Rookie Rituals

In a typical display of rookie initiation, Miami Dolphins’ newcomer Travis Ivey was spotted with not one but three sets of shoulder pads stacked on him. Travis, an undrafted defensive tackle, joined the Dolphins hoping to carve out his niche in the NFL.

Such antics aren’t uncommon in the league; rookies often find themselves in playful situations, be it carrying veterans’ gear or, as Travis demonstrated, becoming a walking storage unit. While these light-hearted traditions might seem menial, they’re a testament to the camaraderie and team bonding that’s essential in a sport as physically and mentally demanding as football. After all, everyone has to start somewhere.