I was really shocked when my team, the Miami Dolphins, released six of their best NFL players this week. It was almost like an emotional blow to the fans- how could they replace players that have been part of the team for so long? It’s true that NFL teams have to make difficult decisions and move on in order to stay competitive, but I didn’t think it would be this hard.
The released players included defensive tackle Akeem Spence, tight end Clive Walford, wide receiver Leonte Carroo and kicker Jason Sanders. All of these players had played an integral role in the Dolphins’ success and they will be sorely missed. I couldn’t help thinking about all the great moments we’d shared together- from some of Spence’s incredible tackles to Carroo’s go-ahead touchdown reception against the Raiders.
As the news was breaking, I heard some controversy around the releases- why did the Dolphins cut them exactly? We will never know, but it’s likely that the team was seeking flexibility with their salary cap and needed to simplify down to a smaller payroll. But it still hurt to see good players go, regardless of why.
As the dust settled, I reflected on the NFL players released this week and all the other players cut from their teams over the years- it’s a bittersweet feeling, because while we move on and get new, talented players for our teams, we also lose part of the team’s history. Someone else might have great success with the same player that we let go, but it makes it a lot harder to connect with them.
That being said, the NFL releasing players every now and then is good for the league in the long run- it keeps teams on their toes and presses them to find the best players out there. It’s also an opportunity for the players who’ve been cut to find a new team and write a new story for themselves.
Many of these players have gone on to become some of the best in the league. Terrelle Pryor had been released from the Raiders back in 2013, but he soon found success with the Cleveland Browns and set all kinds of records. Another example is Raheem Morris, who had been cut from the Bucs in 2009 and was recently promoted to defensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons.
These kinds of stories show us that there is always a second chance for those who have been released from their teams, whether they’re a rookie or a veteran. It doesn’t matter how far you fell down the ladder, but how far you can climb back up again. The NFL is full of opportunities and it’s up to the players to take advantage of them.
While it’s sad to see these players go, I’m also looking forward to seeing what the new guys will bring to the team. I’m hoping that they can come in with the same level of enthusiasm and skill, and help keep my team in the race. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of impact the new Dolphins will have on the game.
It’s always a tough situation when teams have to release their players, but I’m sure that most of them will find new homes soon and get the chance to continue living out their dreams. The NFL is made up of passionate players willing to fight for what they want- that’s what makes it so special.