The Miami Dolphins have selected eight “captains” for the 2024 season
Wearing the “C” on their jerseys again will be the same offensive quartet from last year: quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, fullback Alec Ingold, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and offensive lineman Terron Armstead. All four are coming off of Pro Bowl seasons. On defense, Jalen Ramsey aka “Gold Jacket” headlines the group that also features linebacker David Long Jr., defensive tackle Zach Sieler, and defensive lineman Calais Campbell. In addition to the “C,” Campbell will also wear the Walter Payton Man of the Year patch on his jersey.
Miami parted with a pair of its captains from 2023, allowing Christian Wilkins to leave in free agency, signing a $100+ million contract with the Raiders, while cutting Xavien Howard in the offseason as a cap casualty. Howard still remains unsigned. Safety Jevon Holland was the third defensive captain last year will not wear a “C” this season in what is a contract year for the former second-round pick.
The Dolphins have the oldest roster in the league, so there’s no lack of leadership and experience on the team. Campbell is entering his 17th NFL season, Armstead will begin his 12th, and Hill his ninth. Hill has been a Pro Bowler every year of his career.
Sieler, who is Miami’s longest tenured defensive player on the current 53 man roster, will be a captain for the first time after coming into the league out of NCAA Division II. Last season he set the franchise sack record for an interior lineman with 10.
Long will also wear his first captain’s badge in Miami after an outstanding season in 2023 in the middle of the defense’s second level. His run-defense grade last season (92.6) was the best in the NFL among starting linebackers, according to Pro Football Focus. Long immediately called his mom to give her the good news, saying that she understood how much it meant to him.
Ingold is a “glue-guy” and is one of the most beloved and respected players in the locker room. His “off-the-field” charity work and other business endeavors, including writing his own book, entitled ” The Seven Crucibles,” makes the Pro Bowler a voice of reason, while being one of the biggest motivators on the team.
Ramsey, was a two-time captain during his time with the Los Angeles Rams is one of the few players on this roster to actually win a Super Bowl is a captain again for a second year. Often times he’s the best player on the field and he understands how special this group can be.
The recently extended Tagovailoa has now been a captain in each of Mike McDaniel’s three seasons with the Dolphins after not earning the distinction at all during Brian Flores’ tenure. Tua has explained this is the most comfortable he has felt his entire pro career after playing in every single game last season. Tua is also coming off of leading the NFL in passing in 2023.
The Dolphins open their 2024 season on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium against the Jacksonville Jaguars.