Yesterday turned into quite the busy day for Miami Dolphins’ 1st-round wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Waddle attended his first rookie minicamp as a member of the team and managed to lock himself into his rookie contract — a 4-year deal worth approximately $27M over the first four seasons. For Waddle, it is the next step in an exciting culmination of his hard work throughout his youth. He’s now officially a professional football player, contract and everything.
But for the fans? Yesterday’s most exciting development was getting to see Waddle on the field running a handful of routes courtesy of social media. Dolphins helmet, practice jersey and everything. Welcome to the Miami Dolphins, Jaylen Waddle!
Jaylen Waddle, via @MiamiDolphins #Magic #FinsUp #RollTide pic.twitter.com/e2mBiGyd5K
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) May 15, 2021
Waddle also shared a press availability with the South Florida media as a part of his big Friday, and his perspective on getting his deal done with worth a good laugh.
“Of course, (the contract is) a blessing. But it was really just time to get back to work. I was really trying to make it to practice (on time),” said Waddle. All business. Waddle’s contract probably hadn’t even dried by the time he hit the field and yet, later in the same day during the same press availability he was asked about any big ticket items on his radar now that he’s a paid 1st-round pick.
“I don’t have anything in mind right now. I’m really just trying to learn everything right here. Money and all of that is not really on my mind.”
What is on his mind is football. And one thing that’s guaranteed to be on Dolphins fans’ minds this weekend is that first glimpse at Waddle in action on the practice field, too.