Lions' Linebacker Calls Out Dolphins Ahead of Joint Practice This Week

Lions' Linebacker Calls Out Dolphins Ahead of Joint Practice This Week originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Miami Dolphins' culture and toughness has been questioned all offseason, and that continued Tuesday morning when Detroit Lions' linebacker Grant Stuard called the Dolphins out with the two teams set for a joint practice later this week before their preseason matchup on Saturday.

The Dolphins have placed an emphasis on creating a new culture and level of physicality this season that many believe was lacking in the past. Miami has been a high-flying offense since head coach Mike McDaniel arrived, but the ability to play physical and be tough has lacked.

Players and coaches in Miami seem to believe that is changing in 2025, but the outside voices haven't bought that story yet. Now, Stuard has added fuel to the fire before the Lions and Dolphins meet later this week.

"I don't know if they're ready, man. I'm going to keep it a stack, just because I've played at other places and played against that team last year, and I joint practiced against that team twice when I was in Tampa," Stuard said. "I don't know if they practice how we practice. So I'm excited to see our guys for sure, and I'm excited to get out there do something against somebody else where they don't know every in and out of what we're doing and stuff, so that'll be cool man, that'll be dope."

🗣️ Detroit Lions LB Grant Stuard on joint practices with the Miami Dolphins: “I don’t know if they’re ready, I’m gonna keep it a stack… joint practiced against that team twice when I was in Tampa. I don’t know if they practice how we practice.” (@DetroitPodcast) #PhinsUppic.twitter.com/x8xpxZIaXR

— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) August 12, 2025

Stuard isn't the first one to call out the Dolphins, and probably won't be the last. But, the only way to end it is for Miami to show that level of physicality and toughness and change the narrative.

The Dolphins have a bunch of new guys along the offensive line this year, and should have their defensive front healthy. McDaniel said this offseason he'd put an emphasis on getting the run game going in 2025, and the combination of all three needs to work for the Dolphins to show the league that things have changed in Miami.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.