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Patrick Cobbs
PATRICK COBBS
Around South Florida, the name Patrick Cobbs didn't quite carry the same weight as it does in Texas until recently after the diminutive running back made a big splash against the Houston Texans with two long touchdown receptions. Even after that game in Week 6, which the Dolphins lost 29-28 despite Cobbs' 53-yard catch in the first quarter and 80-yard catch and run in the second quarter, the 25-year-old couldn't be called anything near a legend in these parts.
But as a college running back at the University of North Texas at the beginning of the decade, Cobbs made a name for himself after finishing his career as the school's and Sun Belt Conference's all-time leading rusher with 4,050 yards and 36 touchdowns on 818 attempts. His 5,255 all-purpose yards also are a school and conference record. Dolphins first-year coach Tony Sparano certainly heard plenty about Cobbs during his days as an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys.
"He's like a legend out there (at North Texas). When I was in Dallas, I just knew about him," Sparano said. "So, when I came here one day, I remember going in the weight room and he was actually in the weight room and I'm walking around like, 'Who's that guy?' Somebody said, 'That's Cobbs. That's Patrick Cobbs.' So, I got a chance to visit with him there, but that was it. I'm glad he's on our team."
His size (5-8, 205) likely hurt him in the 2006 NFL draft as Cobbs wound up signing with the New England Patriots as an undrafted college free agent. He was traded by New England to the Pittsburgh Steelers at the end of camp despite leading the Pats in rushing during the preseason with 188 yards and three touchdowns on 38 attempts. He was inactive for his lone regular season game with Pittsburgh against Miami in the season opener and then was signed to the Dolphins' practice squad on Sept. 12.
Cobbs wound up being activated to the 53-man roster on Dec. 2 and played in three games, and then got more involved in 2007 when he appeared in 14 games, mostly on special teams, and rushed for 47 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries while catching two passes for 20 yards. This year he has become a staple in the Dolphins' offense, having caught 10 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns, rushed four times for 8 yards, and returned two kickoffs for 31 yards.
Away from the field, Cobbs enjoys working with troubled kids. His mother is a child therapist, and at North Texas Cobbs worked part time at the Nelson Center, a juvenile facility in Denton, Texas, where he counseled kids between the ages of 6 and 15.
Cobbs discussed his impressions of this year's Dolphins team, what Sparano is like, how long it takes for him to recover from a physical game and what area of his game he is most pleased about, among other things, in this exclusive one-on-one interview with Andy Kent for this installment of First-and-10.
1. What impresses you most about this year's Dolphins team?
The fight we've got in us and the fact that we are a team. It seems like we're a team and everybody's got each other's back and I think that sprinkles down from our head coach.
2. Tell us a little bit about Coach Tony Sparano and the interaction you have with him?
He is a football guy, and he's real passionate about the game and his emotions are right there on the outside of his skin. He's going to tell you how he feels all the time and I think that's what we need.
3. When you are on the field, what gives you the most satisfaction?
Just being out there. Just having success when I'm on the field. Our offense having success on the field gives me the most satisfaction.
4. If you weren't playing football right, what would you like to be doing, and why?
Right now? I don't know. I'd probably be working with kids in juvenile facilities and stuff like that.
5. What would be a successful season for the 2008 Dolphins?
Playoffs. A winning season, reaching the playoffs would be a successful season.
6. What area of your game are you most pleased about?
I'm pleased this year about my special teams. I'm making tackles this year. Last year I felt like I wasn't quite there yet and I feel like I'm turning the corner this year.
7. If you were commissioner of the NFL for one day, what would you make sure happens?
I'd make sure that we'd cut down on some of these fines we've got.
8. How long does it takes you to physically recover after an especially brutal game, and what do you do to help that process?
It usually takes me a day or two, and it's all cold tub.
9. How would you describe yourself as a person in a couple of sentences?
I'd describe myself as a guy that works hard, who's laid-back and who goes with the flow.
10. If you could give a message to Dolphins fans everywhere, what would that be?
Positive things are coming and we're going in the right direction.
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