Williams on Miami's active roster

By Gabe Whisnant
Published in Sports on November 16, 2004 1:57 PM

• Print
• Email

During the past ten weeks as a member of the Miami Dolphins' practice squad, Quintin Williams admits he has had a hard time dealing with his teammates packing up and leaving for road games.

"It was hard to watch them leave and not go to battle with them," Williams said Monday during a telephone interview.

He won't have to worry about that when the team leaves for Seattle this weekend.

Monday, Williams terminated his practice-squad contract and was assigned to the Dolphins' 53-man roster. On the depth chart, the Rosewood High and Wake Forest graduate will be listed as the fourth safety and should also see plenty of action on special teams.

"I'm excited to be with my teamates," he said. "Now, I get to see what it feels like to be a part of the roster."

He believes his performance on the practice team paved the way for the call-up.

"It was different, because I was used to playing, but it was a matter of being patient and working hard," Williams said. "I just approached it like I was on the roster and tried to perform well. I think that gave me the opportunity to get moved up."

Last week, the Dolphins underwent a coaching change when Dave Wannstedt resigned in the middle of his fifth season. Defensive coordinater Jim Bates was named interim head coach and is just the fifth head coach in Miami's 38-year history.

Williams believes the transtion is going as smooth as possible.

"I think we are adjusting well. He's a real upbeat and motivational guy," Williams said. "I love that, and I think he likes me because I respond to that. I think the other guys are repsonding to that, and I hope we can finish the season strong."

Miami (1-8) shares the worst record in the National Football League with San Francisco going into Sunday afternoon's game at Seattle (5-4). Kick-off is at 4:05.