When Dolphins fans chanted “We want Orton” at training camp, coach Tony Sporano said it made him sick.
Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne said it made him sad.
Henne acknowledged today that it hurt his feelings that Dolphins fans would rather see the team trade for Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton than support the quarterback they have.
“I’m human,” Henne said of the Orton chants, per Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel. “Deep down inside it does hurt.”
Henne said he understands that criticism is part of the job -- “It’s tough to be a quarterback,” he said -- but he’d prefer that Dolphins fans give him a positive reception.
“You want the respect of your fans. You want them to have your back,” Henne said. “But obviously if I’m doing bad they will critique me.”
Henne’s comments are refreshingly honest -- most players would claim they can just brush the criticism off. But the comments won’t do anything to make Dolphins fans like him more. In fact, Henne may have ensured with his words that the “We want Orton” chants will get louder.