Miami Dolphins Linebacker Cameron Wake Contract Extension Conference Call

Yesterday, the Miami Dolphins announced the signing of a 4-year contract extension with linebacker Cameron Wake. Wake, the team's pass rush ace, had been holding out from the team's voluntary workouts ahead of a year in which he would make just $650,000. With this extension, Wake adds $49 million, with $20 million guaranteed, over the 2013-2016 seasons.

Wake was ranked as the top pass rusher last year by Pro Football Focus, which graded, not just by sacks, but added in quarterback pressures, quarterback hits, and holding penalties against. Since coming to the Dolphins in 2009 out of the Canadian Football League, Wake has tallied 28 sacks, 112 tackles, and four forced fumbles. He has led the team in sacks each of the last two years, including his 2010 Pro Bowl season with 14.0 sacks.

Following the signing of the extension, the Dolphins and Wake hosted a conference call for the media. The transcript of that call is below:

(On signing his extension) - "It feels really good. Really good. It's kind of like taking things to another level - kind of like when I came down here from the CFL. You always try to get better. You always want to reach the next level and I've been trying to do that since the moment I stepped on the football field at Penn State. Having a situation like this...it's going through the journey. There aren't too many guys who can say that... being released from the (New York) Giants, being out of football, going to the CFL and doing well up there, coming back, being inactive my first few games here with the Dolphins, playing in the Pro Bowl - it's been an amazing, amazing journey. It's definitely been an amazing ride."

(On if there was a moment where he felt this extension wouldn't get done) - "You know what...I had faith in the whole process. It's one of those things where patience is best. You definitely need that going through the process that I was going through. Like I said, everything that happened to me up to this point...there were a lot of times where I thought (inaudible). Never let go of your dreams and it was a situation where I had to keep striving and hopefully good things will happen."

(On how hard was it not let his contract situation impact him on the field and how tough was it missing some of the offseason workouts) - "I've said this before; football is a game for big boys. We are all grown men. There is a business side and there is a personal side. As a grown man, you start to better understand there is a business side and everything has its place and time. Going through the last couple of years, I have obviously felt a sense that you want to get something done. Nothing will happen if you don't (inaudible). Having to go out there and do that...if I was out there every play trying to worry about ‘oh my God, what do I have to do to get a contract on this play', I would miss a tackle or (be in) the wrong gap. That would put me away from my ultimate goal. When you are on the field...you have to block out all of the other distractions. Your contract, your girlfriend, if your leg (is) hurting, it's hot, whatever those are. You have to throw those distractions to the side."

(On how fans seem to be more encouraged about the team after the draft) - "I have a very strong opinion about this organization. Obviously for many reasons, the major one being I got an opportunity to come back and play football at the highest level of the game I love. This organization was the team at the forefront of bringing me out of the CFL and having me come down here and play the game of football. Obviously, I have a strong attachment. They are very near and dear to my heart. The decisions they make and the decisions they've made are to make sure that we are a winning organization. I've seen them do that and I am looking forward to this upcoming season for sure."

(On his impression of Joe Philbin) - "So far. So good. I sat down and spoke with him one on one on more than one occasion. He kind of threw his philosophy at me and he wants to run his own ship and I like the way it is going so far. It's fresh blood. I know you guys have, or maybe not have, seen the addition to downstairs at the facility. Just trying to make it a first class organization from top to bottom and making sure we have everything we need to be successful. I'm looking forward to many good things this offseason. We are taking big strides to make sure that 2012 will be a good season for everybody."

(On defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle) - "He is another guy that I got a chance to speak with. He's been...what he has already brought to the table is huge in the meetings that we have had. It (the defense) looks very polished and a lot of guys are excited about it. We've always have been as a defense at the top of the list in making sure we do our job on the field (rest inaudible)."

(On what he has been doing this offseason) - "Other than working out (laughing)? I've actually had a little time to spend with my family before we got back for the OTA's and offseason workouts. I'm one of those guys that are an everyday guy. Family, dinner and a movie. I hang out in Miami, which as you know is a destination for most people when they get the opportunity to come down here. We are truly blessed to be playing in a city like this. Miami has a lot to offer and every time I have the opportunity, I want to take part in that, but like you said, it's football time now."

(On if he has a first purchase in mind with the new contract) - "I think my journey from where I've come from. I want to stay humble with it. I have never been one of those guys. I am not looking at a helicopter or diamonds or big tiger (laughing) or nothing like that. There is nothing out there I think I would go out there...I am kind of one of those guys that (gets) the things that I need and most of the things I want or well below my needs. Like they said "wine money with beer tastes". I keep it pretty simple and hopefully (save money) for a rainy day in the future and hopefully for generations to come."