One of the main ways the Miami Dolphins can elevate in 2026 is to lean on veteran and leaders in the locker room. A big leader in the locker room is linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who spoke on "setting the standard" for a major culture change this season.

Brooks joined "Drive Time with Travis Wingfield" to break down multiple topics, including leading by example and "embodying" what the Dolphins are aiming to be in 2026 and beyond. 

"One, like you said, live it. I can stand in front of the team and give a speech, and it can sound good, but guys see better than they hear. I think the best thing I can do is live it. The standard and culture we are trying to set here, embody it. Along with the other captains and leaders on the team, I think that's the biggest thing for me, embodying what we want to become as a group," Brooks said. 

Brooks may not be one of the most vocal on the team in terms of what is shown on social media, but he showcases his dedication and passion through his play and leadership. 

The Dolphins linebacker broke down, setting the tone for the rookies, inexperienced, and new veterans, indicating that "embodying" the message and culture matters a great deal. 

Brooks netting his first All-Pro year and leading the NFL in total tackles set an important precedent for the defense and the entire team to follow. As he stated, players see better than they hear, so continuing to play hard will be important for this Miami team.

Brooks was also asked how he views the attitude and leadership of head coach Jeff Hafley, and he indicating his very excited to play under him and to see what the first-time NFL head coach can do for the organization in 2026.

"I don't think anybody gets any position, like a head coach by accident. Just being around him for a couple months, you can tell that he has been seasoned, as far as his leadership. Not coming in and doing too much, he's being exactly who he needs to be. That's all he needs to be, and really setting the standard out and making it very simple and his messages to the team in what he expects from us," Brooks said.

Hafley has been very direct with the media regarding how he handles coaching, indicating that he is not a fan of yelling at players on the sidelined during a blown play, but rather talking it out and educating in that moment.

That same ideal lines up with what Brooks is saying, in that Hafley has been direct in his expectations for the Dolphins team thus far.

Hafley isn't a new head coach by any means, as he led Boston College from 2020 to 2023, but this will be his first time as an NFL head coach. Thus far, he has also impressed with his delivery of how he sees this Miami organization succeeding in 2026.

There are a lot of predictions that the Dolphins will be one of the worst teams in the NFL this season, but if the culture change can take affect quickly, Hafley could lead this team to be far more competitive than expected.