Rey Maualuga Credits Dhani Jones For His Development

by Naji Bsisu on Oct 12, 2011 9:00 PM EDT

Dhani Jones, the Bengals defensive leader for the past four years retired this week from the NFL. His replacement, current middle linebacker Rey Maualuga credits Dhani for his seamless transition to the middle from playing outside linebacker. Maualuga said,

"He was so wise in how he communicated. If it was complicated for coaches to teach me, he made it a lot easier."

Maualuga clearly has the physical talent, and having a cerebral mentor like Dhani must have proved invaluable for Maualuga's ability to pick up the defense. Maualuga's success is evident in the fact that the current Bengals defense is the top ranked unit in the NFL.

Marvin Lewis also commented on the effect that Dhani had on the younger players, including Maualuga. He stated that, "They followed him around like little chicks." Although not the most physically talented middle linebacker, Dhani was able to thrive in the NFL due to his toughness, knowledge and leadership abilities. Being able to pass these traits on to a physical specimen like Maualuga bodes well for the future of the Bengals defense.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Dhani

Hopefully Dhani agrees to come back to the Bengals as an assistant coach.

by DTFCPDX on Oct 12, 2011 9:16 PM EDT reply actions

RE

I agree—I’d love that if he came back. However, I doubt he will. He’s got too many interests outside of football—a “True Renaissance Man”.

CincyJungle Contributor
Follow me on Twitter: @CUIBengalsFan

by Anthony Cosenza on Oct 12, 2011 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Would Love to see that

by Touhue Cha on Oct 13, 2011 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions

If only

he would come back to coach. Guys like that are invaluable.

by miniglik on Oct 12, 2011 9:23 PM EDT reply actions

RE: Dhani as coach

doubt it, I think he has too bright of a future on TV to choose life as an assistant coach behind the scenes. Not that I wouldn’t love to see him as a coach for us.

Moisture is the essense of wetness, and wetness is the essense of beauty.

by Blue Steel on Oct 12, 2011 9:25 PM EDT reply actions

It speaks well of Maualuga that he generously credits Jones.

Obviously, it primarily speaks well of Jones. But since Maualuga is now the middle linebacker, it’s also good to see him saying the right things about his predecessor. (Although I’ve heard from some one close to the team that Maualuga has always had strong reservations about Jones’ preference for bow ties.)

by no kidding on Oct 12, 2011 9:44 PM EDT reply actions

WOW so Crazy

Jones was able to give some knowledge and Leadership to Maualuga and now hes taken the reins and he is putting it all together…….

But yea Jones would understand Maualuga more because they are both players and they know player bases

by Touhue Cha on Oct 13, 2011 12:16 AM EDT reply actions

I'm really glad Dhani was part of this team, especially for Rey.

Rey has the talent to be a rare player in this league, but forgive me…he may not have been the brightest penny in the pile out of college. You couldn’t have asked for a better guy to groom him than Dhani. Especially in Zim’s defense. Any success Rey s having now or will have for the next 10 years is going to have a lot to do with sitting a couple years behind a smart-as-a-whip MLB like Dhani in the early days. I hope Dhani comes back to the league in some capacity. He’d make a fantastic analyst, which I know is an interest of his. And if he felt like coming back as a LB coach I’d be pretty happy about that, too.

by eric nyc on Oct 13, 2011 1:01 AM EDT reply actions

man if yall not payin close attention to “luga” den dont say all this wonderful stuff bout this guy!!!!He gotta prove to me that he aint a stiff slow violent dork!!!! Watch film on him and watch how aggrevation consumes u. Just go on youtube and look at some of our games this year and watch him!!! he is just not as effective as u would like from a player of his position and he dont seem quick witted. Research before u guys become professionals real type doe!!!!!

by perfect.jaylyn17@gmail.com on Oct 13, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions