Badger blood runs deep in the NFL.
On Friday, former Badger tight end Hayden Rucci found the end zone on a 20-yard strike from Dolphins’ quarterback Skylar Thompson during the team’s NFL Preseason Week 3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While being interviewed during the preseason action, Badger alumnus Alec Ingold couldn’t hide his excitement for Rucci as he corralled the touchdown pass.
After answering a question, Ingold looked up at the scoreboard to witness his Badger brother in the end zone. Rucci ultimately led the Dolphins in receiving with five catches for 44 yards during their preseason finale.
Alec Ingold crushed it on our broadcast this week. One of the highlights was his reaction to Hayden Rucci's touchdown. @AI_XLV @BadgerFootball @goldieonice @MiamiDolphins pic.twitter.com/NNFvWWYLRa
— Mike Cugno (@MikeCugnoCBS4) August 25, 2024
Rucci, who signed with Miami as an undrafted free agent after the 2024 NFL draft, played five seasons at Wisconsin from 2019-23. In his final season, Lititz, Pennsylvania native led UW’s tight end room with 11 catches for 125 total yards.
The 6-foot-4 pass-catcher finished the preseason with five total catches on six targets, 57 yards and a touchdown. He is currently vying for a spot on Miami’s 53-man roster, which will be finalized on Aug. 27 at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Ingold, who left Madison with 103 carries, 343 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in 51 total appearances, earned his first career Pro Bowl appearance in 2023. He is penciled in to start for Miami at full back this season.
The Dolphins begin their quest for postseason success against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Sept. 8.