Jalen Ramsey praises Steelers’ coaching staff and organization while throwing shade at Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel

After playing for two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, star cornerback Jalen Ramsey was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This reportedly came as a result of a fractured relationship with Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. While Ramsey hasn’t publicly detailed the fallout, he implied on “The Pivot” podcast that his new team has something Miami lacked: respect for the head coach.

Jalen Ramsey reflects on Dolphins exit, takes subtle shot at McDaniel

Ramsey’s journey in the NFL began in 2016 when he was drafted fifth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He quickly became one of the league’s top corners, earning Pro Bowl honors by his second season. However, a now familiar story of growing tensions with the team’s front office and coaching staff led to a trade request, and in 2019 he was dealt to the Los Angeles Rams in a blockbuster move.

Ramsey’s success continued with the Rams, winning the Super Bowl in 2021 and earning multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. In 2023, Ramsey pushed to join the Miami Dolphins, which he’s now expressed he regrets. He admitted that his decision was influenced by lifestyle factors like weather and family life rather than football alone.

There were reports that Ramsey and McDaniels’ relationship was “irreparably broken” after he was traded to the Steelers, and it seems that he’s still a little sour about it.

“I do appreciate the Dolphins and them working with me,” Ramsey said on the podcast. “Not just, ‘hey, this team called and, you know, we’re going to send you here.’ ... Let’s go to a team that’s going to be able to compete. Let’s go to a team where there’s a lot of respect for the head coach.”

Adding fuel to the narrative, Dolphins tight end Tanner Conner recently said the team is better off after parting ways with certain “disrespectful” players, a comment many believe was aimed at Ramsey.

The April trade that sent Ramsey and TE Jonnu Smith (along with a 2027 7th-rounder) to Pittsburgh brought back safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 5th-round pick to Miami.

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