They still talk often, of course. They still talk about their families and their football careers and all of the things that these two brothers-in-law would typically discuss.
But for former Dolphins stars Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas -- two friends who served as the face of Miami's football franchise for nearly decades -- there still is one conversation they haven't really brought up. Any guesses what that might be?
''We haven't really talked about it,'' said Taylor, reached by phone this week. ``But we've still watched every week, hoping and cheering for the Dolphins. You just can't live life with one foot in the past.''
For those still wondering what ''it'' might be (yeah, right), both players suddenly find themselves in an entirely unexpected situation, watching from a distance Sunday as Miami plays the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs.
Their own fate? Let's just say January has an unfortunately familiar feeling for both.
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Thomas and Taylor ended up with different squads this year, far from Florida. Although the circumstances for each departure were different, both were unceremonious: Thomas was cut and landed with the Cowboys, and Taylor was traded to the Redskins.
Whatever the case, there still was supposed to be this silver lining: The Cowboys and the Redskins at the time seemed more likely than the Dolphins to end the seven-year playoff drought for both players.
Oh, how wrong that turned out to be.
Although the situation might seem ironic, neither player is bitter, Taylor said. In fact, Taylor found himself quietly celebrating as he got periodic updates about the Dolphins' score against the Jets -- all while his Redskins were playing the 49ers.
'What better way to get there than to beat the stinkin' Jets!'' Taylor said.
SHOWING SUPPORT
After the Redskins lost and Taylor entered the locker room, he heard the final result -- that the Dolphins had won the AFC East title. Still wearing his uniform, he sent congratulatory text messages to Vonnie Holliday, Channing Crowder, Ronnie Brown and Joey Porter.
''Congrats on making the playoffs,'' Taylor wrote. ``Now, keep it up for four more weeks.''
Thomas could not be reached for this story, and calls to his agent went unreturned. Taylor, though, said he believes Thomas is cheering just the same.
Considering the seasons each one had, though, it wouldn't be hard to see why this could be a tough week for them.
For Taylor, he battled two injuries while adjusting to a change of position during an unproductive year in Washington.
Thomas said after the Cowboys' season-ending loss Sunday that he isn't sure whether he even wants to return to Dallas, although he does want to still play.
According to The Dallas Morning News, Thomas doesn't have to fulfill the final three years of his contract because he played in at least 32 percent of the team's defensive plays.
''I want to come back, but it's hard to do something for 12 years and play a position and try to change just to make it work,'' said Thomas, who also told the paper he ''probably won't'' return. ``I wanted to come back to Texas, you know? It's a little out of my comfort zone playing a different position.''
Thomas, who a day later backed off the comments because he said he was still emotional after the loss, still will need to make a decision whether the drama in Dallas -- as well as an altered role in the defense -- will force him to look elsewhere.
UNCERTAIN FUTURE
Taylor's future is equally uncertain. He is owed $8 million next season and the Redskins could cut him because of his lack of production this season.
''It's not weird,'' Taylor said. ``I still consider myself a Dolphin at heart. While I'm not part of the team on the field, I feel like I'll always be a part of the organization. I'm too happy for the guys to be weird. There's no wishing and wondering.''
Although the future of the ex-Dolphins still looks a bit cloudy, Taylor made one thing clear -- he would be rooting for his former team as they face off against the Ravens. But that still leaves the question of where Taylor will watch Sunday's game.
He was unsure whether he would travel to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands for a previous commitment on Sunday. But if he stays in South Florida, Taylor might just prove how much of a fan he really is.
''I'll be somewhere watching it,'' Taylor said. ``Or maybe I'll show up and sit in the 400 section. I think I can still get a ticket.''
A twist of fate for ex-Dolphins Taylor, Thomas
A twist of fate for ex-Dolphins Taylor, Thomas
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