Tyrel Dodson Bio
Tyrel Dodson is an American professional football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 25, 1998, in Franklin, Tennessee, he has built his career as a reliable defensive presence through hard work and steady development. Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing 237 pounds, Dodson has earned a reputation as one of the league’s emerging linebackers after working his way up from undrafted free agent to a starting role with the Dolphins. His journey through college football at Texas A&M and several NFL franchises has shaped him into a respected defensive player.
After going undrafted in 2019, Dodson signed with the Buffalo Bills and demonstrated significant growth throughout his career, eventually earning a contract from the Miami Dolphins. He is known for his performance on defense and as a leading tackler in the NFL, having produced 379 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 13 pass deflections through the 2025 season.
Early Life and Background
Tyrel Dodson grew up in Franklin, Tennessee, raised by his single mother, Angela. From an early age, he showed athletic promise in his local community and went on to attend Centennial High School in Franklin. As a high school senior, Dodson earned several awards and was rated a four-star prospect by both 24/7 Sports and Rivals, two well-known recruiting services that follow high school football talent.
His performance at Centennial High School drew attention from multiple college football programs across the country. Schools such as Arkansas, Kentucky, and Missouri were among the programs that recruited him, but Dodson ultimately chose to continue his football career at Texas A&M University. His decision to join the Aggies allowed him to develop his skills in the competitive Southeastern Conference and prepare for a future in professional football.
Dodson became the first alumnus from Centennial High School to make it into the NFL, a milestone that reflected both his personal dedication and the pride of his hometown. In 2021, he returned to the community by hosting a football camp at his former high school, giving back to young athletes who hoped to follow in his footsteps.
Path to the NFL
Dodson arrived at Texas A&M in 2016 and made an immediate impression during his freshman season. As a reserve linebacker, he recorded 27 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for a loss, along with a fumble recovery, showing early signs of his instincts and playmaking ability. His strong start hinted at the larger role he would assume in the seasons to come.
During his sophomore year, Dodson elevated his game and led the Aggies with 105 tackles, adding 11 tackles for a loss, 5.5 quarterback sacks, 3 interceptions, and 6 pass breakups. That production demonstrated his versatility as a linebacker capable of contributing in run defense, pass coverage, and pressure situations. In his junior year, he remained a key contributor, finishing third on the team with 61 tackles, which reinforced his status as one of the SEC’s most productive defensive players.
Following his strong junior campaign, Dodson announced that he would forgo his senior season and declare for the 2019 NFL Draft. Although he went undrafted, his college statistics and leadership qualities made him an attractive prospect for teams seeking depth at the linebacker position.
Tyrel Dodson Career
Early Career with the Buffalo Bills (2019–2021)
After the 2019 NFL Draft, Tyrel Dodson signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. He faced an early challenge when an off-field incident led to his arrest in Arizona and a subsequent six-game suspension after he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges. Following the suspension, the Bills waived him and re-signed him to their practice squad, giving him another opportunity to continue his development.
Dodson made his regular-season debut on September 13, 2020, in a 27–17 win over the New York Jets. He entered the game in place of starting middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who had suffered a shoulder injury, and recorded his first career sack by taking down Jets quarterback Sam Darnold. The following week against the Miami Dolphins, with Edmunds still sidelined, Dodson earned his first career start. After a brief stay on injured reserve, he returned in December 2020 and continued to build experience within Buffalo’s defensive system.
Buffalo Bills Breakthrough (2022–2023)
In 2021, Dodson played in all 16 games and recorded 15 tackles, and on February 10, 2022, he signed a one-year contract extension with the Bills. The 2022 season saw him appear in 16 games with three starts, finishing the year with one sack, 32 total tackles (22 solo), and one fumble recovery. He continued to grow into a dependable rotational player on Buffalo’s defense.
On March 14, 2023, Dodson signed another one-year contract extension with the Bills. He competed for the starting middle linebacker position after Edmunds’ departure in free agency but lost the competition to Terrel Bernard. However, when All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano suffered a season-ending leg fracture, Dodson was thrust into the starting lineup. He finished the season with 10 starts and a career-high in playing time, with most of his snaps coming on run defense. Pro Football Focus graded him as the Bills’ most-improved player that season, with a score of 89.5, the second highest among all NFL linebackers, a remarkable jump from his 2022 score of 48.4.
