Question and Answers with former Dolphin Jim Crash Jensen!!!

[Guest]

Please welcome phinatics.com SPECIAL GUEST Jim "Crash" Jensen!

Mr. Jensen will be reading your questions in this thread and then answering them here periodically. Just click "post reply" and then ask your question(s).

Jim Jensen #11 played for the Miami Dolphins for 12 years. His versatility and fearless play on special teams earned him the nickname "Crash." Jensen played quarterback, running back, fullback, wide receiver, tight-end, holder, and punt snapper. From 1984 to 1991, he turned 229 receptions into 132 first-downs, and from 1984 to 1988, he recorded a reception in 55 of 63 games. In 1989, he played in all 16 games and caught Dan Marino’s 200th career touchdown pass! Jim was also the Winner of the 1988 Dolphins Outstanding Special Teams Player Award!!!

Mr. Jensen is not here to accomodate autograph requests, so please keep the posts to comments and questions . However, if you want an autograph 8x10 from Crash, you will have lots of chances in a contest that will be launched on phinatics.com this season!! More news on this exciting contest will be posted soon

[Guest]

Crash,

I have a few question for you that I hope you will answer:

1)What position did you like playing the most?
2) Which AFC East team do you dislike the most?
3) What kind of influence do you think the ’72 team had on the players when the Bears came to town in that famous Monday Night Football game?
4) Can you share with us any of the thoughts that went through your head as you watched Dan Marino light it up in his first game?

Thanks!!!!!!!

[Crash Jensen]

Crash,

I have a few question for you that I hope you will answer:

1)What position did you like playing the most?

I really enjoyed playing all of the special teams and the third down fullback position. I took over Tony Nathan's spot when he retired and that was a terrific thrill knowing that on every third down it was up to you to keep the drive alive. I loved the pressure!

2) Which AFC East team do you dislike the most?

Every one of them other than the Dolphins of course!

3) What kind of influence do you think the ’72 team had on the players when the Bears came to town in that famous Monday Night Football game?

We were fired up and we knew we had the task of protecting the record. I've never seen coach Shula have a team so ready. We spent alot of extra time in practice and in the meeting rooms. That night the Orange Bowl was electric like none other.

4) Can you share with us any of the thoughts that went through your head as you watched Dan Marino light it up in his first game?


I knew it was just a matter of time. Alot of my time was spent watching Dan on film, in slow motion. He was the first QB I've studied that when you watch his release in slow motion it looked liked it was on fast forward. Truly amazing! When he first came in I told him he would be taking over for David Woodley sooner than he thought... and he did. I could go on forever about Dan, knowing what he was looking at, being on the same page, turning your head around on your break and the ball being a perfect spiral and on the money 99% of the time, etc. It was great and Dan was special.

[Matthew Cannata]

Hello Crash -

While I was not fortunate enough to grow up watching you play (Was born in '86 and didn't become a fan until '95), I have heard so many great things about you.

What do you think the biggest difference with players is now in 2004 and back in 1984? Is there a difference in loyalty, trust, fans, etc?

[RAY M N.J.]

1) What do you miss the most and the least about playing in the NFL?
2) Any good/funny Shula stories you care to share with us?

P.S. Randy McMicheal and Terrell Owens danced with the cheerleaders, but you were the first to mingle with the cheerleaders . All in good fun and respect, your friend Ray.

[finjim]

I loved to see you play CRASH. Been a Dolphin fan since the very first game they ever played. George Wilson was coach. What are you doing now, where do you live now? Finjim

[T-ROCK]

Hello Crash -

While I was not fortunate enough to grow up watching you play (Was born in '86 and didn't become a fan until '95), I have heard so many great things about you.

What do you think the biggest difference with players is now in 2004 and back in 1984? Is there a difference in loyalty, trust, fans, etc?

My question is a follow-up to Matt's...

Q: Why don't we see more "Crash" type of players... A guy who goes from being a QB, to a Special Teamer, to a vital part of a team's Offense???

