After an illustrious eight-season run donning the Miami Dolphins’ No. 25, Xavien Howard, whose career with the team was highlighted by four trips to the Pro Bowl and a prestigious First-Team All-Pro selection, found his tenure cut short when he was released in March. His departure left a vacancy in the Dolphins’ lineup and in the No. 25 jersey that he had made iconic on the field.
Fast forward less than two months, and that once iconic No. 25 has found a new owner. Jaylen Wright, a promising rookie picked in the third round, has decided to embrace the challenge and opportunity of carrying on the legacy associated with the number.
Wright, who made his comments during the Dolphins’ rookie minicamp earlier this month, expressed his excitement and reverence for the path Howard has paved. “He’s a big-name guy,” Wright acknowledged, gearing up to make his own mark and contribute big plays to the Dolphins in the No.
25.
The changing of the guard officially went public last week during the NFLPA Rookie Premiere, where Wright donned the No. 25 in full Dolphins gear for the first time, a moment that did not go unnoticed by Howard. The former cornerback, now 30 and transitioning into free agency, is set to be fully released from the Dolphins’ obligations next week following a post-June 1 designation cut.
Despite this, the door for a potential return to Miami has been left ajar by the Dolphins’ front office. General Manager Chris Grier, speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in February 2024, hinted at ongoing communications with Howard, leaving fans speculating on the possibility of his return.
Should such a reunion come to fruition, the question of who would wear the No. 25 jersey arises—a token of heritage and performance that both players, young and seasoned, find invaluable. As the offseason unfolds, the Dolphins and their fans might find themselves witnessing the rekindling of a veteran’s career or the rise of a new star under the emblem of No. 25.