CBS SportsLine
Chat Transcript
October 29, 1997

Miami Dolphins linebacker Derrick Rodgers stopped by to chat with CBS SportsLine fans on October 29, 1997.

Find out what Derrick had to say in the full transcript of his chat below.

Derrick Rodgers: Hello and good evening. I hope everyone is doing well.

CBS SportsLine: Thanks for joining us tonight, Derrick. We've got a great audience. Here's your first question...

Question: Which running back would you like to lay out the most?

Derrick Rodgers: I'm not sure if there's one in particular. I had fun with Marcus Allen. And, I guess Barry would be nice to hit a couple of time. He's popular.

Question: Who is the dirtiest player you've played against so far?

Derrick Rodgers: Well, there was a guy from Jets, but he didn't do anything to me. He was pretty outlandish though.

Question: Who do you think will win the Heisman?

Derrick Rodgers: I don't keep up with the Heisman race, but I know they'll give it to Peyton Manning. They've been trying to give it to him for 2 years!

Question: Do you think ASU will go back to the Rose Bowl this year?

Derrick Rodgers: I'm keeping up with them and I think they still have a chance to go to the Rose Bowl. They need to beat Washingon St. and have Washington St. beat Washington.

Question: What happened Monday night's loss to Chicago?

Derrick Rodgers: I think we got comfortable. We expected the Bears to give up and we didn't play as hard as we shouldl have. We had some mental mistakes.

Question: How did Jimmy Johnson react to the loss Monday night?

Derrick Rodgers: Jimmy's a player's coach if you're doing well and no politics involved. As far as Monday night, he was angry, but not disappointed. He's seen those type of games come and go. We're putting it behind us and getting ready to play Buffalo in Buffalo.

Question: Do you ever feel intimidated by Jimmy's intensity?

Derrick Rodgers: It depends on the person. If you're the type of person who is easily intimidated, then I guess you can be. But, I respect him. He's my coach and I've gained his respect as well.

Question: Honestly, will Dan Marino finish the season on the field or on the bench?

Derrick Rodgers: Dan is doing well. And, of course, he'll finish on the field!

Question: Do you think that the AFC will win the Super Bowl this year?

Derrick Rodgers: Definetely! Because I'm expecting the Dolphins to be in it.

Question: How hard is it to play against Barry Sanders?

Derrick Rodgers: I haven't had the chance yet, but I've heard that he can embarass you out there.

Question: What was your favorite team growing up?

Derrick Rodgers: I'd say the Dallas Cowboys with the guys like Tony Dorsett, Roger Staubach, Butch Johnson, Robert Newhouse, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Randy White, Hollywood Henderson... I could go on and on.

Question: Weren't you recruited by USC? Why did you choose ASU? (It's too hot there.)

Derrick Rodgers: I was never recruited by USC, but I did go down there. But no dice. So, I went to ASU because I knew I could make an impact there and the offense was already established with Jake Plummer as quarterback.

Question: Which opposing team you've visited has had the "roughest" fans?

Derrick Rodgers: Actually, we get our boos, but nobody has been crazy. Green Bay and Tampa Bay were really nice. But, New York and Baltimore gave us the "You suck!" comments.

Question: Do you think Jake Plummer will make a difference for the Cardinals?

Derrick Rodgers: Once he becomes settled in, he'll defintely make a difference. I called him the other day and we've talked about his position and what he thought was going to happen (being named starting quarterback).

Question: Do you feel the heat plays to you advantage in the games?

Derrick Rodgers: Oh yes, it's an advantage. It was like in Arizona. The visitors have to adjust to it in one day especially in the day games. We were already used to it.

Question: Would love to see you guys win it all. How close are you?

Derrick Rodgers: We're in the hunt right now and at the top of our division at 5-3 and without a loss in our division and from here on out, we're in the thick of our division from this Sunday at Buffalo and through the end of our season.

Question: What is Zach Thomas like?

Derrick Rodgers: Zach Thomas is cool guy and I like our bond off the field as well as on the field. You always like to be next to someone on the field who you can depend on. Terry Battle and Juan Roque have that and they are both with the Lions.

Question: What's the status of Jason Taylor?

Derrick Rodgers: Jason Taylor is at the mall right now shopping. He's getting better. He's been working hard and getting rehabilitaed with his arm. He's anxious to get back and it's killing him just watching on Sundays.

Derrick Rodgers: I appreciat everyone's interest and THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING ME AND THE DOLPHINS!

Derrick Rodgers: Keep watching and don't be surprised when we're in the Super Bowl!