Two-time Super Bowl Champion Quickly Making Chiefs Regret Release
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The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to bounce back after their tough Super Bowl 59 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles. While the Chiefs’ defense fought hard, they couldn’t contain Philly’s offense – especially that relentless pass rush that gave Patrick Mahomes fits all game long. Heading into 2025, there’s good news for the defense after locking up young pass rusher George Karlaftis with a long-term deal.
Every NFL team has those “one that got away” moments, though.
Willie Gay Jr., who left KC following the 2023 campaign, is now turning heads in Miami Dolphins training camp. The linebacker initially signed with New Orleans before finding his way to South Florida, where he’s quickly becoming one of the standout performers of the summer.
Gay making waves in Dolphins camp
Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post didn’t mince words about Gay’s impact:
“Willie Gay has been outstanding since his arrival. He is fast. He is aggressive. He is passionate. He brings great energy. Gay has been a good addition,” writes Schad.
Schad isn’t alone in his praise. Multiple Dolphins beat reporters can’t stop talking about Gay’s performances in practice sessions. The buzz around him is growing louder with each passing day.
I stand on this. Willie Gay has been a top 5 performer of camp. Not just on defense. Every single day he’s balling.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) July 30, 2025
Willie Gay comes on a blitz and has another sack – I’ve lost count for him over the course of 7 days. His counting stat production is pretty wild – picks, PBUs, sacks, TFLs…doing it all.
— Travis Wingfield (@WingfieldNFL) July 30, 2025
The former Chief isn’t just making plays in coverage – he’s showing up in run defense too.
LB Willie Gay just blew up an Ollie Gordon carry going off tackle for a TFL. My goodness, he has been a standout in camp.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) July 29, 2025
The consensus is building: Gay might be the steal of the offseason for Miami.
Beyond his on-field production, head coach Mike McDaniel has been equally impressed with Gay’s leadership and energy. In fact, McDaniel’s comments suggest Gay is already cementing himself as a core piece of the Dolphins’ defense.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel called Willie Gay Jr. one of his “favorite veteran, personality additions” ever.
“That dude is not faking that energy,” he said of Gay, later adding that he’s already establishing himself as part of the “core” of the team.
— c. isaiah smalls ii (@stclaudeii) July 30, 2025
This resurgence follows a disappointing 2024 season with the Saints. Gay managed just 28 total tackles (19 solo), three passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble in New Orleans. He’s since admitted he mentally checked out last year due to his limited role in the Saints’ defensive scheme.
Miami missed the playoffs last season – their first absence since McDaniel took over as head coach. The Dolphins’ defense is in transition after trading corner Jalen Ramsey to bring back safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. They’ve also been hit hard by injuries at cornerback, with both Kader Kohou and Artie Burns already lost for the season during early camp workouts.
Gay’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better time for a team desperately needing defensive playmakers.
Based on his training camp performance, Gay isn’t just making the 53-man roster – he’s positioning himself for a significant role. The way he’s playing has to make some in Kansas City wonder if they should’ve tried harder to keep him around.
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