The Dolphins gave the kind of money to suggest they trust Mike Pouncey implicitly.
But at the press conference to commemorate his new $45 million extension, Pouncey broke down and talked about all the missteps the Dolphins aren’t apparently worried about.
“When I look back at my career, I could have done so many things better,” Pouncey said, putting his head in his hands, via Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. “So many things I put my family through.
“I never doubted my talent on the football field. But it takes more than that.”
Pouncey has created his share of headaches for the Dolphins, from his “Free Hernandez” hat in the wake of college teammate Aaron Hernandez’s murder charges, to his involvement in the team’s bullying scandal. Other issues, such as an interview which seemed to be ripping former teammate Mike Wallace, have also been distractions, even if not of the legal variety.
“I’ve never really been in any trouble,” Pouncey said. “But there were little stupid things that caused problems for my family.
“It wasn’t just one situation, there’s just stuff I wish I would have done better.”
Of course, the Dolphins did wait before handing him a deal with $22 million guaranteed, but when they did, it was clear they didn’t consider any of those issues a deal-breaker.
Now all he needs to do is continue being an excellent football player, and avoid those pitfalls in the future.