In a story that reads like a script out of Hollywood, Kader Kohou, the underdog cornerback for the Miami Dolphins, has once again turned heads in the NFL. But this time, it’s not just for his undeniable knack for shutting down wide receivers or his tenacity on the field.
Kohou’s remarkable journey from an undrafted free agent to becoming one of the league’s standout players has been rightfully recognized through a significant bonus for his exemplary play in 2023. This heartening show of talent and hard work paying off encapsulates not just Kohou’s rising career but also the spirit of the NFL’s performance-based pay program.
Kohou’s 2023 season was nothing short of spectacular, leading to him receiving a hefty $878,167 bonus, the fifth largest in the entire league. This bonus is a testament to the program’s intention to compensate players who have demonstrated significant contributions to their team while being on lower-income contracts. It’s a system that roots for the underdog, ensuring those who outperform expectations are rewarded accordingly.
Delving into the specifics, Kohou, at the age of 25, has proven himself to be an invaluable asset to the Dolphins’ defense. Playing on the second year of a modest three-year, $2.59 million contract, his rise has been remarkable. After entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Kohou has swiftly ascended to becoming one of the key cogs in Miami’s defensive machine.
Throughout the 2023 season, his footprint on the field was immense. Kohou was on the field for 938 defensive snaps, accounting for 85% of the Dolphins’ total defensive snaps, and also took part in 43 special teams snaps (9%). This level of participation is a clear indicator of how much the team relied on his presence and performance during the season.
Rewinding to 2022, Kohou’s hard work was also acknowledged through a commendable bonus of $705,584, the highest among Dolphins players that year and ranking 14th overall in the NFL. This set the stage for his 2023 successes and has solidified his status as one of the most impactful undrafted players in recent memory.
Over his career, spanning 32 games with 29 starts, Kohou’s stat line is notable. He has amassed one interception, one sack, one forced fumble, 10 tackles for loss, and 20 passes defended. These numbers, while impressive, only scratch the surface of his influence on and off the field.
Looking ahead, Kader Kohou is poised to become a restricted free agent after the 2024 season. Given his trajectory and the integral role he has played for the Miami Dolphins, his journey is one to keep an eye on. From undrafted to indispensable, Kohou’s story is a compelling narrative of determination, skill, and the realization of an American dream in the gridiron world of the NFL.