Dolphins rookie DB reveals how he's trying to earn teammates' respect

The Miami Dolphins had a large group of draft picks, undrafted rookies and try-out players in the meeting rooms and on the practice field this weekend for their 2026 rookie minicamp.

While some players are trying to earn roster spots, others are getting acclimated to the team, the building, the coaches and their teammates.

Speaking with the media after Saturday's session, new Dolphins safety Michael Taaffe revealed what he's doing to try to earn respect in the building early in the team's offseason program.

"You just put your head down and grind," Taaffe said. "I think that's what gets people's respect, is your work ethic and what you do on the field, not what you say. And so, obviously, I try to break bread with them. I try to put my phone up and have a manly conversation, look them in the eyes and talk to them. But I think we're friends out here, we're teammates, too. And so to be a good teammate, you gotta go work, and you gotta put your head down and earn their respect."

The 23-year-old spent five seasons at Texas, earning All-SEC honors once and All-American honors twice before Miami took him in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL draft.

Over the coming months, Taaffe will have an opportunity to earn a starting spot in a thin Dolphins safety room that Lonnie Johnson Jr. and Dante Trader Jr. currently lead. If he isn't on the field for the first snaps in Week 1, he'll likely play in a rotation on defense and on special teams.

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This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins rookie DB reveals how he's trying to earn teammates' respect