New Dolphins LB bringing postseason experience, wisdom to Miami
The Miami Dolphins linebacker group has some veteran experience with Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, and the recently signed K.J. Britt. In all likelihood the Dolphins will open the season with Brooks and Dodson as the starting linebackers after they found success with that duo in the final weeks of last season.
However, one thing those three lack is postseason experience. That's something that the newly added Willie Gay Jr. can provide. The linebacker started in nine playoff games for the Chiefs between 2021 and 2023, including two Super Bowl victories.
In his first media availability as a member of the Dolphins, Gay discussed why his playoff experience will be helpful in the locker room.
'To spread some knowledge about it, yeah because there's guys who've been in the league 10-plus years and have only played in two or three playoff games. I've had guys ask me how it is and how is the feeling of it and what to expect, how to go about it,' Gay told reporters Monday.
'A lot of guys know how to go about the game already, but playoffs, man – playoffs are different. Everybody is out to get you, especially if you're already the top dog. I think it's definitely helping me, and it's going to help me in the long run too – the knowledge and experience that I have from the playoffs already.'
Gay spent the first four years of his career in Kansas City, and a one-year stint in New Orleans last season. He now joins an aspiring Dolphins team eager to get back into the playoff picture.
Gay is coming off a tough single-season stint with the New Orleans Saints. He recorded a career low 28 tackles and only played in 27 percent of the Saints defensive snaps.
But that may have made him a bargain for a Dolphins franchise still looking for its first playoff win in over 20 years, the longest active drought in the NFL. If they are able to get back to the playoffs this season, players with previous playoff experience like Gay could very well come in handy.
Gay's playoff career stats total 29 tackles, four tackles for loss, two QB hits, and three passes defended. If the Dolphins are able to get back into the playoff picture, Gay's experience in big games could pay dividends for a team hungry to achieve their playoff aspirations.
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