This is not a democracy. It’s football.

The six players the Dolphins sent out as game captains for the coin flip of Sunday’s season opener will be permanent captains for the seasons. That part isn’t surprising. The unusual aspect, though, is that coach Adam Gase selected them rather than having the players vote.

He chose wide receiver Kenny Stills, center Daniel Kilgore, defensive back Walt Aikens, cornerback Bobby McCain, defensive end Cameron Wake and quarterback Ryan Tannehill because he believes those six embody the way he’s been coaching the team this year.

"For us, it’s really just that we’re all delivering the same message," Gase said after today’s practice. "Those guys are vocal guys and they’re the type of guys that take pride in their group and what side of the ball they are, whether it’s offense or defense or special teams.

"That’s really what we’re looking for. We’re looking for those guys that will step up when things get tough and things aren’t quite going the (right) way. Who’s going to step up and not only play well, but to be vocal as well."

Gase was more than happy to go on about the great qualities of the guys he picked. He was less interested in discussion the selection process, which led to the following exchange between him and the South Florida media in today’s press conference:

Who chose the captains?

"Don’t worry about it."

Did you pick, or the players?

"I did. I picked them."

The players usually vote.

"Right. I changed it this year."

Why?

"Because I wanted to."

OK, but why?

"The voices told me to do it."

Were the players upset about not voting?

"Not that I heard."

Would you care if they objected?

(makes face)

You have bigger things to worry about.

"Yeah."

[Lieser: Dolphins RB Kenyan Drake is growing up when team needs him most]

[Humbling restart for WR Leonte Carroo, who still wants to prove the Dolphins right for drafting him]

[Lieser: Dolphins coach Adam Gase and the fine line between confidence and delusion]

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