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Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips is back on the practice field at organized team activities (OTAs), eight months removed from his second season-ending injury in as many years. During Tuesday’s OTA, Phillips was wearing the coveted orange practice jersey, which recognizes players for their hard work and leadership.
Phillips is no stranger to comebacks. He suffered multiple injuries at UCLA, but after nearing medical retiring from football, he made a collegiate comeback at the University of Miami in 2020, before he was selected No. 18 overall by the Dolphins in the 2021 NFL draft.
Unfortunately for Phillips, his resilience has again been tested in his last two NFL seasons. In a post on social media, the pass rusher spun what could be disappointment, into an inspirational message about perseverance that applies to more than just football players.
Phillips started his Dolphins career by breaking the rookie sack record with 8.5 in his first season. After seven sacks in 2022, Phillips was putting together a career-best year in 2023 with 6.5 sacks in eight games played, before an Achilles tear in November ended his season.
During the 2024 offseason, Phillips shocked everyone with an incredible recovery and rehab, and not only started Week 1, but registered a sack in the season opener. But three weeks later, Phillips tore his ACL, ending another year prematurely.
Now Phillips is looking for a healthy, full season that sees him realize his Pro Bowl potential.
Phillips isn't alone in his comeback. Fellow edge rusher Bradley Chubb missed all of the 2024 season due to a knee injury and is also back on the practice field at OTAs.
"They're as excited as ever," Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said of the duo. "I mean, they're the most excited practice players of all time right now. And I think that it's a cool piece for our team to feel because it's an authentic appreciation."
"Like most people, you know most of us, you don't always know exactly to the level of what you have until it's removed from you. So these guys are exemplifying everything we're asking of players right now."
Phillips and Chubb return to a pass-rushing group that now includes 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson, who finished his rookie campaign with six sacks.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins OLB Jaelan Phillips shares inspirational comeback message
Continue reading...
Phillips is no stranger to comebacks. He suffered multiple injuries at UCLA, but after nearing medical retiring from football, he made a collegiate comeback at the University of Miami in 2020, before he was selected No. 18 overall by the Dolphins in the 2021 NFL draft.
Unfortunately for Phillips, his resilience has again been tested in his last two NFL seasons. In a post on social media, the pass rusher spun what could be disappointment, into an inspirational message about perseverance that applies to more than just football players.
Phillips started his Dolphins career by breaking the rookie sack record with 8.5 in his first season. After seven sacks in 2022, Phillips was putting together a career-best year in 2023 with 6.5 sacks in eight games played, before an Achilles tear in November ended his season.
During the 2024 offseason, Phillips shocked everyone with an incredible recovery and rehab, and not only started Week 1, but registered a sack in the season opener. But three weeks later, Phillips tore his ACL, ending another year prematurely.
Now Phillips is looking for a healthy, full season that sees him realize his Pro Bowl potential.
Phillips isn't alone in his comeback. Fellow edge rusher Bradley Chubb missed all of the 2024 season due to a knee injury and is also back on the practice field at OTAs.
"They're as excited as ever," Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said of the duo. "I mean, they're the most excited practice players of all time right now. And I think that it's a cool piece for our team to feel because it's an authentic appreciation."
"Like most people, you know most of us, you don't always know exactly to the level of what you have until it's removed from you. So these guys are exemplifying everything we're asking of players right now."
Phillips and Chubb return to a pass-rushing group that now includes 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson, who finished his rookie campaign with six sacks.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins OLB Jaelan Phillips shares inspirational comeback message
Continue reading...
