Tim Ruddy wore #61 during his 10-year career with the Miami Dolphins, making him a logical choice to take the spotlight today — as the Dolphins’ 2019 regular season opener moves to 61 days away. Ruddy would serve as the final center for quarterback Dan Marino, manning the middle for the Dolphins’ pass protection from 1994-2003 as a 2nd-round draft selection out of Notre Dame. With 140 career starts and 156 games played, Ruddy’s mark on the mid-1990s and the twilight of Marino’s career is undeniable. It’s a pretty incredible stretch for Marino, who played with Hall of Fame center Dwight Stephenson, Jeff Dellenbach and Tim Ruddy for his entire 17-year career (barring injuries on a week to week basis).
The Dolphins of today? Mike Pouncey, Daniel Kilgore, Travis Swanson have all held the job in the last 18 months.
Ruddy himself found success — but he wasn’t considered a long-time stalwart. He made one Pro Bowl in 2001, becoming the first Dolphins center to earn the honor since Dwight Stephenson back in 1987. His Pro Bowl honor came after initially being named an alternate — but he was able to step onto the roster thanks to an injury to another player.
Ruddy’s career in Miami, like Stephenson’s, ended unceremoniously as injuries piled up and eventually led to his release from the team. Ruddy would not play for another team and his NFL career was over a decade after it began.
