New Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby eager to make an impact

New inside linebacker Karlos Dansby had millions and millions of reasons to become a Miami Dolphin. But more than his $43 million contract, including $22 million guaranteed, Dansby said one reason stood out above all: Bill Parcells. Dansby believes Parcells and the organization he’s building will help Dansby, 28, become the kind of player he wants to be. “I could be a part of something special,” Dansby told The Palm Beach Post today. “How can you pass on being great?” Dansby has wanted to impress Parcells for a long time. When he was a young player at Arizona, Dansby said Parcells took a liking to him. “He told me I was a helluva player and he liked how I played the game,” Dansby recalled. “I took that to heart and I just tried to get better each year and each year. “He still sees the same guy that he saw then. For him to believe in me like that, can’t pass on an opportunity like that. “We had a great conversation (Friday). He’s expecting the same kind of player in Miami. I’m like, ‘Coach, whatever you need.’” Dansby believes Parcells’ vision for the team and coaches like new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan could help him raise the bar for inside linebackers. Dansby, a six-year veteran, said he remembers when Nolan was the’ Ravens defensive coordinator and coached Pro Bowlers Ray Lewis, Peter Boulware and Adalius Thomas, as well as Rookie of the Year Terrell Suggs. “How can I pass on that?” Dansby said. “Mike Nolan has been around, why not go and play for somebody like that? “How can I pass on the opportunity to learn something and get better as a player and a person?” Dansby has not made the Pro Bowl. But he’s been an impact player for the Cardinals, totaling more than 100 tackles in back-to-back seasons, while chipping in 25.5 sacks, 25 pass break-ups and 10 picks in his

six seasons. In the 2009 Super Bowl, Dansby had eight tackles and an interception. Dansby expects bigger things with the Dolphins lining up inside in the team’s 3-4 scheme. Dansby has excellent size (6-4, 250) and the athletic ability developed as a top high school basketball player and wide receiver. “I still got the hands,” he joked. “I still got game in basketball if anyone wants to try me. “I’ve been so athletic my whole life. Being able to play different positions on the field has allowed me to be more versatile in the game today. “It might change the game, it might change the face of my position. I’m not sure, not sure.” Confident, friendly and funny, Dansby is sure to make fast friends in the Dolphins’ lockeroom. Dansby already knows a few Dolphins players. He’ll reunite with Auburn teammates Ronnie Brown and Reggie Torbor, while becoming teammates with guard Justin Smiley, who faced Dansby in the Iron Bowl when Smiley played for Alabama. Dansby realizes his big contract and the team’s housecleaning have made him the centerpiece of the defense. “I love to take on that role,” he said. “It’s a challenge. But it’s going to have to be something that’s earned. You can’t come in and say you’re a captain, you can’t come in and say I’m the leader. “You have to earn those guys’ respect. I’m up for that challenge.” Dansby said he’s in South Florida today househunting with his wife, Tynesha, and enjoying the weather. But football isn’t far from his mind because Dansby can’t wait to get to work with this new teammates, who are showing up in big numbers for off-season workouts. “I’m just eager, eager to get in,” he said. “These guys are hungry. That inspires me to come in and join on board. “Let’s go, I’m ready.”

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New Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby eager to make an impact

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