MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith looked up at the jumbotron at Hard Rock Stadium and saw a piece of history written next to his name.
Breaking Records
He’d just broken Miami’s single-season record for receptions (76) and yards (802) for a tight end, making him the most productive at the position in Dolphins history in just his first year with the team.
After the game was over — a 29-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers — Smith took a minute before explaining what that feat meant to him.
A Heart of Gratitude
“I’ve just got a heart of gratitude right now,” Smith said, “a heart of thankfulness for this entire organization for believing in me, for my teammates, the entire offense, and just trusting in my ability to say, ‘Listen, man, this is a guy that we’ve got to implement on a consistent basis in this offense.’ This is the first time that I’ve been able to really come into my own in my career and it’s Year 8. And God’s timing is perfect.”
A Key Contributor
One of Miami’s first free agent signings back in March, Smith was brought in to bolster the Dolphins’ tight end position, which has always played a primary blocking role in coach Mike McDaniel’s offense but needed a boost. Miami led the league in total offense in 2023 but failed to get a touchdown from any of its tight ends.
A Unique Complement
The Dolphins weren’t exactly expecting Smith to become one of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s primary targets. Tyreek Hill was coming off a season in which he led the NFL in receiving yards. Jaylen Waddle was on the heels of his third-straight 1,000-yard receiving campaign. And the Dolphins signed former All-Pro Odell Beckham Jr. to be the third-receiving option behind those two.
“Jonnu’s impacts the game in a unique way and complements the rest of our players so well,” McDaniel said, “because guys are trying to cover a bunch of space and/or eligibles, and when they are a little half yard out of position, Jonnu generally makes them pay.”
A Consistent Performer
Since Week 7, Smith has 55 receptions, 566 yards, and six touchdowns. He has recorded at least 44 receiving yards in all but one game since Week 7, including a career-high 113 yards on 10 receptions against Green Bay on Thanksgiving.
Conclusion
Jonnu Smith’s remarkable season is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the faith shown in him by the Miami Dolphins organization. His unique abilities and physicality have made him a key contributor to the team’s success, and he will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most productive tight ends in Dolphins history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What records did Jonnu Smith break?
A: He broke Miami’s single-season records for receptions (76) and yards (802) for a tight end.
Q: What was Smith’s role in the Dolphins’ offense before the season?
A: He was brought in to bolster the tight end position, which had always played a primary blocking role in coach Mike McDaniel’s offense.
Q: How has Smith performed since Week 7?
A: He has 55 receptions, 566 yards, and six touchdowns, and has recorded at least 44 receiving yards in all but one game since Week 7.
