Dolphins rookie reveals motivation to make the team as a UDFA

TL;DR

Miami Dolphins rookie Mason Reiger, a UDFA, reveals his motivation to make the team after overcoming injuries that nearly ended his career. He transferred from Louisville to Wisconsin to continue playing football despite medical concerns.

Key points

Mason Reiger is a rookie defensive end for the Miami Dolphins.
He faced injuries that nearly ended his football career.
Reiger transferred from Louisville to Wisconsin to continue playing.

Mason ReigerLouisvilleWisconsinMiami Dolphins

The path to the NFL isn't the same for every prospect. While some shine in college, going from Day-1 starters to Day-1 draft picks, others are more tested and have to wait to find a home until after the seven rounds have come and gone.

Miami Dolphins defensive end Mason Reiger finds himself in the second of those buckets after dealing with injuries throughout his time in college that nearly ended his football career.

"It was just basically some doctor thought that, you know, not that he recommended [medical retirement], but just like I should take it into consideration," Reiger told reporters after the first day of rookie minicamp (via the Palm Beach Post). "I personally didn't agree with that. That kind of all led to the decision for me to end up transferring from Louisville to Wisconsin. And like I said, I just had full confidence in my physical health and the ability to move on and continue to play football. And so that's what I did."

The injuries kept Reiger, who recorded 82 tackles, 13 sacks, four forced fumbles, four passes defensed and a fumble recovery in 44 games between the two schools, from hearing his name during this year's draft. However, he's using that as fuel.

"I felt like I deserved to be picked, but I think that's part of, you know, everything happens for a reason," Reiger said. "And I'm super blessed to how my story's played out. And this is just another opportunity for me to prove all these coaches right that took a chance on me and prove everybody wrong that didn't believe in me. You know, obviously, the fact that I wasn't drafted shows that I haven't done enough. So that's just another mindset push for me to keep going."

Miami has just one starting edge rusher written in permanent marker on the depth chart right now (Chop Robinson), so if Reiger proves that he's capable of setting the edge and getting after opposing quarterbacks consistently, he could earn a spot on this roster and legitimate opportunities as a rookie.

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Q&A

What motivated Mason Reiger to pursue a career in the NFL?

Mason Reiger was motivated by his desire to continue playing football despite facing injuries and medical advice suggesting he consider retirement.

How did Mason Reiger perform in college football?

During his college career, Mason Reiger recorded 82 tackles, 13 sacks, four forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery over 44 games.

Why was Mason Reiger not drafted in the NFL draft?

Mason Reiger was not drafted due to injuries that affected his college performance, preventing him from being a standout prospect.