MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins on Monday announced their six team captains for the 2026-2027 season.
The players chosen by their teammates are quarterback Malik Willis, linebacker Jordyn Brooks, running back De’Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer, offensive tackle Patrick Paul and defensive lineman Zach Sieler.
Head coach Jeff Hafley said the players voted for the captains and believes each of the six has shown strong leadership in their own way.
He also emphasized that leadership should extend beyond just the players wearing the captain’s patch.
Brooks will serve as a captain for the second straight season.
He first received the honor in 2025, when he went on to have an All-Pro year. Brooks led the NFL with 185 total tackles last season and has recorded 326 tackles during his first two seasons with Miami, the most by any player in his first two years with the Dolphins.
Brewer is also returning as a captain for the second consecutive season. Now entering his third year in Miami, Brewer earned Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2025 and was a finalist for the Protector of the Year Award.
He played a major role on an offensive line that helped the Dolphins rank fourth in the NFL in average yards per rush at 4.7.
Achane, a 2025 Pro Bowl selection, has already put together an impressive career just three seasons in. Before turning 25, he had accumulated 4,334 yards from scrimmage and 35 total touchdowns. Achane, Brooks and Brewer were all rewarded with contract extensions during the offseason.
General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan pointed to the production and work ethic of those three players as major reasons they earned the respect of their teammates.
Sieler is another returning captain, earning the honor for the second time. As the longest-tenured Dolphin, Sieler is coming off three straight seasons with at least 10 tackles for loss.
He has also recorded 25.5 sacks during that stretch. Beyond his production, Sieler has played an important role in helping develop Miami’s younger defensive linemen Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers.
Willis will be a first-time captain in his first season with the Dolphins. Miami signed Willis as an unrestricted free agent in March, and he has quickly earned the respect of his teammates.
During his 11 appearances with Green Bay over the past two seasons, Willis recorded nine total touchdowns, including six passing and three rushing. He completed 79 percent of his passes, averaged 10.9 yards per attempt and did not throw an interception.
Paul is the sixth captain and another first-time honoree.
The 24-year-old left tackle is entering his third season with Miami after making significant progress during his breakout 2025 campaign. Paul was an important part of the Dolphins’ top-five rushing attack last season and will look to continue improving in 2026.
Sullivan praised Paul’s size and physical style of play, saying he is excited to continue developing alongside him as Miami works to build a strong offensive line.
With Week 1 officially approaching, the Dolphins are preparing for their season opener on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Kickoff from Allegiant Stadium is set for Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
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