Dolphins Name Official Captains for 2026 NFL Season

Following comments made by Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley about who the captains for the team will be, the organization has officially revealed those names.

Per the team's X page, quarterback Malik Willis, running back De'Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer, left tackle Patrick Paul, linebacker Jordyn Brooks, and defensive tackle Zach Sieler have been named the captains for the season. 

Hafley stated that the players voted on the captains for this season, and that all six have "set the standard" for the team.

Of the names, only one player who has been named a captain and was not previously with the team is Willis. 

Willis may have just joined the Dolphins during the free agency period, but his clear-cut leadership has been on full display since he arrived. The quarterback was one of the only players who arrived at rookie minicamp to welcome the draftees, and he has also been a guiding voice through OTAs and training camp.

On multiple instances, Willis has spoken to the offense when things were not up to the standard that he or the coaching staff wanted.

Sieler, Brooks, and Brewer being named captains also makes perfect sense given their veteran status in the league and what they have accomplished in South Florida. They all represent the kind of hard work and work ethic that Hafley has preached, and two of the three also received multi-year extensions.

Achane also received an extension after being named a "pillar" by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, and he has now been named a captain as well.

Achane may be entering his fourth season in the NFL, but he has shown a great deal of maturity in his journey. This maturity is what led to him receiving a major extension as well.

Paul is the only captain who does not have at least three seasons in the NFL, but his commitment to the game and the Dolphins organization has been well documented.

Paul is also a huge guide for rookie guard Kadyn Proctor, as both will be sharing the left side of the offensive line. 

The Dolphins have now made their captains known, and they are set to prepare for their first game of the 2026 season.

Miami will travel to the West Coast, where they will face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1, followed by a matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

Though the 49ers game is a bit away, the Raiders are first up. If Hafley and the Dolphins can band together and play some tough football, they may be able to walk away with a big win.