New Dolphins WR Chosen Anderson found 'peace' in Arizona
After Chosen Anderson spent some time with Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, his free-agency choice was easy.
"We really connected," Anderson said Tuesday. "We had, like, instant chemistry."
The Dolphins needed a veteran receiver capable of taking the top off a defense with deep speed.
And Anderson needed a fresh start after a falling out in Carolina last year that led to a trade to Arizona.
Anderson, who turned 30 on Tuesday, was traded after an argument with a Panthers coach.
"Being in Arizona was a very peaceful time for me," Anderson said. "I found a lot of peace being out there. (The fallout and trade) was disappointing but it is what it is. But I grew from it and that's what molded me to be where I am today."
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Anderson has previously been known as Robby and Robbie.
On Tuesday he declined to delve into specifics about why he changed his legal name to Chosen.
"I want to keep it intimate but it was a positive thing," Anderson said. "It's something I'm very grateful for and something I feel strongly about. This is my new era and direction. Kind of like a foundational thing moving forward for my generations."
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier made clear to Anderson on a free agent visit what his role would be. Obviously Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle will be the top two receivers.
What does Anderson believe his role to be?
"I don't want to disclose that, you know, give out scouting reports," Anderson said. "But, you know, like I told Chris and coach, you know, I want to contribute, you know, to winning."
Anderson can still make big plays.
"That's one of my gifts," Anderson said. "All players have their strong points, their strong attributes, and speed is one of mine. It's an advantage of mine."
Anderson was born in New Jersey but played at South Plantation High School in Broward.
"The Ricky Williams days," Anderson said. "I remember when they won games, you know, the Miami Dolphins song came across the radio. Back when it was Joe Robbie Stadium. I really remember when they were running a Wildcat offense which had Williams and Ronnie Brown and struck everybody by surprise. And I remember back in those days of Chris Chambers."
Anderson's performance in training camp will be telling.
If he is outstanding, he could theoretically be Miami's third receiver, ahead of Braxton Berrios and Erik Ezukanma. If he's disappointing, he's really not even a roster lock.
"This really is a dream-come-true opportunity," Anderson said.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at.jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and Twitter @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins WR Chosen Anderson returns to South Florida
