Minkah Fitzpatrick has officially rejoined the Miami Dolphins and reclaimed his old jersey number 29, stirring conversations among fans and analysts alike. This move comes after the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers executed a trade involving key players, reshaping defensive lineups just before the 2025 NFL season.
The trade, which sent Fitzpatrick from the Steelers back to the Dolphins in exchange for All-Pro Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, has brought unexpected reactions, particularly regarding Fitzpatrick’s demeanor in his new team picture. Despite regaining the familiar number 29, his unsmiling expression has sparked debate about his feelings towards the trade and the implications for both teams.
The Jersey Number Saga: Why Fitzpatrick Returned to No. 29
During Fitzpatrick’s initial tenure with the Dolphins, he proudly wore the number 29 jersey. However, when he was traded to the Steelers, that number was occupied by safety Kameron Kelly, prohibiting Fitzpatrick from claiming it. NFL regulations disallow players on the same team from swapping jersey numbers midseason, which led Fitzpatrick to choose number 39 instead.
Even after Kelly left the Steelers, Fitzpatrick opted to continue using 39, sticking with a number he believed was linked to his on-field success, a mindset he held since earning freshman All-America honors in college while wearing 29. Now, upon returning to Miami, Fitzpatrick has resumed wearing number 29, a sign of returning to familiar ground despite the turbulent trade.
Mixed Responses from Players Over the High-Profile Trade
The unexpected exchange caught many insiders and fans off guard, with some teammates expressing conflicted feelings about the departure of Minkah Fitzpatrick. Cam Heyward, a veteran leader of the Steelers, openly revealed his initial shock and disappointment upon learning of the trade.
“Then I found out it’s a trade with Minkah, and I’m like, ‘Damn, you’re taking away a guy that has really meant a lot to our group.’ So I was a little bit bummed about it,” —Cam Heyward, Steelers Veteran Defender
Despite his regrets, Heyward acknowledged the value Ramsey brings, describing him as a versatile defensive back capable of playing multiple positions, enhancing the Steelers’ defensive flexibility.
“But you look at what Jalen brings to the table, there’s no [shortage] of talent there. Jalen is a ball-hawking DB who can play corner. He can play slots. He can play safety. His versatility makes him very, very great in our defense,” —Cam Heyward, Steelers Veteran Defender
Evidently, the Steelers hope Ramsey’s multi-positional skills will compensate for losing Fitzpatrick, a cornerstone of their defense for several seasons.
Teammates Share Their Perspectives on the Team Changes
Darius Slay, another prominent figure in the Steelers’ secondary, also reacted to the trade with surprise and cautious optimism. Initially expecting the Steelers to pursue Ramsey differently, Slay had envisioned an all-star defensive line featuring himself, Ramsey, and Fitzpatrick.
“When I saw the trade go through, I’m thinking it was just some draft picks. I thought it would be me, [Ramsey], Minkah – all of us back there. I’m like, ‘This [is] gonna be crazy.’ Then I [saw] the final results like, ‘This is a little different.’ [But] I’m looking forward to it,” —Darius Slay, Steelers Cornerback
His comments reveal the uncertainty surrounding the trade’s impact on the team chemistry, yet also a hopeful stance about integrating the new roster.
Fitzpatrick’s Reserved Reaction Fuels Speculation
While teammates have openly discussed their thoughts, Minkah Fitzpatrick himself has remained notably silent, fueling speculation about his true feelings on the trade and his new beginning with the Dolphins. His official 2025 Dolphins profile picture, in which he appears unsmiling, has become a talking point on social media.
One social media commentator remarked,
“Minkah doesn’t look too happy to be back in Miami. His official 2025 photo with the Dolphins. #Steelers #NFL,” —Blitzburgh X Page
Another fan noted his return to the old jersey number in response to the profile photo:
“He took his old number 29, I see,” —Steeler4ever X Account
These reactions underline the tension and unresolved feelings surrounding Fitzpatrick’s transfer, despite the apparent logic behind his jersey number choice.
Trade Significance and Future Impact on Both Teams
The trade between the Dolphins and the Steelers represents a significant shake-up, as both teams adjust their rosters around key defensive players. Pittsburgh has invested in Jalen Ramsey’s versatility to rejuvenate their secondary, while Miami regains a proven defender in Fitzpatrick, trying to bolster their defensive stability.
For the Dolphins, Fitzpatrick’s return with the familiar number 29 could help reestablish the chemistry and leadership that made him a standout safety. At the same time, his reserved demeanor hints at possible uncertainties or dissatisfaction that will likely influence his integration into the team’s current dynamic.
Meanwhile, Steelers fans and analysts continue to debate whether parting ways with Fitzpatrick was the right call or if Ramsey will indeed become the transformative force Pittsburgh needs. As the season unfolds, the effectiveness of this trade will be scrutinized closely on and off the field.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Minkah Fitzpatrick’s 40 time?
A. NFL rules don’t allow players to change their jersey numbers during the season if they’re still on the same team. Since Kelly isn’t with the Steelers anymore, Fitzpatrick could go back to number 29 before next season if he wanted to. However, he decided to keep wearing number 39.