Warwick grad Hayden Rucci, a tight end, was waived by the Detroit Lions on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old was let go to make room on Detroit’s roster for safety Jalen Mills, who was claimed off waivers from the Houston Texans.
Rucci, who played in college at Wisconsin, joined the Lions on Dec. 1, when he was claimed off waivers from the Miami Dolphins.
The Lions were seeking depth at tight end due to injuries, but Rucci did not play in the Lions’ 44-30 win over the Dallas Cowboys last Thursday.
The 6-foot-5, 247-pound Rucci has played in four games this season for Miami.
When he made his NFL debut in a win over the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 29, he became the third generation of his family to play in the NFL, joining his father, Todd, who played for the New England Patriots from 1992-2000; and his grandfather, Tom Gilburg, who played for the Baltimore Colts from 1961-1965.
Hayden Rucci joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in April 2024 and bounced on and off the practice squad last season.
This year, he was waived at final cuts for the second straight season before being signed to Miami’s practice squad.
He was elevated to the active roster to face Atlanta and for a loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 30.
Rucci was signed to Miami’s active roster on Nov. 8 and played in wins over the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 9 and the Washington Commanders on Nov. 16.
He was waived by the Dolphins on Nov. 29. Following his release, there were reports that Miami wanted to re-sign Rucci to the practice squad if he cleared waivers. Instead, he was claimed by Detroit.
His younger brother, Nolan, is an offensive lineman in his second season at Penn State after transferring from Wisconsin.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.