Miami Dolphins' 13 rookies await NFL debut vs. Raiders (who will cry?)

When the Miami Dolphins open their 2026 season against the Las Vegas Raiders, nearly a quarter of their active roster will consist of rookies. DJ Herman, the team's fullback, is particularly excited as he will be returning to his hometown of Las Vegas, marking the culmination of a dream that began over a decade ago. "I'm even more stoked than probably some of these other rookies because I'm going back to my hometown, where it all started, in Las Vegas," Herman said.

Others in the room, who have endured the NFL Combine, draft, rookie camp, and training camp, also look forward to their debut. Some rookies admit they will be nervous, while a few openly admit to crying. Guard Kadyn Proctor is one such rookie, who said he might shed a few tears. Quarterback Caleb Douglas, who turned 23 in September, feels a mix of excitement and anticipation. Douglas, who will celebrate his birthday during the game, plans to celebrate his first touchdown with a dance.

Meanwhile, Jeff Hafley, the Dolphins' new head coach, will be leading his first NFL game. Hafley plans to focus on his responsibilities as a coach and lead his team with confidence. "I'll be anxious for it, but I'll have put in the work, so I'll make my calls fast and I'll be decisive," Hafley said. The Raiders, by comparison, have only four rookies on their active roster, none of whom are expected to start. For Herman, the experience of playing in front of his hometown crowd will be a once-in-a-lifetime moment.