The Miami Dolphins had an extra attendee at rookie minicamp and the vibes could not be any higher

May 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) works with his teammates during rookie minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Miami Dolphins rookies touched the grass on Friday for the first time for formal activities but it was the extra attendee you should be most excited about.

The Miami Dolphins‘ crowded rookie class had to wait a week to get into the action versus some of the rest of the league’s teams.

But all good things to those who wait, as the saying goes. Friday brought the first taste of life as a Miami Dolphins players. Rookie minicamp opened and gave Miami’s rookies their first formal on-field work as members of the team, alongside several tryout players. We got a chance to see first-round players like Kadyn Proctor & Chris Johnson, plus some of the buzzy mid-round selections by the Dolphins. The most compelling appearance, however, didn’t even come from a rookie. New starting quarterback Malik Willis showed up to get some face time with his new teammates.

New Miami Dolphins starting quarterback Malik Willis made a cameo at rookie minicamp

Call me a sucker if you’d like. That’s fine. I’ll wear that badge and I’ve been called much worse.

On the heels of the past few years of Miami Dolphins football, this is such a refreshing breath of fresh air. We’ve seen Willis hard at work this offseason, with some of his new teammates. . The extra miles are being taken.