Miami Dolphins focus on team chemistry; try out pilates and paintball
MIAMI GARDENS — Paintball and Pilates.
Several Miami Dolphins players have said this year feels different.
And more team bonding activities are on the 2025 agenda.
"I feel like we're closer as a team," Dolphins assistant head coach Jon Embree said during offseason workouts. "I felt like last year we were more of a roster than a team. This year the feeling I'm getting out of us is more of team, the comradery, guys doing stuff together."
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The offensive line did pilates together.
The defensive line did paintball together.
The tight end have gone to dinner.
"We're doing more team events," Embree said. "(Coach) Mike (McDaniel) has set more time for us as coaches to do stuff with our players."
Said running back De'Von Achane: "We're trying to build our chemistry."
Said edge rusher Chop Robinson: "You get to see the team chemistry. Everybody just wants the same goal. Everybody wants to be great, everybody wants to win. The only way to do that is doing it all together."
Miami Dolphins try out paintball and pilates
Are you picking up what the Dolphins are putting down for 2025?
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The Dolphins are planning to trade star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who is very talented, but a bit of a lone wolf.
It's clear Miami, in general, has felt a chemistry shakeup can be beneficial.
"I think that we can further develop and that can contribute to a culture of a team-first mentality," McDaniel said at league meetings.
A higher percentage of players are attending voluntary offseason workouts.
Miami Dolphins' offseason attendance is up
"The attendance is similar to our first year when we had everyone showing up," Embree said.
Embree was asked about McDaniel's approach to some things that came up in 2024, such as player lateness.
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McDaniel's plan has always been to empower the players to hold themselves and each other accountable.
Embree made it clear McDaniel has not undergone some dramatic metamorphosis in approach. Sure, there will be tweaks, but McDaniel believes in his core philosophies and principles.
"One thing I have to say about Mike, and some people might think this is a fault, he's even-keeled," Embree said. "You can hear when I'm mad. Everyone knows when I'm not happy. So I think I need to be more like him. He's done a good job of really continuing to empower the true leaders on the team, lifting them up and doing stuff."
Mar 31, 2025; Palm Beach, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel attends the Annual League Meeting at The Breakers. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
And to be clear, Embree implied he is seeing more focus.
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"I would have to say that the players have done more," Embree said. "They are hearing all this stuff about discipline and they are taking it personal and feeling like its a reflection on them."
The Dolphins, in recent years, have added a collection of star power.
General manager Chris Grier drafted players like Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, and De'Von Achane and traded for players like Tyreek Hill, Jalen Ramsey and Bradley Chubb.
But any coach or player will tell you that it takes more than talent to win.
The Dolphins clearly have 2025 themes of focus, accountability and also strengthening overall team chemistry.
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In some ways, it all goes hand-in-hand.
"More time within the calendar for us to do the things we need to do to become closer as a team," Embree said.
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Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins want to grow closer, so Mike McDaniel adds team bonding
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