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Miami Dolphins do a big favor for those who held onto the jersey of an old fan favorite

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Craig Smith | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 2:42 PM ET

The NFL has been associated at times with a phrase that's all too common for the shelf life of players in the league - "not for long". Naturally, players come and go, and that can make it tough for fans who have purchased jerseys and memorabilia of their favorite players.

Still, every now and then, a player who leaves will return, and for those fans who've held onto those old jerseys deep in their closets, that patience - or failure to do a little bit of spring cleaning - is rewarded.

That is the case with Dolphins fans who hung onto the old jerseys of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who the Dolphins acquired by trade last month from the Pittsburgh Steelers for Jonnu Smith and Jalen Ramsey, among other considerations. Miami announced on Tuesday new numbers for a handful of players, and Fitzpatrick will be sporting his old number of 29 again in 2025.

Fresh numbers pic.twitter.com/caoewDXX3i
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) July 22, 2025

Fitzpatrick was drafted by the Dolphins with the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He wore 29 for the Fins during his rookie season and early in 2019. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in September 2019 and switched over to #39, which he wore during his tenure in the Steel City. Now, back with Miami for a second stint, he returns to the number that Dolphins fans associate with him.

Other notable numbers include recently acquired TE Darren Waller wearing 83, and RB Jaylen Wright switching from 25 to 5. Rookie safety Dante Trader, Jr. took Wright's old number.

The Dolphins' training camp begins in full on Tuesday, July 22, with the veterans reporting to camp.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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