Ronnie Brown's fate with the Miami Dolphins hasn't been sealed, but he sounds like a player expecting to move on to another team.
The running back was a call-in guest Sunday on "The Channing Crowder Show" on WQAM-AM in Miami, discussing his offseason and future plans. The 29-year-old has been with the Dolphins since the team made the former Auburn standout the second overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, but a change in the backfield seems imminent in 2011.
The Dolphins took Kansas State tailback Daniel Thomas in the second round of this year's draft, and general manager Jeff Ireland made recent comments about finding a complement to the rookie this year.
All signs point to the end of Brown's run in Miami, who like fellow veteran running back Ricky Williams is due to be a free agent when the NFL lockout is lifted. Brown said he's ready to move on if that's the case.
"It's hard, but I am because I came to the reality that that's a possibility," Brown said in comments first reported by the South Florida Sun Sentinel. "You try to put everything in perspective, and my biggest thing is trying to be prepared as much as you can."
Brown and Williams have anchored Miami's rushing attack since 2005. Last season, the duo combined to rush for 1,407 yards on 359 rushes (3.9-yard average), scoring seven touchdowns. They added 52 receptions for 383 yards and one TD.
Crowder, Brown's teammate and close friend, spoke highly of the back, praising the hard running style he has become known for over his career.
"If you ain't down here, I hope you don't stay in the AFC East where I got to play you," Crowder said. "I've seen what you've done to linebackers, so I don't want to be on that wrong end."
It's an NFL career that Brown expressed has been disappointing in some respects, but he told Crowder his best football is still in him. Brown is looking forward to being a leader in wherever his next locker room is.
"I feel like I have a whole lot left to give," he said. "I'm excited about the opportunity and getting the chance to go in and be that guy. I'm excited about that."