[Big Dave]

Crash, I hope things are going well with your mortgage and loan partnership.

I've always enjoyed watching guys like you reach out for the ball in traffic and come down with the catch. What goes through your mind when you're reaching out to catch a pass in the NFL? Do you hear a lot of the noise of the players around you or do you block it all out? Also, who was the hardest hitter that you ever faced?

[Jimbo282]

Crash,
What is your most memorable play and why ?

Thanks,
Jimmy

[Crash Jensen]

Hello Crash -

While I was not fortunate enough to grow up watching you play (Was born in '86 and didn't become a fan until '95), I have heard so many great things about you.

What do you think the biggest difference with players is now in 2004 and back in 1984? Is there a difference in loyalty, trust, fans, etc?

I think the fans expect more from the players because the salaries are much higher. The salaries may have spoiled some of the players but people tend to generalize. There are alot of blue collar players out there but then there are those that walk off the line of scrimmage. It's very disturbing to see players not giving 100% I actually have a hard time understanding how that can happen. Any job worth having is a job worth doing well.

[Crash Jensen]

1) What do you miss the most and the least about playing in the NFL?
2) Any good/funny Shula stories you care to share with us?

I miss the camaraderie with my teammates, the practices and not knowing which position I would be practicing that day, the feeling of walking onto the field with so many excited fans around you, and the wins!

P.S. Randy McMicheal and Terrell Owens danced with the cheerleaders, but you were the first to mingle with the cheerleaders . All in good fun and respect, your friend Ray.

[Crash Jensen]

I loved to see you play CRASH. Been a Dolphin fan since the very first game they ever played. George Wilson was coach. What are you doing now, where do you live now? Finjim

Hey Jim,

Thanks for asking.

I am currently a licensed mortgage broker in the state of Florida working with Centerpointe Financial, a preferred lender for Centerline Homes. Live in Plantation, Fl.

[Crash Jensen]

Crash, I hope things are going well with your mortgage and loan partnership.

I've always enjoyed watching guys like you reach out for the ball in traffic and come down with the catch. What goes through your mind when you're reaching out to catch a pass in the NFL? Do you hear a lot of the noise of the players around you or do you block it all out?
Hi Dave,

When the ball was coming towards me there was only one thing I could see or hear, the football and my mind telling me to catch it. One thing that helped this process was the visualization techniques I used in the locker room before the game. Before every game I would place a towel over my head, see myself face to face against the defender, run my route, create seperation (get open), catch the ball, tuck it away, break a tackle, get the first down or the touchdown. If you see it happen before it happens I believe it increases your chances of excelling.

Also, who was the hardest hitter that you ever faced?

Hardest hitter...there were alot of them but I would have to say Steve Atwater(Broncos), Ronnie Lott(49ers), Gary Fencik(Chicago Bears), just to name a few.

[Crash Jensen]

Crash,
What is your most memorable play and why ?

Thanks,
Jimmy

How you doing Jimmy?

I have a few memorables:

The lateral pass vs New England in the Orange Bowl. Dan threw it backwards to me then I threw it downfield to Super Duper for the touchdown. We also had a few fake punt runs and passes, one for a touch to Ferrell Edmunds in Pittsburgh. Blocked a punt up the middle vs the Bills in Joe Robbie Stadium where Marc Logan recovered it for the touch. All the first down catches were memorable as well. Man, there were just so many...I would be here all day. Why they were special?...not really sure other than they were big plays and momentum builders. Thanks for asking Jimmy. Have a great day.

[Fin4life2]

Hey Crash! Looking forward to meeting you at The Phinatic's Phintastic Weekend Event! In my opinion you are one of a few "elite" players that played the game of football for the "love" of it. As you said, too many guys now are in it for the money and don't give 100%. You, my man, took every challenge the Fins threw at you and gave 150% on every play! Thanks for a lot of great memories

OK, on to the question....How much do you follow the current Dolphins and how do you think they will fair this year?

Can you tell us a little bit of what it's like to play in a SuperBowl?

Thanks, Mike