In the realm of NFL football, where fortunes can change in an instant, the story of Greg Dulcich is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for second chances. As a former walk-on at UCLA, Dulcich embodies the spirit of a player who knows the value of hard work and the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise. His journey from the Bruins' practice squad to the Dolphins' roster is a captivating narrative of resilience and self-belief.
Dulcich's time at UCLA was a prelude to his NFL career, marked by a third-round selection by the Denver Broncos in 2022. However, his path to the league has been anything but straightforward. Over his first two seasons with the Broncos, Dulcich played in only 12 games, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many young players in the NFL. His move to the New York Giants during the 2024 season offered little respite, as he appeared in just nine games for the Broncos and Big Blue combined.
The turning point came when Dulcich joined the Miami Dolphins in 2025. His first game of the season came in Week 8, but it was the following week when he finally saw a target. Over the final nine games, Dulcich's sustained production was remarkable, tallying 26 catches for 335 yards and a score while averaging 12.9 yards per catch. This impressive performance earned him a re-signing with the rebuilding Dolphins squad under a new regime, with general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan viewing him as a breakout candidate.
What makes Dulcich's story particularly fascinating is the potential for a dynamic partnership with Malik Willis, a quarterback with a strong arm and a keen football IQ. The two shared the field at the Senior Bowl in 2020, fostering a connection that has carried over into the offseason buzz through organized team activities. Willis, taken within six picks of Dulcich in the 2022 draft, is on his third NFL team, having resurrected his career under Matt LaFleur with the Green Bay Packers.
The parallels between Willis and Dulcich are striking. Both are on their third NFL teams, having showcased impressive play in limited opportunities. Willis, with his strong arm and confidence, and Dulcich, with his big-play potential and sustained production, form a compelling duo. Their shared experiences and mutual respect for each other's abilities create a foundation for a productive partnership.
In my opinion, the Dolphins' decision to re-sign Dulcich and bring in Willis is a strategic move that could pay dividends. The team, facing low expectations from outside the building, is embracing a culture of resilience and self-belief. Dulcich, the former walk-on, is poised to make the most of his opportunity, while Willis, with his strong arm and football IQ, is set to lead the offense. Together, they form a dynamic duo that could surprise many in the 2026 season.
What makes this story even more intriguing is the broader context of the NFL, where second chances are not uncommon. The Dolphins roster, with its history of resilience, is embracing a new era under a regime that values self-belief and hard work. Dulcich and Willis, with their shared experiences and mutual respect, are at the forefront of this movement, poised to make their mark on the league.
In conclusion, the story of Greg Dulcich and Malik Willis is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for second chances. Their journey from practice squad to starting lineup is a captivating narrative of resilience and self-belief. As the Dolphins kick off the 2026 season, all eyes will be on this dynamic duo, ready to make their mark on the league and inspire others to believe in themselves.
