GARDENS IN MIAMI The views of the water from his Miami condo could have been the first thing veteran edge defender Matthew Judon shared on social media after arriving in South Florida.
But let’s be clear: Judon is joining the Miami Dolphins to work, not to take a vacation or enjoy the beach during his tenth NFL season.
After taking part in his first practice since his contract with the Dolphins became official on Tuesday afternoon, Judon stated, “I got a little bit of views, but mostly, it’s about the work.”
It’s not about coming down here to have fun and unwind. Judon remarked, “I had enough time to unwind while everyone was at camp.”
I’m putting in a lot of work, coming in quickly, getting used to the system, learning about locker room customs, the culture they’re creating here, and generally figuring out where I’m going to be, how I’m going to be, and how I’m going to play.
Judon, who turned 33 on Friday, has accrued 72 career sacks and four Pro Bowl selections across stints with the Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, and Baltimore Ravens.
As promised, the 6-foot-3, 265-pound edge defender got right to work at Wednesday’s practice after joining a team late in the process before the 2025 season.
He participated fully in team exercises and at least two practice sacks were taken from Dolphins backup offensive tackles. On one, he would have probably cut at the air behind quarterback Zach Wilson as he came up on him from behind, depriving Wilson of the ball. Keep in mind that during practice, defenders are not permitted to make contact with quarterbacks.
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Judon’s signature pass rush was a powerful tool, but he also had at least one instance where he established the edge against the run. He had to drop back into coverage and follow a tight end down the field during an early team rep.
On his first day, Judon remarked modestly, “We got to watch it.” However, simply putting on a jersey and cleats again felt amazing. That made me pleased. The most amazing stuff was that.
According to Judon, the Dolphins organization as a whole was friendly and helped him get ready for his first day of training.
Judon stated, “It was easy and comfortable for me to go out to practice for the first time in a very long time, especially (outside linebackers coach Ryan) Crow.”
The Dolphins have a strong pass-rushing corps, and before Judon joined, Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, and Chop Robinson formed a Big 3 at outside linebacker.
Judon remarked, “I don’t have to come in here and be the guy right away.” I can simply plug and play and let them do what they do.
But they see all four of us working together, especially Chop, who is starting to take charge and I’m not here to trip on anyone’s toes or anything. Regardless of how they perceive me playing, that will depend on the week, but having many rushers is always beneficial.
Judon stated that he was waiting for the ideal circumstance to arise, but he might have signed elsewhere seven weeks ago.
“The Dolphins recognized my ability to improve their team,” Judon remarked. And I’m here to accomplish just that.
Judon claimed that his Miami scheme is most similar to that of Baltimore, where he played from 2016 to 2020. The Dolphins’ defensive coordinator, Anthony Weaver, came from there as their defensive line coach from 2021 to 2023 before landing the position in Miami, so it makes sense. Weaver was never with the Ravens at the same time.
Weaver said of Judon on Tuesday that he is a man who, given his skill set and physical presence, can win on the edge using both power and strength. He also has a mean power-rip technique and is an excellent hand fighter. What we search for in our edges is what he depicted on cinema. He is therefore a wonderful addition to all of our other boys, and we are really happy to have him.
Judon was asked how he transformed a career out of Division-II Grand Valley State into 72 sacks in his first nine seasons as he concluded his first media appearance in Miami.
Boy, I’m a dog. “Judon said.”
