Vikings' Mike Wallace admits mistakes in Miami, plans to learn from them

Dec 15, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) celebrates his touchdown against the New England Patriots in the first half of the game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

To say Mike Wallace's time with the Miami Dolphins was a disappointment would be an understatement. In two seasons with the team, Wallace failed to reach the century mark in receiving yards and brought about some issues in the locker room.

Now, Wallace gets a new start with the Minnesota Vikings after being traded by the Dolphins for a fifth-round pick. He'll look to give a spark to the offense which was without such in 2014. Not only is Wallace hoping to return to the form of his Pittsburgh Steelers days, but he's hoping to turn around his attitude and role as a leader.

"[I'm trying] my best to be a leader this year and do a much better job in that department than I have been before," Wallace told the Pioneer Press.. "[I've got] to be a better person and a better player and lead more."

Furthermore, Wallace went on to admit that he made some mistakes in Miami and hopes he can change his reputation, specifically with regards to his frustration on and off the field.

"I know some mistakes I made in Miami," Wallace said. "I know some good things. So I try to leave the bad and take the good.

"You're not winning, you're not doing the things you expect out of yourself, you're not meeting your goals, and you get frustrated. And I have to do a better job of holding that frustration in sometimes."

Wallace figures to be an important piece of the Vikings' offense, which will welcome back All-Pro Adrian Peterson. A combination of Wallace, Peterson, and Teddy Bridgewater could make this team one to watch in the NFC North.

"I want Wallace to make plays," offensive coordinator Norv Turner said. "If he makes plays, he does the things we think he can do, he works hard in practice -- he sets an example in his actions in terms of the way he approaches preparation -- then that's leadership."

(h/t Pioneer Press)