Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
January 22, 2001

Miami Dolphin WR Lamar Thomas joined us on SuperBowl.com to chat about the upcoming SuperBowl XXXV game.

Lamar Thomas: Hello to all the great football fans out there. Sorry you haven't seen me on the field in 2 years but I will be back!

Question: marty3: Hello Lamar, describe the "Atmosphere" down in Tampa during "Super Bowl Week"?

Lamar Thomas: Right now it is getting to feel al lot like Christmas! Haha.. really it is picking up and feeling like Super Bowl week. The people are coming into town and the excitement is starting to build.

Question: mike_jordan: Lamar, did the team get tired of hearing the comments about Fiedler not being Dan Marino?

Lamar Thomas: Yes. We did get tired of that. But we were able to bond together as a team and that made us stronger. Sometimes when people criticize one player, the team rallies around him and that is what happened this year.

Question: marty3: Hello Lamar, describe what it's like playing against the Ravens "Defense"?

Lamar Thomas: The Raven's D is extraordinary. Almost like the Miami Defense. They are very tough and fast with their leader being Ray Lewis. Our thing was not to let them beat us, because they have a D that can score points also. That is how we were able to win the game.

Question: rockfordt: What is the most important part of being a successful receiver in the NFL?

Lamar Thomas: Lets see.. making the plays! There are a lot of receivers in the NFL that aren't very fast but they have learned how to make plays and that is how they survived.

Question: finfan12: Why did Lamar Smith do so much better with you all than with the Saints?

Lamar Thomas: Because we believed in him! Many players in the league are given 2nd opportunities. When you come to a team and they believe in you, that 2nd chance becomes the 1st and many take advantage of it.

Question: jambo: How disappointing was it to be considered "the most impressive offensive player of the offseason" only to have an injury stop you before you could get started?

Lamar Thomas: Very disappointing! Especially after being disappointed the season before, due to injuries. My goal is to make it out of preseason next year! (hahaha)

Question: paully: What kinds of things are you doing there since you aren't playing in the game or practicing?

Lamar Thomas: Rehabbing is something I do a lot. Every day! Also golfing. I have also done work with radio and TV stations in the South Florida area so I have been pretty busy. Hopefully getting ready for my 2nd career

Question: marty3: Hello Lamar, what will it take for the Dolphins to reach "The Super Bowl" next Season?

Lamar Thomas: Home field advantage through the playoffs!

Question: jackson24: Who do you hate to see line up across from you and why?

Lamar Thomas: Terrell Buckley, because he is my best friend and only because I don't want to disappoint him or his family! (ahahaha!)

Question: rockfordt: How did the team react after being shut out in the first round of the playoffs?

Lamar Thomas: Actually it was the second round. We were disappointed because we worked hard all year. But that is what happens when you go on the road. That is why home field advantage is very important!

Question: finfan12: The Fins had to rep this year of having a pieced together offense, is that accurate?

Lamar Thomas: I would say that was accurate. Most of the players we depended on came from other places. But that is how most offenses are in the NFL now.

Question: chris123: Do you feel the Dolphins had a successful season even though they did not make it to the Super Bowl?

Lamar Thomas: Yes! I do feel we did because before the season most people picked us to win only 5 games or so.

Question: mike_jordan: I've always thought that Miami would be the perfect city to play for, because of the climate and the fan base. Would you agree?

Lamar Thomas: Yes! Great climate, great fans (Even though they show up late and leave early). Other than that it is an awesome place to play.

Question: jackson24: What was it like playing for Coach Wannstedt this year?

Lamar Thomas: Coach Wannstedt definitely changed his ways and learned from the mistakes in Chicago. He made it fun and the players appreciated his new style of coaching.

Question: VikeFreak: What do you think of the Ismail/Sehorn matchup?

Lamar Thomas: I think that will be interesting. Qadry has really improved his game and Jason coming back from all his injuries. That is very intriguing. In the overall scheme I think the Giants D can shut down the Ravens offense.

Question: jamish260: Who will make the biggest impact in the super bowl?

Lamar Thomas: The University of Miami guys! Armstead, Lewis, Starks, Bailey.. whichever one.. pick one!

Question: chris123: Lamar, Who will win the Super Bowl?

Lamar Thomas: I have to go with the Giants. Only because Jesse Armstead and Michael Barrow were in my class and they would kill me if I picked the Ravens

Question: mike_jordan: What's the best part of the week leading up to the SuperBowl? Parties, etc?

Lamar Thomas: The youth camp! I like doing things with the kids.. the NFL Experience. The parties are for the party goers. Most of the more mature, older players stay away.

Question: marty3: Hello Lamar, how important will Lamar Smith be towards the Miami Dolphins overall success next season?

Lamar Thomas: Very important, but we need more help on offense. Especially receivers!

Question: finfan12: Will the team be sticking with Jay Fiedler at QB next year?

Lamar Thomas: I think they will. I think we will build around him.

Question: mike_jordan: Lamar, what positions are the Dolphins looking for in the upcoming draft?

Lamar Thomas: They're looking for receivers!

Question: rockfordt: Which coach do you feel had the most influence on your game?

Lamar Thomas: Robert Ford.. the receiver coach with the Dolphins. He has taught me how to be a man both on and off the field. That is much more important than how to catch a football.

Question: creeky: Lamar, who was your role model growing up?

Lamar Thomas: I would say Jerry Rice, as a football player. But as a person, my father. Football players are athletes and role models to an extent. But fathers can teach you more about life on a daily basis than some guy on TV catching a pass.

Question: mike_jordan: Lamar, what is the "strangest" fan request that has ever been asked of you?

Lamar Thomas: The strangest one.. was Terrell Buckley asking me for an autograph for his daughters. I couldn't believe it since we're such good friends!