Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel offered a classic answer this week when asked about rookie running back Ollie Gordon II. Rather than provide clarity, McDaniel leaned into his usual dry humor.
“He’ll have zero plays or all the plays, zero yards or all the yards, or somewhere in between,” McDaniel said, without flinching. It was a textbook McDaniel moment, completely void of substance but delivered so confidently that it instantly went viral.
Gordon, a sixth-round pick out of Oklahoma State, has quietly climbed the depth chart during training camp. With injuries affecting Miami’s top two backs, Jaylen Wright and De’Von Achane, Gordon could see more early action than expected. McDaniel’s comment, though clearly meant as a joke, also signals what everyone already knows: rookie roles can shift by the hour in the NFL.
McDaniel later gave a more serious assessment, noting that Gordon had handled his preseason reps well and that nothing looked “too big” for him. He praised the rookie’s preparation and said he trusts him in the offense.
For fantasy football managers and Oklahoma State fans, the takeaway is clear. McDaniel will not be tipping his hand. Gordon might break out, or he might barely see the field. The only thing guaranteed is that McDaniel is going to have fun with the speculation.
As for Gordon, his college resume speaks for itself. The former Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year has the skillset to carve out a role, and if opportunity meets preparation, he will be ready.
The Dolphins open their season with plenty of questions in the backfield. Whether Gordon answers any of them remains to be seen. What is certain is that McDaniel will not be giving away anything for free.
