Miami Dolphins Tales From The Deep

To say that Rick Spielman has football flowing through his veins would be an understatement. The Canton, Ohio native has spent the past three decades evaluating players and helping to construct NFL teams, including his tenure as the Miami Dolphins top personnel man from 2000-2004, holding the position of General Manager that final season. Following his run with the Dolphins, Spielman spent 16 seasons (2006-2021) in Minnesota, including 10 years as the Vikings’ GM.

In The Tank, Rick and OJ reminisce about their Ohio roots, with Rick sharing what life was like for him and his brother, Detroit Lions legend Chris Spielman, as they grew up in Canton and ultimately played for Massillon High School, one of the most storied programs in the country (3:04) while OJ comes clean on a memento he took from Chris’ Ohio State locker at a high school state championship game (10:56). Rick goes on to detail his journey from a college career at Southern Illinois, to NFL free agent tryouts, to being cut by the Lions while going to camp with his brother in 1988 (12:31). He discusses joining Dave Wannstedt in Miami in 2000 (21:06) and fondly reflects upon the Dolphins victory over the Colts in the Wild Card round of the playoffs that season, while providing unique perspective from the mind of a football executive who has no control of the outcome on gameday (28:05). Rick looks back at his short-lived experience with Nick Saban in Miami (23:05), discusses the decision to pass on Drew Brees in the 2001 NFL Draft (35:49), and reveals his unlikely location when making the trade for Ricky Williams (46:12). Rick finishes strong by expressing extreme displeasure after OJ blames Seth for Ricky’s 2004 retirement (50:22), and delivers one of the most hilarious Two-Minute Drills to date (52:40).

Contributors to this episode include Sean “DJ Prec” Todd and Dolphins Productions.

Theme song created and performed by The Honorable SoLo D.

Dive in with Miami Dolphins all-time great, OJ McDuffie, and co-host Seth Levit as the guys are joined by their friends from Dolphins Nation for conversation that ranges from thought provoking to outrageously hilarious. Whether the guest is a former Dolphins player, team personnel, or member of the South Florida sports media, when you’re in the tank you can expect some of the best stories you’ve never heard!

The Fish Tank is an official podcast of the Miami Dolphins Podcast Network. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram as well: @TheFishTank81

Miami Dolphins, NFL, Football, National Football League

The Fish Tank: Miami Dolphins Tales From The Deep

Rick Spielman: A Band of Brothers

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