In a league where “living in the moment” is often the difference between stardom and burnout, the Miami Dolphins appear to have found a rookie who’s taking that mantra to heart. Former Oklahoma State standout Ollie Gordon II is earning praise not merely for his production, but for the way he’s handled the spotlight, expectations, and stepped-up workload that come with life in the NFL.
A rookie beyond the hype
Gordon’s path to this point had its highs and lows. As a sophomore at Oklahoma State in 2023, he burst onto the national stage with 1,732 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. Expectations were high entering 2024, but his numbers dipped, and he fell into the sixth round of the NFL draft. Some questioned whether his junior year regression might be a warning.
But in Miami, he’s begun turning heads—not just with flashes of power, but with discipline, steadiness, and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed under professional scrutiny.
McDaniel: composure builds trust
Head coach Mike McDaniel has been vocal about how critical mental steadiness is in building team trust. In his eyes, a player who rides the peaks and valleys with consistency is more trustworthy, because he doesn’t let a big play or a mistake derail him.
"“You don’t want to put a rookie out there before he’s ready… the cost is gigantic on him with the locker room. You don’t want to put a rookie out there before he’s ready… the cost is gigantic on him with the locker room""Miami HC Mike McDaniels
McDaniel’s remarks suggest that Miami is easing Gordon in—not because they doubt his ability, but because they want him to grow into a reliable, high-character contributor who elevates team cohesion and accountability.
That said, McDaniel is also watching Gordon’s “off‑ball” work: the blocking, the route responsibilities, the practice habits that don’t make the highlight reel but show how serious a player is. In a preseason matchup against the Jaguars, McDaniel praised Gordon’s mastery of those behind‑the-scenes assignments.
Seizing opportunity, staying grounded
The circumstances have opened a window for Gordon. With backup Jaylen Wright being sidelined at points already this season and starter De’Von Achane carrying durability questions of his own, Gordon has already begun to claim a role.
In his preseason outing against Jacksonville, Gordon led Miami in rushing with 43 yards on eight carries. He’s also shown flashes in short-yardage situations, the kinds of plays that often tip a coach’s hand.
Yet, the Dolphins are being cautious. McDaniel has skirted definitive usage projections, occasionally deflecting questions by reminding reporters that “this smells like a fantasy question". That balance, allowing Gordon to show what he can do without overexposing him too soon, is part of the development path the coaching staff seems intent on managing.
Why his role matters
In today’s NFL, offenses that ride a single back to wear down defenses are increasingly rare. Instead, the trend is toward running back committees, where teams deploy backs with complementary skill sets to sustain energy, limit wear, and force opponents to defend multiple threats. Gordon brings a more physical, downhill element to Miami’s backfield—a contrast to Achane’s speed and versatility.
Moreover, Miami struggled in third-and-short and short-yardage rushing last season, ranking near the bottom in those metrics. Gordon’s size (6’1”, 226 lbs) and running style offer a potential remedy. If he can steadily improve his pass protection and non-glamorous workload, he could become an indispensable piece of their ground game.
Outlook: ride the tide, not the wave
Everything now hinges on continuity. The Dolphins are watching whether Gordon can avoid the dreaded rookie wall, not just in terms of health or stamina, but mental sharpness. McDaniel explicitly warned that the NFL is unforgiving if a young player “takes his foot off the gas."
If Gordon continues to handle success humbly, competes even when not in the spotlight, and treats every snap as a chance to earn trust, then his opportunities should continue to grow. He doesn’t need to leap over Achane. All he needs to do is just position himself as a reliable, consistent complement that the offense can count on at all times.
In many ways, Ollie Gordon’s journey offers a microcosm of what Miami wants on this roster: players who don’t let momentary highs or lows define them. The ingredients are there. The Dolphins, and their fans, are hoping he stays the course and turns this second chance into a lasting role.