MIAMI GARDENS — The newcomer to the Miami Dolphins’ practice field is listed at 6-feet-8 and 235 pounds. His drive, his unselfishness? Any coach would rate it a 10 out of 10. And he’s a Miami native.
Alas, this newcomer is 46 years old.
He’s not bringing his talents to Miami Gardens.
Only his message.
And when the Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem speaks, it’s not just basketball players who should listen.
Haslem visited Dolphins practice on Monday. You get the idea his address to the team had an impact, probably because on Tuesday, everybody was still buzzing about it.
“Probably one of the best talks I’ve heard in a long time,” coach Jeff Hafleysaid.
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Haslem’s No. 40 jersey isn’t hanging from the rafters and he’s not called
“Mr. 305” for nothing.
Haslem has a lifetime of stories to tell, and what better time to tell them than in the final days before cut-down day in the NFL? Nearly half of the men who call themselves Miami Dolphins today won’t be able to do so next week at this time. Good time, then, to inspire the Dolphins via this Miami native who wasn’t drafted but still fashioned a 20-year pro career in his hometown.
“I’m an undrafted guy myself,” said Carlos Washington Jr., who is trying to earn a roster spot at running back. “To always hear insight from the greats, let alone undrafted greats, I’m always trying to pick their brains.”
In addition to the team talk, Haslem spent about a half hour talking with Hafley, who was inspired by Haslem’s story of playing at Miami High and the University of Florida before spending 20 seasons with the Heat, with whom he won three NBA championships.
“Really cool story, incredible human,” Hafley said. “I mean, he is made of everything that’s right. His drive, his motor, understanding his role, just being there for his teammates. I could have listened to him for a long, long time and I plan to stay in touch with him.”
Hafley believes Haslem’s story resonated with the players: “I think he was very relatable to our team and I think a lot of his messages and I think a lot of his story pertains to a lot of guys that we have right now and what we’re trying to accomplish.”
Final week of August has not been kind to Carlos Washington Jr.
Take a player like Washington, who originally signed with the Atlanta Falcons out of Southeastern Louisiana three years ago. In college, he rushed for 2,475 yards. In the NFL, he’s chasing his first carry. The final week of August hasn’t been his friend. That week has seen Washington waived in 2023, 2024 and 2025. He's trying not to fear a fourth strike.
“Just embrace the opportunity in front of me,” he said.
Turn back the clock more than two decades and you’d probably hear the same words from Haslem.
“Everyone envisions themselves to be a starter or be the guy, but not everyone has that role,” Washington said. “So whatever the role is — whether it’s P-squad, coming off the rotational guy or you might be the star, but regardless, start in that role, give it all you got and do your 1/11th for the guys in front of you or the guys with you.”
Haslem did, then reaped rewards far beyond what he may have imagined. Remember when the Big Three of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James formed in 2012? Haslem visited Pat Riley’s office to say farewell, knowing the Heat didn’t have cap space to afford him anymore, when he was thrown out. The door shut, but when it reopened, Haslem learned that the Big Three had conspired to slash $48 million from their own pockets to assure Haslem wasn’t going anywhere.
“Which is a testament to his character,” Washington said. “He talked to us about he could have been sixth man of the year. He was a starter at one point. But as his role changed, that didn’t change his mindset towards the team. He was never selfish.”
The Dolphins have elements of a Udonis Haslem in their locker room. Center Aaron Brewer, who just got a contract extension, was undrafted out of Texas State but made second-team All-Pro last season. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler, another team captain, who was a seventh-rounder cut by Baltimore but became a team MVP in Miami. Try finding any decent team that doesn't have athletes like them.
The best parallel in Dolphins history? Receiver Nat Moore, from Miami’s Edison High. A Gator, like Haslem, who spent his entire pro career with his hometown team, like Haslem, piling up 7,546 receiving yards and 74 touchdowns. Now works in his team’s front office. Yeah, like Haslem.
Haslem also had a message for fans. He recorded it while visiting the Dolphins and posted it on social media.
“Chillin’ with my boys, man,” he said. “Getting ready for the season.”
Then, waving his finger at the camera in admonishment, he added, “Going to be a helluva year. Don’t sleep on us. Don’t sleep on us.”
Hal Habib covers the Miami Dolphins for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at HHabib@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Udonis Haslem gives Miami Dolphins 'one of the best talks' | Habib
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