Miami Dolphins’ undrafted rookie tight end Hayden Rucci is a tough competitor. It comes naturally because it is in the genes. Though on the fringe of making the Dolphins roster, Rucci continues to grind away. His performance during the Dolphins’ third preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers keeps his dream alive.
Rucci caught five passes (out of six targets) for 44 yards and one touchdown. His longest play was 20 yards. The Dolphins are loaded with tight ends led by Jonnu Smith, Durham Smythe, Julian Hill, and Tanner Conner. Alain Poupart projected that the team will keep three: Smith, Smythe, and Hill.
If Rucci’s last name sounds familiar, it is because his father, Todd, played for the New England Patriots in the 1990s. The elder Rucci was a guard out of Penn State drafted by the Patriots with the 51st overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. Rucci appeared in the Patriots Super Bowl 36 loss against Brett Favre’s Green Bay Packers.
Hayden Rucci has more than his dad’s NFL experience to draw from. His maternal grandfather is Tom Gilburg, the offensive tackle and punter for the Indianapolis Colts from 1961-1965.
Fans should expect the Rucci name to become more familiar. Rucci’s younger brother Nolan, a recent Penn State transfer, may have his own NFL aspirations.