Miami Dolphins rookie edge rusher Mason Reiger, weighing 251 pounds and standing 6-foot-4, is making an impression in training camp. He wears No. 90, inspired by T.J. Watt, and has a notable size reminiscent of John Cena.
MIAMI GARDENS ― The first thing that jumps out about Miami Dolphins rookie edge rusher Mason Reiger is his size.
He looks as big and imposing as... former WWE star John Cena.
"Actually, Kevin Coleman used to call me that when we were teammates back at Louisville," Reiger said of the fellow Dolphins rookie. "So that's funny."
Reiger is a ripped 6-foot-4, 251 pounds.
He would clearly have been drafted out of Wisconsin if not for an injury history, but was not selected.
"Leg, foot," Reiger said after the first day of Dolphins' rookie minicamp. "Yeah, basically everything on my right side, mainly my knee. But like I said, 100% now, super blessed in that aspect."
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mason Reiger plays as an edge rusher for the Miami Dolphins.
Mason Reiger was not drafted due to an injury history that raised concerns among teams.
Mason Reiger's size has been compared to former WWE star John Cena.
Mason Reiger wears No. 90, inspired by NFL star T.J. Watt.
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Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) rushes the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) and offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nov 22, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) catches a short pass and runs the ball during the game with Eastern Illinois at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
Apr 22, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor during the NFL Draft prospects clinic at Hazelwood Green Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Offensive lineman Parker Brailsford blocks against fellow lineman Kadyn Proctor during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor runs a drill for scouts during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor runs a drill for scouts during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) at the vertical jump station during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) rushes the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) and offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Nov 22, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) catches a short pass and runs the ball during the game with Eastern Illinois at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
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Apr 22, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Kadyn Proctor during the NFL Draft prospects clinic at Hazelwood Green Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Offensive lineman Parker Brailsford blocks against fellow lineman Kadyn Proctor during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
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March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor runs a drill for scouts during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
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March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor runs a drill for scouts during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
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Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
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Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) at the vertical jump station during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Reiger has 10 sacks in his last two seasons played. Could a team desperate for edge help use a guy known for a relentless motor, quick spin move and ability to shed blocks?
Heck yeah, the Dolphins could.
It was not lost on Reiger that he was wearing No. 90, the number once worn by Wisconsin legend T.J. Watt, whom Miami once regrettably passed on.
"I didn't get to personally pick my number, but definitely an honor to be compared in that aspect and to just be able to actually had the privilege of training with him and learning a lot from him," Reiger said.
Miami Dolphins edge Mason Reiger (90) works during rookie minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex.
According to NFL.com, Reiger had a bone graft placed into his knee in 2024. According to The Athletic, it was once suggested Reiger might medically retire.
"It was just basically some doctor thought that, you know, not that he recommended it, but just like I should take it into consideration," Reiger said. "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."
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin defensive lineman Mason Reiger (DL58) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Reiger may have the best shot of all Miami undrafted free agents to make the roster.
Miami needs big men who can disrupt opposing passers. Reiger is highly motivated to show he belongs in the league.
"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."
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Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why Dolphins rookie edge rusher Mason Reiger did not medically retire