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Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves   Download PDF version

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Feb. 14, 2025

Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins announced today they have released cornerback Kendall Fuller, running back Raheem Mostert and tight end Durham Smythe.

Fuller started 11 games for the Dolphins after signing as an unrestricted free agent on March 18, 2024. He totaled 50 tackles (37 solo), seven passes defensed and one fumble recovery during the 2024 season. Fuller has played nine seasons in the NFL after being drafted by Washington in the third round (84th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft from Virginia Tech. Fuller spent six total seasons with Washington (2016-17, 2020-23) and two with Kansas City (2018-19) where he won Super Bowl LIV during the 2019 season.

Mostert spent the previous three seasons with Miami (2022-24), appearing in 44 games with 30 starts while recording 475 carries for 2,181 rushing yards (4.6 avg.) and 23 rushing touchdowns. He added 75 catches for 538 receiving yards (7.2 avg.) and five touchdown receptions. In 2023, Mostert led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. He also set single-season franchise records for most total touchdowns in a season (21) and most rushing touchdowns in a season (18) in 2023 as part of the NFL’s No. 1 overall offense. Prior to signing with the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent in 2022, Mostert played for five different franchises across seven seasons – Miami (2015), Baltimore (2015), Cleveland (2015), Chicago (2016) and San Francisco (2016-21). He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Purdue when he signed with Philadelphia on May 2, 2015.

Smythe was a fourth-round pick (123rd overall) by Miami in the 2018 NFL Draft and has played in 112 games with 74 starts over the past seven seasons (2018-24). Smythe totaled 132 receptions for 1,228 yards (9.3 avg.) and three receiving touchdowns, along with four carries for four rushing yards (1.0 avg.) and one rushing touchdown. He played collegiately at Notre Dame.

Miami Dolphins Announce Coaching Staff Additions   Download PDF version

Jan. 29, 2025

Miami Dolphins Announce Coaching Staff Additions

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins have named Craig Aukerman special teams coordinator and Robert Prince wide receivers coach, the team announced Wednesday. Together they bring more than 60 years of coaching experience, including 35 years at the NFL level.

About Craig Aukerman

The 2025 season will mark Aukerman’s 26th year in coaching, 16th in the NFL and seventh as a coordinator. He joins the Dolphins after serving as a special teams assistant with the Los Angeles Rams in 2024, where he helped the Rams to a 10-7 record, the NFC West division title and advance to the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

Before that, Aukerman spent seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans (2017-2023), serving five years as special teams coordinator (2019-2023) and two as a special teams assistant (2017-18). He helped the Titans reach the postseason in four of those seasons, winning two AFC South division titles, advancing to the AFC Championship in 2019 and securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC in 2021.

During his time in Tennessee, Aukerman coached two Pro Bowl players in punter Brett Kern (2017-19) and long snapper Morgan Cox (2022). Kern led the NFL in both net punting average (44.6) and gross punting average (49.7) in 2017. His 44.6-yard net punting average ranked second in NFL history at the time. He also led the league with 52.7 percent of his punts (39 of 74) placed inside the 20 in 2018 and in 2019 led the NFL in punts inside the 20 (37). Kern led the league again in 2020 with 59.5 percent of his punts (22 of 37) inside the 20 and had the league’s third-best ratio of punts inside the 20 to touchbacks (18:1) in 2021.

Aukerman also helped kicker Nick Folk convert a league-leading 96.7 percent of his field goals in 2023, tied for the 13th-best single-season mark in NFL history. Meanwhile, punter Ryan Stonehouse posted back-to-back years with a league-leading gross punting average of 53.1 in 2022 and 2023. In 2021, Aukerman’s kickoff coverage unit ranked eighth in the NFL, allowing an average of 20.3 yards per return, while wide receiver Chester Rogers ranked fifth in the NFL with a 9.8-yard punt return average.

The Titans finished the 2019 season tied with New England for the most combined blocked kicks and punts with four, while ranking fourth in net punt average (43.1). Tennessee also had some of the least-penalized special teams units under Aukerman’s watch, ranking second with just nine penalties in 2018 and tying for sixth with 14 infractions in 2019.

Prior to his tenure with the Titans, Aukerman served as special teams coordinator for one season (2016) with the San Diego Chargers and three seasons (2013-15) as an assistant special teams coach. He also worked with the Jaguars (2011-12), first as a defensive assistant in 2011 and then as an assistant special teams coach in 2012. He first entered the NFL as a defensive assistant with Denver in 2010 after spending 10 years at the collegiate level at Kent State (2009), Miami (Ohio) (2005-08, 2001-02), Western Kentucky (2003-04) and University of Findlay (2000).

