The public perception of Stephen Ross has been that he cannot get his guy. It has been said that he is out of his league, that he is an inadequate owner. Quite frankly, nothing could be further from the truth.
Now before we get started, let’s get the reasons out why that perception was even there in the first place. When Ross purchased the Dolphins his fashion for flare was ill suited. The celebrity owners were a laughing stock as well as trying to do away with the traditional touchdown song.
His biggest gaffe, was pursuing and failing to land Jim Harbaugh while Tony Sparano was still the coach. That was a horrible decision and one that planted doubt in the national medias minds about whether he was capable of being a successful NFL owner. And who could forget the chase of Peyton Manning. If we can be real for a moment, about 27 teams would have loved to have Peyton. However, any smart fan knew he was not coming to the Dolphins, no matter how much the media wanted to spin it that way. Did the Dolphins want him? Well of course they did. The problem is he wanted to go to a team that could win now. The only real time Ross got burned was when Jeff Fisher used the Dolphins and Ross’ helicopter. Ross and his pockets were used as leverage, and it was blatant.
All of that sounds horrible, right?
Let’s look more recently. In 2013 Ross went after and landed the biggest fish in the free agent pond, wide receiver Mike Wallace. In 2014 Ross went after and landed one of the most sought after free agents in left tackle Brandon Albert. We are now on the eve of the biggest free agent signing in the teams history. Once potential future hall of famer Ndamukong Suh signs the dotted line, Ross will have had three straight years of getting his guy. Yet, the public perception is that no one wants to play for Miami and that because Ross likes to spend he gets used like a rag doll.
If that wasn’t enough to show he isn’t just some bum as an owner. Let me remind you of his strong commitment to making sure the fans are taken care of as well. Ross has shown the willingness of every home game to buy up the empty seats to make sure that fans at home can still watch the game from home and not be in danger of having the game backed out.
His greatest and by far most expensive investment as the owner has been the upgrade of the stadium. Oh yeah, he is using his own personal money.
What more can be asked of this man? What will it take for this public perception to disappear? I would imagine a playoff appearance would do the trick. Whether the Dolphins do indeed make the playoffs or not, it won’t be for a lack of effort and dedication on Ross’ part. I’m proud to have him as our owner. Phins up!
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