I Believe in Malik Willis

I Believe in Malik Willis

Miami Dolphins fans have been waiting to have a true franchise quarterback for more than a quarter-century. Not since Dan Marino retired following the 1999 season have fans felt comfortable in who they have under center. There has been one disappointment after another, from Jay Fielder to Cleo Lemon, to Tua Tagavailoa; we’ve been forced to convince ourselves that this time the organization has found the guy who will lead us to success. 

With that said, I’m ready to believe in Malik Willis.

I’m ready to put my hopes and dreams into him as a fan and potentially get hurt again. Willis began his career with the Tennessee Titans as a 3rd round pick out of Liberty University.

It was clear that Willis was a rare prospect, the type of quarterback that general managers took a shot on after Josh Allen went from project to MVP. His rookie season was forgettable as he started 3 games, went 1-2 with 276 passing yards, 0 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. 

Willis addresses his lackluster play in his introductory press conference for the Dolphins on Thursday. 

“I think when I came into the league, I wasn’t prepared,” Willis Said. “And that’s not a knock toward my coaches or myself; that’s just what it was coming from the system I came from, and I’ve had a chance to learn the last four years since I’ve been in the league. I went through four different offenses and seen a bunch of different defenses, and I just think I’ve grown a lot and I’m grateful for the opportunity once again.”

He had to learn how to be a professional quarterback, and fortunately for him, he had an opportunity to do so in Green Bay. In his two seasons with the Packers, Willis started 3 games, going 2-1 with 972 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions, while adding 261 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.

He did enough to earn the trust of Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley who brought him along to Miami. He had high praise for his new General Manager and Head Coach yesterday when asked what impressed him about them.

“Just how they go to work each and every day and the way they treat people.” He said. “I think that’s more important than anything when you come to a business that relies around people. I see ‘Haf’ (Jeff Hafley) every day get excited when one of the DBs makes a play, or a d-lineman gets a sack, or a backer bats the ball down and he’s just as excited as the players that are on the field. I see him arguing with Matt (LaFleur) and they go back and forth, and it used to be awesome. Then I see ‘Sully’ (Jon-Eric Sullivan) in the hallway and I always ask like, ‘What are you seeing out of my game?’ Because I know they watch all the film in the world and he’ll give me details. It’s not like, ‘Oh, you’re doing good. Just keep going.’ It’ll be like specific details in order to help me get better and I think that’s important. You got to be willing to let somebody help you.” 

His press conference gave fans a lot to get excited about. It’s clear that he has matured as a leader and player and is ready to take on the responsibility of leading the Dolphins. I know that we’ve all gotten our hopes up before, and maybe I’m setting myself up to have my hopes dashed once again, but there’s something about Willis that gives me hope for the future.

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