Aukerman was a two-time NAIA All-American and two-time NAIA National Champion at the University of Findlay, where he played wide receiver and defensive back from 1995-98. He was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2013.

About Robert Prince

Prince boasts an impressive resume with 39 years of coaching experience, including 20 years in the NFL and 14 coaching wide receivers at the professional level. Throughout that time, he has coached several Pro Bowl players, including CeeDee Lamb (2022-24), Kenny Golladay (2019), Golden Tate (2014) and Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson (2014-15), among others.

Prince spent the last three seasons as the wide receivers coach in Dallas (2022-24), where he helped Lamb reach the Pro Bowl each year. Lamb was among the top league receivers during his three seasons under Prince’s guidance, but his best performance came in 2023 when he led NFL in receptions (135), ranked second in receiving yards (1,749) and was third in receiving touchdowns (12).

Prince spent a season in Houston in the same capacity (2021) and seven years before that in Detroit (2014-20), where he worked with Johnson, Golladay and Tate. Golladay led the NFL in receiving touchdowns (11) and ranked seventh in receiving yards (1,190) in 2019. He became the first Lion with two 1,000-yard seasons in his first three years. Meanwhile in 2014, Johnson and Tate became the sixth duo in franchise history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in the same season.

Prince’s NFL resume also includes stops in Seattle as wide receivers coach (2009), Jacksonville as assistant wide receivers coach (2007-08) and Atlanta as an assistant quarterbacks coach (2006) and offensive assistant (2004-05). He also worked as an intern with San Francisco (2002, 2000) and the Chargers (2001).

In addition to his various NFL stops, Prince has 17 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level, where he has served in various capacities, as well as two years working in the X-League in Japan. He played wide receiver at San Bernardino Valley College (1983-84) and Humboldt State (1985-86).

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Jonnu Smith Named to Pro Bowl Games Roster   Download PDF version

Jan. 27, 2025

Jonnu Smith Named to Pro Bowl Games Roster

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith has been named to the AFC roster for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, the NFL announced Monday.

The nod represents Smith’s first career Pro Bowl selection. Smith, who signed with Miami as a free agent prior to the season, turned in one of the best performances by a Dolphins tight end in franchise history in 2024. He appeared in all 17 games with six starts and recorded 88 receptions for 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, setting single-season franchise records at the tight end position in each category.

Smith finished the season as one of the NFL’s top tight ends, ranking fourth in catches and receiving yards, while tying for second in touchdowns. He also set career highs in receiving yards and receptions and matched his career best for receiving touchdowns in his first season with Miami.

Smith will replace Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce, who will not participate in preparation for Super Bowl LIX.

The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will take place in Orlando at Camping World Stadium, beginning with the Skills Challenge live on ESPN from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30. It continues on Sunday, Feb. 2, with cumulative scoring from Thursday’s skills contests building up to the highly anticipated flag football matchup from 3-6 p.m. on ESPN and ABC. For more information on the Pro Bowl Games, visit NFL.com/pro-bowl-games/event-info/.

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Robinson Named Finalist for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year   Download PDF version

Jan. 23, 2025

Robinson Named Finalist for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson has been named a finalist for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, the Associated Press and NFL announced Thursday.

Robinson, who was also named to the 2024 PFWA All-Rookie Team earlier this week, was one of the most impactful defensive rookies in 2024. He appeared in all 17 games with one start during his first NFL season, recording 26 tackles (16 solo), 6.0 sacks, eight tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits and four passes defensed. His 6.0 sacks and 14 quarterback hits were both the second-most among NFL rookies in 2024. He also tied Marco Coleman (1992) for the fifth-most sacks among rookies in franchise history.

Robinson’s growth and development came into focus particularly in the second half of the season after logging his first-career sack in Week 9 against AFC East rival Buffalo. He recorded another sack in Miami’s Week 10 victory over the L.A. Rams on Monday Night Football and logged multi-sack games against New England in Week 12 and at Houston in Week 15. Robinson was also pivotal in Miami’s Week 16 win over San Francisco. He sacked quarterback Brock Purdy for a loss of seven yards on second-and-10 with less than a minute remaining in the game that helped cement Miami’s victory.

Robinson was selected by Miami in the first round (21st overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Penn State, where he played two seasons (2022-23) and totaled 41 tackles (31 solo), 9.5 sacks, three passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He transferred from Maryland, where he recorded 19 tackles (12 solo) and 2.0 sacks as a true freshman.

