Dolphins history of Kalen Ballage’s number 33 jersey number
By Brian Miller
A lot of Miami Dolphins fans were thrilled when Kalen Ballage‘s name was announced as a Dolphins pick in the draft. He will now wear number 33.
The Miami Dolphins added Ballage in the fourth round of last months draft. He will compete with Kenyan Drake and Frank Gore for playing time but could see his best on-field opportunities come on special teams returning kicks.
Adam Gase has spoken highly of his rookie runner and Ballage himself is using his fourth round slot as motivation for the seasons to come.
"“Watching the draft this whole time … In my opinion, I don’t believe there are 130 guys that are better than me and definitely not 11 other running backs,” Ballage said to reporters. “It’s fuel to the fire and motivation for me, and I’m just excited about the opportunity.” via USA Today’s Antwan Staley."
Ballage is one of NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks‘ players that could be an offensive rookie of the year candidate. That’s a big tip of the hat to a player who has yet to take the field in any capacity.
Looking back through Dolphins history, 17 players have worn the uniform but only a couple had solid careers with the Dolphins. Here is a look at notable players of those 17.
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Sammie Smith – 1989 – 1991
Smith’s career was short and not so sweet for the Dolphins. Drafted 9th overall in 1989, Smith was not able to get his running career on track. He was traded to the Broncos for running back Bobby Humphrey, another former first round bust. Smith would last one more year in the NFL and Humphrey’s career in Miami was just as short.
Karim Abdul-Jabbar – 1996 – 1999
The Dolphins selected Abdul-Jababar in the third round of the ’96 draft. He set several rookie records for the Dolphins and in ’97 he led the league in touchdowns with 16. He rushed for 15 scores tying him with the Broncos Terrell Davis.
After two successful seasons his production waned and he was traded to the Browns for a 3rd round draft pick. His career ended in Cleveland.
Daniel Thomas – 2011 – 2013
Daniel Thomas was a failed draft pick almost from the start. Making it worse was the fact that the Dolphins traded back into the 2nd round to draft him. He was released during final roster cuts in 2014 but was later re-signed as an injury replacement. He wore number 30 for his final stint with the Dolphins.
LaMike James – 2014 – 2015
James wore the uniform for two seasons and made little impact on the roster. He is on this list because he was the last player to wear the number.
Deon Dyer – 2000 – 2002
Dyer didn’t play long for the Dolphins but he played well and is still involved with the team from time to time doing work on their former radio show.