Training camp skirmishes often go unnoticed in the world of professional football, but the recent altercation at Miami Dolphins' training camp was an exception, highlighting a shift in the team's culture under the leadership of Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Encouraging Aggression
The fracas erupted during a third-and-short drill when tensions flared between running back Jaylen Wright and cornerback Kader Kohou, resulting in an exchange of shoves. Offensive tackle Patrick Paul then escalated the situation by lifting Kohou off the ground and throwing him down. In response to the incident, Ramsey took charge, convening his teammates for an impromptu speech lasting approximately ten minutes. He called for the Dolphins to adopt an identity of ferocity and dominance for the 2024 season, aiming to shed their long-standing reputation of being 'soft'.
Historically, the Dolphins have grappled with this label, a perception that dates back to their Super Bowl VI defeat against the Dallas Cowboys and another loss in Super Bowl XIX to the San Francisco 49ers. Despite their historic success under Don Shula in the early 1970s—highlighted by an undefeated season in 1972 and a title defense in 1973—the franchise has struggled to recapture that glory. The era of Dan Marino, although prolific, ended in decades of postseason disappointments, with Marino never leading the Dolphins back to the Super Bowl following their loss to Joe Montana’s 49ers.
Changing the Narrative
Recent seasons have not been kind to Miami, with the team faltering towards the end of each campaign. However, Ramsey's speech and the ensuing on-field tussle may signal a turning point. Tyreek Hill, one of the team's standout players, expressed his approval of the intensity displayed during the practice skirmish.
"I think the fight we had today was amazing. We need that. Teams that I've been on that won, those teams fought. They aren't going to fight in the locker room. This is where you fight. Then right after the play you calm yourself down, in between the whistle you're right back at it with no mental errors." (Tyreek Hill)
Hill's endorsement underscores a broader acceptance within the team of Ramsey's call to arms. The Dolphins are embracing a philosophy of physicality, a sentiment echoed by newcomer Jordyn Brooks.
"I think that everybody's mentality coming in, [including] new guys like myself is to be physical. We want to be feared. Right now we're in the process of doing that. Not every day is going to be perfect, but that's why we put the pads on [and] working in the heat. We're emphasizing it day after day." (Jordyn Brooks)
Setting the Tone for 2024
This new-found intensity is not merely about ensuring skirmishes become a regular feature of their practices. It's about overturning a culture that has, for too long, accepted mediocrity. Ramsey's passionate plea for a transformation aims to inspire his teammates to rise above their past disappointments and galvanize a franchise hungry for sustained success.
As the Dolphins gear up for the 2024 season, this shift in mindset could prove pivotal. The physicality on display at training camp is more than just posturing; it is a declaration of intent. Under Ramsey's leadership, and with key players like Hill and Brooks buying in, Miami is attempting to build a foundation of toughness that can endure the rigors of an NFL season and position them as contenders when it matters most.
The journey from "soft" to "feared" is fraught with challenges, but the Dolphins appear ready to embrace the fight—one skirmish at a time. With the memory of past glories and the lessons from prior disappointments guiding them, this Miami team is setting out to redefine itself, beginning with the intensity of their training camp battles.