The latest batch of Miami Dolphins rookies kicked off their first training camp earlier this week and soon they’ll be joined by the seasoned veterans of the team. However, it isn’t all drills and playbook memorization for these newcomers to the professional gridiron.
This Friday evening provided a light-hearted break as the Dolphins’ rookies made their way to LoanDepot Park, where the Miami Marlins were set to face off against the New York Mets. Amongst them was the Dolphins’ first-round pick, Chop Robinson, who was given the honorary role of throwing the ceremonial first pitch of the game.
Despite his pass sailing well above the catcher’s reach—a reminder that Robinson’s skills are tailored for the football field, not the baseball diamond—the event was a moment of fun amid the intense preparations of training camp. It could also be said that the rookies brought a stroke of luck for the Marlins, who emerged victorious with a 6-4 win over the Mets, a pleasant surprise given their struggle at the bottom of the standings.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins might be leaning on Robinson more than initially anticipated for this upcoming season. The team is faced with the challenge of potentially starting without key players Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, both of whom are recovering from serious injuries last year and will begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Their status for the season opener remains uncertain, placing early pressure on this year’s first-round investment to step up.