Tyrel Dodson Bio
Tyrel Dodson (born June 25, 1998) is an American professional football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing approximately 238 pounds, he plays the linebacker position and has built a reputation as a reliable tackler on defense. After going undrafted in 2019, Dodson signed with the Buffalo Bills and developed into a rotational starter before moving on to the Seattle Seahawks and, eventually, the Miami Dolphins. He is widely regarded as one of the league’s most improved young linebackers in recent seasons.
Born and raised in Franklin, Tennessee, Dodson attended Centennial High School, where he earned a four-star recruit ranking before choosing to play college football for the Texas A&M Aggies. Across his professional career, he has suited up for the Buffalo Bills, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Miami Dolphins, steadily increasing his role with each stop.
Early Life and Background
Tyrel Dodson grew up in Franklin, Tennessee, raised by his single mother, Angela. He attended Centennial High School in Franklin, where he developed into a highly regarded football prospect. As a senior, Dodson earned several honors and was rated a four-star recruit by both 24/7 Sports and Rivals, making him one of the most sought-after linebacker prospects in his recruiting class.
His performance at Centennial drew scholarship offers from multiple college football programs. Dodson chose to attend Texas A&M University over other interested schools, including Arkansas, Kentucky, and Missouri. He was the first alumnus from Centennial High School to go on to play in the NFL, and in 2021 he returned to host a football camp for students at his alma mater.
Path to the NFL
At Texas A&M, Dodson quickly worked his way into the Aggies’ defensive rotation. As a freshman in 2016, he appeared as a reserve linebacker and recorded 27 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for a loss, along with a fumble recovery. His second year brought a major breakthrough: he led the team with 105 tackles, added 11 tackles for a loss, 5.5 quarterback sacks, three interceptions, and six pass breakups, establishing himself as one of the top young linebackers in the Southeastern Conference.
After his junior season, in which he finished third on the Aggies with 61 tackles, Dodson announced that he would forgo his senior year and declare for the 2019 NFL Draft. He went undrafted but signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional career.
Tyrel Dodson Career
Buffalo Bills Era (2019–2023)
Tyrel Dodson signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL Draft. Early in his tenure, he was arrested in Arizona and accused of domestic violence, later pleading guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct and receiving a six-game suspension. He was waived at the end of the suspension and re-signed to the Bills’ practice squad.
Dodson made his first regular-season appearance on September 13, 2020, against the New York Jets, entering after starting middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds went down with a shoulder injury. In that game, Dodson recorded his first career sack, taking down Jets quarterback Sam Darnold. He made his first career start the following week against the Miami Dolphins and was later placed on injured reserve before being activated in December 2020. Over the next several seasons, Dodson signed multiple one-year contract extensions with the Bills, gradually expanding his defensive role and finishing 2023 as the team’s most-improved player according to Pro Football Focus.
Seattle Seahawks (2024)
On March 14, 2024, Tyrel Dodson signed with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. He was placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list on July 18, 2024, but was activated just five days later after passing his physical. Dodson opened the 2024 season as Seattle’s leading tackler, starting the first nine games of the year.
On November 11, 2024, the Seahawks waived Dodson, ending his brief tenure in Seattle.
Miami Dolphins Era (2024–Present)
Tyrel Dodson was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins on November 12, 2024, just one day after his release from Seattle. He quickly made an impact in South Florida. In Week 17 of the 2024 season, Dodson recorded 15 tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup in a 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
On March 13, 2025, Dodson re-signed with the Dolphins on a two-year contract worth $8.25 million, with the deal running through the 2026 NFL season. He has continued to serve as a starting linebacker and key contributor on Miami’s defense.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although best known for his run defense, Dodson has developed into a well-rounded linebacker. His strongest contributions come against the run, where his tackling fundamentals and instincts earned him an 89.5 Pro Football Focus grade in 2023, the second highest among NFL linebackers that season. He has also shown growth in coverage, as evidenced by his AFC Defensive Player of the Week performance in late 2024.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Tyrel Dodson’s defining career moments are his first career sack against Sam Darnold in 2020, his first career start the following week, and his 2023 breakout season with the Bills in which he stepped in for the injured Matt Milano. His AFC Defensive Player of the Week award following the Dolphins’ Week 17 win over the Browns in 2024 also stands out as a signature performance.
Tyrel Dodson Family
Family Background and Lineage
Tyrel Dodson was raised in Franklin, Tennessee, by his single mother, Angela. He has spoken about her influence on his career and credited her with supporting his path from high school football to the NFL. Dodson was the first alumnus of Centennial High School to reach the NFL, a milestone he has continued to honor through community work.
Personal Life
Dodson remains connected to his hometown of Franklin, Tennessee, and in 2021 he hosted a football camp at Centennial High School for local youth. Off the field, he is active on social media under the handle @tdots25.
2025 Season Performance
Tyrel Dodson enters the 2025 NFL season as a key piece of the Miami Dolphins’ defense following his two-year, $8.25 million contract signed in March 2025. His late-2024 surge with Miami, including an AFC Defensive Player of the Week nod, established him as a trusted starter heading into the new season. He is expected to play a significant role in both run defense and short-yardage passing situations.
The Dolphins will rely on Dodson’s tackling and football IQ as they navigate the AFC East. With the contract running through 2026, the team has committed to him as a long-term defensive building block. If he can replicate his late-2024 production, Dodson is well positioned to remain a central figure in Miami’s defensive plans for the foreseeable future.