A quick Q&A with Stephen Ross: On hosting the Super Bowl, the offseason and Zach Thomas
Stephen Ross wasn’t expecting it, but the recognition was appreciated nonetheless.
Ross, the Miami Dolphins owner, and former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino were each presented with portraits at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Merlin Olsen luncheon in Miami on Friday, two days before Hard Rock Stadium hosts Super Bowl 54 between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.
Ross’ portrait, a lithograph created by artist Dirk Rozich, features five drawings of Ross with Hard Rock Stadium and a large Dolphins logo in the background.
Ross spent a few minutes with the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero following the luncheon to discuss the honor, Miami hosting yet another Super Bowl and more.
How does it feel to be honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame like this?
“I was shocked. I didn’t realize what today was. I thought I was just coming because I was the host team’s owner and wave my hand. It was a nice surprise, but I mean I believe in those things and it’s nice that people recognize the things we’re doing. We’re trying to be different. It’s really humbling.”
Do you know where you’re hanging it yet?
“I haven’t decided yet. I just got it. Haven’t given it a lot of thought.”
You’re the host team owner. How do you feel the city has done so far?
“We always know. When you live in Florida, it’s the perfect place. We have the best weather in the country. We have the best facilities. We have all the hotels. It’s where people want to be. I mean, actually, probably, Miami and a few other cities should be the perennial hosts of the Super Bowl, and I think people love being here. It’s great, and it’s great for Miami most importantly with what it does for the area, the state and the economy. It has a major impact.”
Is it fair to say that, among other people down here, that you’d love to host them but you want to play in them?
“I’d rather be playing in them than hosting from a selfish standpoint. I think the fans would rather see us playing in them than hosting them.”
How do you think you guys are doing in the offseason so far?
“Well, we’ve had a lot of changes. Now we’re in the evaluation period. You don’t know what’s available, what they are. At the combine, we’ll have all the evaluations and free agency. It’s kind of hard to say, but I think they are really working at it. We have a great team that’s involved and that I believe in. Hey, I’m like a fan. I’m hoping and I’m optimistic.”
Thoughts on Zach Thomas potentially being named into the Hall of Fame Saturday?
“Absolutely. He deserves it. Great player for the Dolphins. It would be great for him to get the recognition he deserves.”
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