MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — For Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Los Angeles feels like a second home.
His family resides in the city, and it was the birthplace of his daughter. Furthermore, he associates it with some of the most significant moments from his professional football journey.
“At a time when my passion for football faded, getting traded to LA revitalized everything for me,” Ramsey shared on Saturday. “My overall experience in LA has been nothing short of amazing. I genuinely have no negative memories of my time there.”
As Ramsey prepares to return to Los Angeles for the Dolphins’ matchup against the Rams on Monday, he recalls that it will be his first opportunity to face the team with which he celebrated a Super Bowl victory during the 2021 season.
After being traded from the Rams to Miami prior to the 2023 season, Ramsey emphasized that he won’t be making this game solely about himself. With the Dolphins aiming to snap a three-game losing streak—having faced two recent defeats decided by walk-off field goals—he acknowledges the significance of the game for the entire team. Miami’s record stands at 2-6.
“I plan to take a moment to connect with my former teammates,” Ramsey noted. “Many of them reached out to me this week, and I haven’t even had the chance to respond yet. I’ll also take time to greet the supporting staff from LA, with whom I formed many invaluable relationships—such as the training and equipment staff. However, my primary focus will remain on the game.”
Ramsey joined the Rams in the 2019 season after experiencing a tumultuous relationship with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who had selected him fifth overall in the 2016 draft. Following four seasons with Jacksonville, he requested a trade.
In the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning season, Ramsey achieved remarkable stats, including 77 tackles, four interceptions, and a career-high nine tackles for loss. Despite facing injuries, which left him with sprained AC joints in both shoulders, he was named a first-team All-Pro that year.
“It was definitely difficult,” Ramsey remarked. “Every week I aimed to get my body back to a baseline, but then during games, I would push it again, trying to rebuild for the next match. It was tough, but having a great team and coaches made it manageable. When you love the game like I do, it all feels rewarding.”
In 2022, Ramsey achieved a career-high of 88 tackles before the Rams initiated a franchise rebuild by trading him to Miami. While the Rams didn’t specifically want to lose Ramsey or another star, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., they decided to part ways with big-name players to strategize for the future.
“You could sense that… while I don’t want to say the moment had passed, the core of that team simply can’t last forever,” noted Rams general manager Les Snead.
Now with the Dolphins, Ramsey has become an essential part of their defense, which has effectively utilized his skills across various coverage schemes. He boasts 29 tackles, four passes defended, and an interception for Miami’s fourth-ranked pass defense.
He has allowed just 10.9 yards per completion and has registered five pressures on eight blitzes.
“His unique skill set is one of his superpowers,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. “He possesses a wealth of knowledge regarding different techniques and fundamentals of defensive players, and he also has strong insights on offensive players too—recognizing their strengths and vulnerabilities.”
Many within the Dolphins organization, including McDaniel and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, recognize Ramsey’s significant football IQ. According to Ramsey, this intellect is a direct result of his intense passion for the sport.
“Everything I engage in regarding preparation and diving deeper into the game stems from my obsession with it,” he explained.
In other news, starting right tackle Austin Jackson has been ruled out for Monday’s game due to a knee injury, likely leading to Kendall Lamm stepping in as his replacement.
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill is nursing a wrist injury but is making every effort to play, according to McDaniel. Hill did not participate in practice on Friday or Saturday and remains listed as questionable for the game.