Bryant McKinnie has helped stabilize Dolphins O-line

DAVIE, Fla. — Miami Dolphins left tackle Bryant McKinnie says he wishes he knew years ago what he knows now about physical maintenance.

"I was just going out there and just playing and not knowing to get massages and get in ice tubs and things like that," McKinnie told USA TODAY Sports this week. "You learn as you get older you've got to take care of your body."

McKinnie always has possessed immense physical talent. But he long has struggled with his weight, which memorably ballooned so much the Minnesota Vikings cut him during training camp in 2011, and gained a reputation for trying to do just enough to keep his job.

The Baltimore Ravens put a weight bonus in McKinnie's contract when they re-signed him for two years in May, only to unload him in October for a late-round conditional draft pick. He's 34 now and says he's trying to be more diligent to make sure his body doesn't break down.

"I get (massages) once a week," McKinnie said. "I get adjustments and I get stretched and all that stuff."

The Dolphins deleted the second year of McKinnie's contract after acquiring him, meaning he can become a free agent in March. He has helped stabilize a line that was struggling even before losing two starters to a bullying scandal, but Miami surely will eye upgrades in the offseason.

Asked how much longer he wants to play, McKinnie said "just three more" seasons. That'd give him 15 years in the NFL — reaching his goal of playing as long as former teammate Matt Birk, who retired after they won a Super Bowl together with the Ravens in February.

"I don't mind staying here," said McKinnie, who starred at the University of Miami and still makes his offseason home in the area. "I'm not worried about getting another place or anything like that. I'm home. I can sleep in my own bed. As long as we're injury-free, I'll be good."


(usatoday.com)