Miami Dolphins’ tough start to 2026 NFL season sparks comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick shared their thoughts on the Miami Dolphins’ challenging start to the 2026 NFL season, which includes two losses and significant roster changes.
NEW YORK —
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The Miami Dolphins’ start to the 2026 NFL season has captured the attention of an official in the United States government.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared with New York radio, and former South Florida sports talk radio host Sid Rosenberg on Tuesday’s edition of “Sid and Friends in the Morning.”
Rubio, a Miami native, notes on his social media account his fandom for the Miami Dolphins and his alma mater, the University of Florida and the university’s athletic programs.
Getty ImagesCHARLY TRIBALLEAU
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a meeting of the multinational political and security coalition “Shield of the Americas” on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, on September 22, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Before Rubio discussed world topics, the state of the Dolphins was top of mind.
“And I’ve got to tell you, with all the issues in the world today, Marco, what are you going to do to fix what I saw the first two weeks against the Raiders and the 49ers?” Rosenberg asked Rubio.
After a laugh, Rubio said, “Well, I think they’re tanking on – I mean, look, they – if you look at that team, like the majority of their salary cap is tied into players that aren’t even on the roster. So they’re going to have to go into the valley before they can get to the mountaintop there. It’s going to be a rough year.”
The Dolphins began the season with losses at the Las Vegas Raiders (27-13) and at the San Francisco 49ers (35-13).
Getty ImagesThearon W. Henderson
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 20: A Miami Dolphins looks on in the third quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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The schedule does not get easier for Miami as it hosts the Kansas City Chiefs in its home opener at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 27.
During the past five seasons, Kansas City won the Super Bowl during the 2022 and 2023 seasons while losing in the Super Bowl during the 2024 NFL season.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, a former Miami Dolphins quarterback, believes with the team cutting many high-priced players, which led the team to not spend a lot of money on the roster for the 2026 season, the Dolphins may lose all 17 games this season.
Getty ImagesIcon Sportswire
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 13: Miami Dolphins offensive unit during a NFL regular season game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday September 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NFL Media reported that Fitzpatrick stated, “Part of it is self-inflicted with all the dead money,” Fitzpatrick told Jackson. “They’ve got over $180 million in dead cap. Tua (Tagovailoa), Tyreek (Hill), Jaylen Waddle, (Bradley) Chubb, (Jalen) Ramsey, Minkah (Fitzpatrick) — all those guys that are on the books but not on the roster; that’s part of it.”
As of Sept. 22, the Dolphins’ roster has 12 players with five or more years of experience in the NFL along with 12 players playing their first season in the league.
Getty ImagesBrooke Sutton
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: Head Coach Jeff Hafley of the Miami Dolphins stands on the field after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Fitzpatrick compared the start of the 2026 season to his 2019 season with the Dolphins when the team began the season with seven consecutive losses.
The 2019 Dolphins rallied to finish with a 5-11 record.
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