Miami introduces Trent Green, likely ending the Culpepper era
The Dolphins welcomed Trent Green as their new quarterback, and Daunte Culpepper likely will be released or traded before this weekend's minicamp.
BY JEFF DARLINGTON
jdarlington@MiamiHerald.com
The challenge sounded simple enough: Name each of the quarterbacks who has started a game for the Dolphins since Dan Marino retired after the 1999 season.
''I think I can name most of them,'' Trent Green said Wednesday, the same day he was introduced as the team's newest quarterback on a long list of those before him.
He got Damon Huard right. And Jay Fiedler and Gus Frerotte. Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington, of course. Cleo Lemon, too.
''Did A.J. Feeley start any in there?'' Green correctly asked. ``Do I have them all now?''
Three more to go, new guy. Don't forget Ray Lucas, Sage Rosenfels and Brian Griese.
''Yeah,'' said Green, finally tired of the game despite an impressive effort. ``There have been a few.''
No doubt, South Florida's newest sports star has been in the league long enough to understand just how much success Marino had with Miami -- and just how little success came from the 10 quarterbacks after him.
LOOKING FOR WINS
This time, though, Green says he isn't looking to serve as Marino's replacement. Quite simply, as a 13-year veteran, this quarterback isn't looking for anything but wins. And maybe a Super Bowl, of course.
''I'm just going to come out and play the way I know how and lead the way I know how,'' Green said. ``Dan Marino is a Hall of Famer. Bob Griese is a Hall of Famer. I just want to come in, play well, win some games and let the rest of it take care of itself.''
So as the abbreviated Culpepper era nears its inevitable end, Green already began preparations shortly after arriving in South Florida on Wednesday to assume his role as the team's starter.
In the morning, he passed his physical, finalizing the Dolphins' trade with the Chiefs. By his 3 p.m. news conference, he had already watched an hour of tape to help him get acclimated with his new teammates.
On Friday, he'll start his first minicamp.
''We were given the privilege to start talking [about a trade] several weeks ago,'' Dolphins coach Cam Cameron said. ``We started talking about hopefully this day becoming a reality.''
When the Chiefs made it clear weeks ago they had no intentions of starting Green this season, the Dolphins and Green already began work toward a contract. The two sides have agreed to a new deal, but 24 hours must pass after the trade before Green is no longer under contract with the Chiefs.
Green, who will play his first game with the Dolphins at 37, said he has not put any kind of cap on how much longer he can play in the league.
''Whether it's two years, three years, four years, whatever it may be, as long as I feel good and I feel like I'm playing at a high level and I'm contributing to help this team win, I want to keep playing,'' Green said. ``I don't want to put any sort of label on it.''
A TEACHER
Of course, both Green and Cameron openly admit the plan eventually will call for Green to pass the job off to rookie John Beck, who will have the opportunity to learn and develop under one of the league's most experienced quarterbacks.
And that's fine with Green. That said, he has no intentions of simply giving up the job after a year. Nor does Cameron expect him to.
''If a young quarterback is willing to open his eyes and just watch and study, there's nothing like a picture for a young guy to learn from,'' Cameron said. ``And I can't think of a better one.''
On Wednesday, though, the theme had little to do with whom would eventually replace Green. Instead, it had to do with whom Green will replace. For now, he'll attempt to fill the spot vacated by Culpepper.
Nonetheless, every Dolphins fan knows whom he will ultimately be gauged against when his career in Miami comes to a close. It's the same name that has haunted every quarterback's locker since the day each arrived -- whether Green likes it or not.
''You're not going to find anybody to replace Dan Marino,'' Green said. ``I'm not trying to fill anybody else's shoes.''
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