Miami Dolphins legend Mark Clayton delivered high praise for receiver Jaylen Waddle during a recent podcast appearance, comparing the former Alabama star to his own playing style.
Clayton was half of the famous “Mark’s Brothers” duo alongside Mark Duper in the 1980s. They played with Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino and formed one of the most productive receiving tandems in franchise history.
The Dolphins great appeared on The Fins Faithful Podcast and was asked about Miami’s current receiving corps of Waddle and Tyreek Hill.
“Not that I don’t love Hill’s game as much as Waddle’s, but I love Waddle’s game. Waddle’s game reminds me so much of my own with a little more speed, he’s much faster than I was.”
Clayton went further with his comparison to the third-year receiver.
“If I’m going to say one of the two, you know, who I think patterns their game after mine, I would have to say Waddle.”
The interview took a different tone when discussing Hill’s behavior at the end of last season.
Clayton acknowledged Hill’s talent but criticized how the receiver handled his public comments during the team’s struggles.
“Hill is no slouch, but your mouth can say anything, but your actions speak louder than words.”
The former receiver emphasized the importance of team chemistry and accountability.
“I think you win your teammates back through your actions, not your words. And he should remember this at all times as an NFL player: You don’t play for anybody except the 10 other guys out there on the field. You play for them. You don’t play for yourself.”
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made similar comments about Hill earlier this week. The timing suggests Hill may have lost trust among teammates after his public outburst following the team’s playoff elimination.
Hill will need to rebuild relationships within the locker room as the Dolphins prepare for the upcoming season. The receiver’s actions during offseason workouts and training camp will likely determine how quickly he can regain his teammates’ respect.
