meantime, though, Tannehill needs to be more like Brady and dominate on game day. Dolphins fans will settle for that.