Ethan Bonner’s story is a classic feel-good sports moment you can’t help but love. Last year, he was an undrafted rookie trying to find his place in the NFL.
Now, after an impressive training camp, he’s made it onto the Miami Dolphins’ main roster. It’s a big jump, especially for someone who started out on the practice squad.
With his dedication paying off, fans are excited to see what he’ll accomplish next.
- Ethan Bonner, who wasn’t picked in the draft, earned a spot on the Miami Dolphins’ main roster after a standout training camp.
- The Dolphins refused several trade offers for Bonner, believing in his future as a crucial defensive player.
- Bonner’s rise from the practice squad to the Dolphins’ third cornerback shows how much he’s improved and how much the team believes in him.
Securing a Spot on the Dolphins’ 53-Man Roster
Ethan Bonner entered the NFL in 2023 as an undrafted rookie from Stanford, which meant he had to work even harder to prove himself among many talented players.
Most of his first year was spent on the practice squad, with just a few chances to play toward the end of the season. But he made those chances count.
Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier noticed Bonner’s hard work and improvement.
Grier mentioned that other teams had shown interest in trading for Bonner, saying, “He’s a smart player, very competitive, and we’ve had a number of teams try to trade for him in the offseason and even last year. Very excited for his opportunity, and he’s taken advantage of it every time he’s had [one].”
Evidently, this interest from other teams shows just how valuable Bonner has become.
How Bonner Became the Dolphins’ Third Cornerback
During this year’s training camp, Bonner made a name for himself. His impressive performance caught the attention of teammates and coaches, earning him plenty of praise.
Jaylen Waddle, a Dolphins wide receiver, said Bonner made “the craziest jump” from his rookie season, meaning he improved a lot in a short time.
Given this progress, Bonner earned the Dolphins’ third cornerback role, especially since Cam Smith started the season on the injured list.
On top of that, Bonner is one of the fastest players on the team, running a 40-yard dash in just 4.39 seconds.
This speed, his growing confidence, and skill have made him a reliable option for the Dolphins’ defense.
Bonner himself feels ready, saying, “I trust in my technique. I trust in the guys around me. I trust in my ability to execute as deep as possible.”
Why the Dolphins Are Holding Onto Bonner Despite Trade Offers
Despite receiving offers from other teams, the Dolphins’ decision to keep Bonner shows their confidence in his potential.
Chris Grier even publicly mentioned these trade offers, which is unusual in the NFL, further proving Bonner’s importance to the team’s plans.
The Dolphins have worked hard to improve their cornerback position over the past few years, bringing in big names like Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller and drafting Cam Smith.
Even with these big moves, Bonner has emerged as a crucial part of the team, providing depth and stability in a major role.
And going up against top receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in practice has only helped Bonner improve.
Bonner’s Reflections on the Dolphins
Bonner’s story is far more than what he’s done on the field; it’s also about his personal growth and the support he’s received.
After discovering he made the Dolphins’ roster, Bonner called his mom to share the good news.
He said she was “super stoked,” even joking that he got his athletic ability from her despite her not playing sports herself.
Looking ahead, Bonner is ready to take on whatever comes next. Now, he’s the team’s second cornerback behind Kendall Fuller, and Cam Smith is out.
He continues to learn from veteran players like Fuller and remains focused on improving his game and helping the team win.
