Former CFL Most Outstanding Rookie, LB Nate Holley joins Miami Dolphins practice squad

Former CFL linebacker Nate Holley has joined the Miami Dolphins practice squad.

Holley was waived among the final training camp roster moves on Saturday, after passing through unclaimed the Dolphins added him to the 16-man PR. He was signed by Miami on August 22 following his release from the Calgary Stampeders.

The 25-year-old Holley played in all 18 games last year where he notched 78 defensive tackles, 22 special team tackles, one sack and one interception. For his efforts, Holley was named the league’s Most Outstanding Rookie in 2019.

The CFL Players’ Association filed a grievance with the league in February over Holley’s lack of ability to pursue NFL interest. After the 2020 season was cancelled in Canada, the Stamps finally allowed Holley to seek employment south of the border.

During four seasons at Kent State University, Holley played in 43 games recording 424 tackles, defended seven passes, notched three sacks, forced two fumbles, recovered two more and grabbed one interception. The six-foot, 210-pound tackler was named first-team all-Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 2014 and 2015.

After going unselected in the 2017 NFL Draft, Holley signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings, but did not make the final roster. In June of 2018, he inked a deal with the Los Angeles Rams, although Holley was waived at the end of training camp.

Holley’s next NFL shot comes in South Beach.

3Down Staff