There it was, plastered across the jumbotron at Hard Rock Stadium: Jonnu Smith’s name etched in Miami Dolphins history. The once-overlooked tight end had just shattered the team’s single-season records for receptions (76) and yards (802) at his position. Eight seasons into his NFL career, Smith finally claimed his moment in the spotlight.
And wow, what a moment it was.
After the Dolphins sealed a 29-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, Smith stood there on the field, soaking it all in. He’d been underestimated for so long that this milestone felt monumental. You could see it in his eyes — a mix of pride and relief.
“I’ve just got a heart of gratitude right now,” Smith said, his voice steady but emotional. “This is the first time I’ve really been able to come into my own in my career, and it’s Year 8. God’s timing is perfect.”
A Slow Start Turns Into a Record-Breaking Year
Smith’s journey to the top wasn’t exactly a straight line. When the Dolphins signed him in March, the goal was pretty simple: bolster the tight end position in Mike McDaniel’s offense, which historically prioritized blocking. Miami had just wrapped up a league-best offensive season in 2023 but had gotten zero touchdowns from tight ends.
No one expected Smith to be the star. After all, the Dolphins already had Tyreek Hill (who led the NFL in receiving yards in 2023) and Jaylen Waddle (a 1,000-yard machine). And don’t forget they brought in Odell Beckham Jr. for good measure.
But slowly, Smith worked his way into the mix.
“It’s not like Jonnu started off with a ton of numbers like Week 1,” McDaniel said. “But he never blinked. He focused on getting better. As a result, he’s been a key contributor week in and week out.”
Through the first five games, Smith’s stats were modest: 14 catches for 140 yards. Then came Week 7 against Indianapolis, where he exploded for 96 yards and a touchdown. That game flipped a switch.
The Stats Tell the Story
Since Week 7, Smith has been unstoppable:
- Receptions: 55
- Yards: 566
- Touchdowns: 6
He’s recorded at least 44 receiving yards in all but one game since that breakout, including a jaw-dropping 113-yard performance on Thanksgiving against Green Bay.
By the numbers, he’s now:
- 4th among NFL tight ends in receptions and yards
- Tied for 4th in touchdowns
For context, Smith had never recorded more than 50 receptions or 600 yards in a season before this year. His previous career-high was 582 yards with Atlanta in 2023.
Unlocking Potential
So, what changed?
According to Smith, it’s all about the environment. McDaniel’s system gave him opportunities he’d never had before. Tight ends coach Jon Embree pushed him in ways he hadn’t experienced.
“I run out of bounds on one play, and he’s going crazy over there, man,” Smith laughed. “He’s like, ‘Listen, you get the ball in your hands, you can do damage.’ I’ve never really had that push in my career.”
And then there’s Tua Tagovailoa.
“For Jonnu to come here and believe I could be the quarterback for him — it means a lot,” Tagovailoa said. “I’ve heard the reference ‘safety blanket,’ and yeah, he’s my safety blanket. You see what he does with the ball.”
A True Team Player
Despite his breakout, Smith hasn’t let the success go to his head. He’s still the same guy — humble, hardworking, and a team-first player.
Case in point: Week 14 against the Jets. Smith had zero catches in regulation. In overtime, he approached McDaniel with a look that said, Just give me a shot. McDaniel trusted him, and Smith delivered: three catches for 44 yards, helping seal the win.
“He impacts the game in a unique way,” McDaniel said. “When defenses are out of position, Jonnu makes them pay.”
From Underdog to Star
Jonnu Smith’s record-breaking season is more than just stats. It’s a story of perseverance, hard work, and seizing opportunities when they come.
At 28, he’s finally living up to the potential everyone knew he had. And for the Dolphins, he’s become the missing piece in an offense full of stars.
As Smith said, “This is just the beginning.”
- Jonnu Smith broke Miami Dolphins’ single-season tight end records for receptions (76) and yards (802).
- He’s ranked among the NFL’s top tight ends in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2024.
- Smith credits Miami’s system, coaching, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for his success.
- His breakout season came in Year 8, showing it’s never too late to reach your potential.
What records did Jonnu Smith break with the Dolphins?
Smith set Miami’s single-season records for receptions (76) and yards (802) by a tight end.
How has Jonnu Smith’s 2024 season compared to his past years?
It’s his best season by far. Before 2024, his career highs were 50 receptions and 582 yards.
What role has Tua Tagovailoa played in Smith’s success?
Tagovailoa has described Smith as his “safety blanket,” consistently trusting him in key moments.
PS: If Jonnu keeps this up, they might need to rename the stadium after him. 🏈 Doodled football here