He is looking to become just the third player in Dolphins history to win AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. Defensive tackle Tim Bowens won it in 1994 and linebacker A.J. Duhe earned the accolade in 1977.

Winners will be announced at NFL Honors presented by Invisalign on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 9 p.m. ET at Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. The show will be broadcast on FOX and NFL Network and streamed on NFL+. Fans may visit www.nfl.com/honors for more information.

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Robinson Named to the 2024 PFWA All-Rookie Team   Download PDF version

Jan. 21, 2025

Robinson Named to the 2024 PFWA All-Rookie Team

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson has been named to the 2024 PFWA All-Rookie Team, the Pro Football Writers of America announced Tuesday.

Robinson appeared in all 17 games with one start during his first NFL season, recording 26 tackles (16 solo), 6.0 sacks, eight tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits and four passes defensed. His 6.0 sacks and 14 quarterback hits were both the second-most among NFL rookies in 2024. He also tied Marco Coleman (1992) for the fifth-most sacks among rookies in franchise history.

Robinson was one of the most impactful defensive rookies of the 2024 season. His growth and development came into focus particularly in the second half of the season after logging his first-career sack in Week 9 against AFC East rival Buffalo. He recorded another sack in Miami’s Week 10 victory over the L.A. Rams on Monday Night Football and logged multi-sack games against New England in Week 12 and at Houston in Week 15. Robinson was also pivotal in Miami’s win over San Francisco. He sacked quarterback Brock Purdy for a loss of seven yards on second-and-10 with less than a minute remaining in the game that helped cement Miami’s victory.

He is the first Dolphins player to be named to the PFWA All-Rookie team since 2021 when wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, linebacker Jaelan Phillips and safety Jevón Holland each earned the accolade.

Robinson was selected by Miami in the first round (21st overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Penn State, where he played two seasons (2022-23) and totaled 41 tackles (31 solo), 9.5 sacks, three passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He transferred from Maryland, where he recorded 19 tackles (12 solo) and 2.0 sacks as a true freshman.

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Miami Dolphins to play historic first-ever regular season game in Spain in 2025   Download PDF version

January 17, 2025

Miami Dolphins to play historic first-ever regular season game in Spain in 2025

MADRID, Spain – The NFL announced today that the Miami Dolphins will play as the designated team in the historic first-ever regular season game in Spain, as part of the 2025 International Games. The 2025 NFL Madrid game will take place at the iconic Bernabéu Stadium, home to Spanish soccer team Real Madrid C.F, in partnership with the city of Madrid and Comunidad de Madrid. This exciting opportunity further reinforces the team’s commitment to growing the sport of football globally and expanding its fanbase and impact, particularly in the Spanish-speaking world.

“We are thrilled to play the NFL’s inaugural game in Spain, a country of rich history, tradition and passion and home to a vibrant Dolphins fanbase,” said Miami Dolphins Vice Chairman, President and CEO Tom Garfinkel. “There is a hunger for football in this market, and we are proud to join with the NFL in growing the game internationally while engaging with old and new fans alike. With the unique synergy between Miami and Madrid, we believe this is only the beginning for us in this incredible region and we look forward to bringing the excitement and community of Dolphins football to Spain in 2025 and beyond.”

The upcoming match marks the team’s eighth regular season international game and fourth in a new country, following previous international games in Germany (2023), the United Kingdom (2021, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2007) and Canada (2008). With each international appearance, the Dolphins have made it a priority to connect with fans, foster excitement for the game and introduce the NFL’s dynamic brand of football to new global audiences.

Through the NFL’s Global Markets Program (GMP), the Dolphins were originally granted marketing rights in Spain in December 2021, along with Brazil and the United Kingdom, and have worked over the past several years to engage with fans in the market through watch parties, alumni appearances, and Spanish-language content. In 2024, the team grew its GMP reach to Argentina, Colombia and Mexico and now hold marketing rights in more Spanish-speaking countries than any other team in the NFL. The Dolphins are also one of only two clubs to activate in six global markets.

Other highlights of the Dolphins GMP efforts and global reach include hosting the first-ever flag football clinic in Brazil in July 2024, cultivating strong fan clubs through watch parties and activations in Spain, Brazil, the UK and Mexico, and collaborating with international sports icons like Felipe Luis and the stars of top soccer clubs like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, along with the cast of 11-time Emmy-Award winning TV show “Ted Lasso.” Through strategic influencer partnerships and major events like the NFL Experience in São Paulo, the Dolphins continue to spearhead efforts in advancing the growth of the game worldwide and fostering a global community of Dolphins fans, which will continue in advance of the team’s journey to Madrid in 2025.