Seattle Seahawks Era (2024)
On March 14, 2024, Tyrel Dodson signed with the Seattle Seahawks. He was placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list on July 18, 2024, but was activated five days later after passing his physical. He went on to start the first nine games of the season and was the team’s leading tackler during that stretch.
Despite his production, Dodson was waived on November 11, 2024, following the Seahawks’ bye week. Head coach Mike Macdonald explained that the team sought improvement at the second level of the defense, citing explosive runs the unit had given up. After his release, Dodson told media members that he was upset and felt he had been a leader on the team.
Miami Dolphins Era (2024–Present)
The Miami Dolphins claimed Dodson off waivers on November 12, 2024, giving him a fresh start. In Week 17, he produced one of the strongest performances of his career, recording 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 in the process.
On March 13, 2025, Dodson re-signed with the Dolphins on a two-year, $8.25 million contract, a significant deal that reflected his value to the team. In 2025, he earned a starting role and had a career year, finishing second on the Dolphins in tackles and third in sacks, cementing his place as a key contributor in Miami’s defense.
Driving Style and Strengths
Tyrel Dodson is recognized for his strong run-defense instincts and his ability to read plays quickly at the second level of the defense. His tackling fundamentals, coverage skills, and pass-rushing ability make him a versatile linebacker who can contribute in multiple phases of the game. His consistent improvement in tackling efficiency and overall awareness has been central to his growth into a starting-caliber NFL defender.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Dodson’s career came in Week 17 of the 2024 season, when he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week after a dominant 15-tackle, one-interception performance against the Cleveland Browns. He also became the first NFL player from Centennial High School in Franklin, Tennessee, an achievement that underscored his trailblazing path in professional football.
Tyrel Dodson Career Wins
Tyrel Dodson’s career has been defined by steady production, perseverance, and recognition as one of the most improved linebackers in the NFL. From his early years as an undrafted free agent to becoming an AFC Defensive Player of the Week, he has consistently delivered impactful defensive performances for every team he has joined.
NFL Career Highlights
Through the 2025 season, Tyrel Dodson has recorded 379 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, 4 interceptions, 13 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries across his NFL career. His first career win as a starter came against the New York Jets on September 13, 2020, when he also notched his first career sack. His most recent standout performance occurred in 2025, when he finished second on the Dolphins in tackles and third in sacks during a career-best season.
Other Performances
Beyond his regular-season play, Dodson has earned recognition from outlets such as Pro Football Focus, which named him the Bills’ most-improved player in 2023. His career trajectory from undrafted free agent to a multi-year contract with the Dolphins reflects his resilience and continued development as an NFL linebacker.
Tyrel Dodson Family
Family Background and Lineage
Tyrel Dodson was raised in Franklin, Tennessee, by his single mother, Angela, who played a central role in his upbringing. While details about his extended family remain limited, his background and hometown support have remained important parts of his personal story, including becoming the first NFL player from Centennial High School in Franklin.
Personal Life
Off the field, Dodson has remained connected to his hometown community. In 2021, he hosted a football camp at his alma mater, Centennial High School, supporting young athletes in Franklin, Tennessee. His commitment to giving back reflects the influence of his family and community on his journey to the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Tyrel Dodson’s 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins has marked the strongest chapter of his professional career. After re-signing with the team on a two-year contract in March 2025, he stepped into a starting role and responded with consistent production, finishing the year as the Dolphins’ second-leading tackler and third in sacks. His performance validated the Dolphins’ investment in him and demonstrated his growth following his midseason arrival in 2024.
Throughout the season, Dodson provided reliable play in both run defense and pass coverage, while also contributing as a pass rusher. His versatility allowed Miami’s defense to remain flexible in its schemes, and he continued to build on the momentum from his AFC Defensive Player of the Week performance the previous December. His presence helped stabilize the linebacker group and offered leadership on the second level of the defense.
Looking ahead, Dodson remains under contract through the 2026 season, giving him stability to further establish himself as a long-term piece of the Dolphins’ defense. With his recent production and continued development, he is positioned to remain a key contributor in Miami’s defensive plans in the seasons to come.