Ollie Gordon Backs Dolphins Unity Amid Winless Start in Miami

The Miami Dolphins are relying on team chemistry and internal competition to navigate a difficult start to the 2026 NFL season, with running back Ollie Gordon saying the young roster remains united despite its struggles. Speaking to WPTV in an interview published October 10 and discussed in coverage on October 11, Gordon credited the team's developing relationships and shared commitment for its potential to rebound.

Miami entered its October 11 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals seeking its first victory of the season. The Dolphins faced the possibility of falling to 0-5, according to Heavy, as the team continued adjusting to a challenging campaign and the season-ending injury to star running back De'Von Achane.

Gordon, now in his second season with Miami, has taken on a leading role in the backfield following Achane's injury. He said the arrival of new players and coaches has made building trust and establishing a common identity particularly important.

"I feel like it's going well. You know, it's getting to the basics, you know, the basics of football. I feel like we've built a good bond here. ... We got a new team, we got new coaches, and I feel like we're getting that brotherhood and that familyhood," Gordon said.

The running back also identified several teammates whose competitive approach helps shape the team's culture. He named linebacker Jordyn Brooks, Jacob Rodriguez, Jordan Phillips and DJ Campbell, while including himself among the players who push their teammates during practices.

"I feel like we got a couple of people. Let me think. I'm gonna say, Jordyn Brooks.

He's one of the most competitive. Jacob (Rodriguez) also, Jordan Phillips, DJ Campbell. I'm gonna throw myself in there.

I feel like I'm competitive too," Gordon said.

Gordon also highlighted left tackle Patrick Paul and center Aaron Brewer as examples of the competitive mindset shared across the roster. He said the culture extends beyond a handful of individuals and helps teammates prepare to perform for one another.

"I mean, everyone really. I feel like we just got a competitive locker room. You know, I feel like that's what makes the team. That's what makes us a good team and able to play for each other just because of stuff like that," Gordon said.

Outside competitive situations, Gordon has embraced the role of the team's self-described class clown. He said humor helps him connect with teammates across offensive and defensive groups, creating an upbeat atmosphere during the working day.

"I think you're looking at him. I think I can go with that. I think I can agree with that one," Gordon said when asked whether he was Miami's funniest player.

He explained that joking around is a natural part of his personality and a way to maintain relationships throughout the roster.

"Because I think that's just me. I feel like I'm always goofing around with everybody. I feel like no matter who it is, offense, defense, best teams, we're just here to have a good time," Gordon said.

Gordon also described making handshakes with members of the coaching staff and encouraging teammates during practice. He said keeping players energized and involved is part of maintaining the team's collective spirit.

"You got to mix it up with everybody. You know, you got to get everybody ready to get everybody juice for work," Gordon said.

Miami coach Jeff Hafley has emphasized development and growth, and Gordon credited that approach with encouraging younger players to accept leadership responsibilities. Gordon said Hafley communicates with the entire roster rather than limiting leadership discussions to veteran players.

"I appreciate that, Coach Hafley. This is a young team, and I feel like some of us all got to lead by example, even if it's not being the oldest on the team, but it's still just showing the young guys how to go. I feel like Coach Hafley has instilled that in us.

Like he doesn't just talk to the vets; he talks to all of us. He tells all of us we're leaders in some way. So I feel like with him being like that, I feel like that's turned me that way," Gordon said.

Gordon said the ability to separate the team's relaxed atmosphere from its competitive responsibilities is essential. Once practice or a game begins, he expects players to focus on their assignments and approach the contest with urgency.

"I really just got to have that switch. You know, when you're in between those white lines, I feel like it's game mode. It's us versus them, you know?

And then when we get outside of that, we can play around. We can joke all day. But you know, I feel like once we're in between those white lines, those 100 yards, you know, I feel like it's go mode.

We got to be ready for whatever, honestly," Gordon said.

Despite Miami's difficult start, Gordon pointed to several close games as evidence that the team can remain competitive. He argued that staying connected through difficult stretches will be important as the Dolphins work to turn narrow defeats into victories.

"We stick together, and we play for each other. You know, we come out here every day. We work together.

I feel like we spend so much time together that we are willing to do anything for each other. You know, and I just feel like when you go back and look, we took a bunch of games down to the wire, and in the NFL, everybody's good. Some teams get in that they hit a wall, but I feel like that's not going to be us.

I feel like we're going to push through this moment and stick together as we do," Gordon said.