The Dolphins’ opponent, along with game date and kickoff time, will be announced when the full 2025 NFL schedule later this spring. Additional details about the game and surrounding events will be shared in the coming months. Fans interested can register for information around the 2025 NFL Madrid game at nfl.com/madrid.

As the Official Hospitality Provider of the NFL and the Miami Dolphins, On Location has launched its Priority Access deposit program for the 2025 NFL Madrid Game at Bernabéu Stadium. On Location ticket and hospitality packages include roundtrip airfare, guided tours, premium seating options and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that will create lasting memories. Visit onlocationexp.com/dolphinsspain to place a fully refundable, time-stamped Priority Access deposit which assures first choice of tickets and bespoke experiences.

About the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins, owned by Chairman of the Board & Managing General Partner Stephen M. Ross, are the oldest major-league professional sports franchise in the state of Florida, having joined the NFL as part of the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. The organization has played in five Super Bowls, winning championships following the 1972 (VII) and 1973 (VIII) seasons. The franchise also has won five conference championships and 13 division titles. The Dolphins play home games at Hard Rock Stadium and train at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens. For more information, visit Dolphins.com.

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Dolphins announce coaching staff changes   Download PDF version

January 10, 2025

Dolphins announce coaching staff changes

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins have parted ways with special teams coordinator Danny Crossman and wide receivers coach/pass game specialist Wes Welker following the 2024 season.

“I am grateful for Danny’s contributions and dedication to the Dolphins over the course of many seasons, as well as the numerous ways he helped me as a head coach,” said Mike McDaniel. “I also want to thank Wes for his investment here. This was not a decision I came to lightly, but as I have evaluated the season and areas where we must improve, I believe that change is needed and am motivated to do what is best for the team as we move forward.”

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Sanders Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month   Download PDF version

Jan. 9, 2025

Sanders Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders has been named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for his performance in December and January, the NFL announced Thursday.

It is the fifth career AFC Special Teams Player of the Month award for Sanders and marks the second time he has earned the nod in back-to-back months. He was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November 2024, October and November 2020 and December 2019. Sanders is one of only seven players in NFL history, and one of four in the AFC, to earn the Special Teams Player of the Month award at least five times in his career.

Sanders is the fourth player in NFL history to earn the Special Teams Player of the Month award in back-to-back occasions within the same season, and the only one to do so twice in his career. He is also one of two players in Dolphins history to earn Player of the Month honors consecutively, joining defensive end Jason Taylor who won it in October and November 2002, and the only player to win it in back-to-back months on two occasions.

Sanders converted 15-of-15 field goals (100.0 pct.), including five from 50-plus yards, and six-of-eight extra points for a total of 51 points across the months of December and January. His 15 field goals, and his five from 50-plus yards, were both the most in the NFL in that span.

In Miami’s Week 14 matchup against the N.Y. Jets, he kicked four field goals, including a 52-yarder with seven seconds remaining in the game to send the contest to overtime for an eventual Miami win. It marked his second game-tying or game-winning field goal in the fourth quarter this season and the 10th of his career.

Sanders had one of the best outings of his career in Week 16 against San Francisco, converting five-of-five field goal attempts, including a 54-yarder, and adding two extra points to finish the day with 17 points. He not only tied the total points scored by the 49ers in the game, but single-handedly outscored five teams in Week 16 and tied two others.

Sanders reached 800 career points against San Francisco, becoming the third Dolphin to reach the benchmark and the fastest to do so in 114 games. He also surpassed 22-consecutive field goals made in that game, a streak that started in Week 8, breaking his own franchise record. He went on to finish the season with 27-straight field goals without a miss, which is the longest active streak in the NFL.

His Week 16 performance against the 49ers made him the only AFC kicker, and one of two in the NFL, to make five field goals in a game across December and January. He was the only kicker in the NFL to make a field goal in every game in the 2024 regular season.

Sanders finished the 2024 season with 37-of-41 field goals made (90.2 pct.) while converting 26-of-28 extra point attempts (92.9 pct.) for a total of 137 points scored. His 37 field goals ranked fourth in the NFL and are the second-most in franchise history. Meanwhile, his 137 points ranked eighth in the league this year and third in Dolphins history.

Out of his 37 field goals made, 12 were from 50-plus yards, the most in a single season in franchise history and the fourth-most in the NFL this year. Sanders has kicked nine-consecutive field goals from 50-plus yards, which is the longest active streak in the NFL and second longest in Dolphins history to his own record of 10-straight kicks across 2019 and 2020.

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