Miami Dolphins rookie Storm Duck draws attention — and not for his name
MIAMI GARDENS — The new member of the Miami Dolphins’ secondary has made a name for himself — for reasons that have nothing to do with his name.
Cornerback Storm Duck, who first received attention this offseason thanks to his unique name, joined offensive lineman Andrew Meyer in writing the kind of story that happens every year in the NFL, but one that never gets old.
Neither player was selected even though the 2024 NFL Draft lasted 257 picks. Duck, who attended Louisville, didn't realize it at the time, but it may have been a blessing.
“Obviously, everybody wants to hear the name called, but you know, being undrafted, it gives you, you feel like, an edge a little bit,” he said Wednesday, a day after learning he’d made the 53-man roster. “Just to want to do more. Prove yourself more. I think it’s a blessing because, I mean, a lot of guys don’t have the opportunity to just go to a team.”
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Duck didn’t just go to the Dolphins. He made them want to go with him.
“I feel like they see something,” Duck said.
He’s correct.
“Storm has come in and just worked right from the beginning, so he’s been a pleasant surprise,” general manager Chris Grier said. “We thought he had a lot of ability but you never know till you get here, and he’s worked his tail off and he’s earned it. So I’m very excited for him and his future because he’s got a great work ethic.”
Duck adds another chapter of Grier and his staff unearthing undrafted gems in the secondary. Duck joins Kader Kohou and Nik Needham as recent examples.
How did Storm Duck get his name?
Duck was tough to miss at first because of his name, inspired by Storm Logan, a character on the soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
Indicative of this era, Duck knew that cut-down day Tuesday would be critical for him, yet he found out he’d made the cut via a phone call from a cousin coupled with online reports. Amid congratulations from coaches and teammates, he called relatives and his agent to share the news.
A handful of lockers away Wednesday, rookie receiver Malik Washington was talking about finally being able to move out of a hotel and into an apartment. Duck could relate. Players have practice Thursday before a rare three-day weekend leading into Week 1. Duck will need the free time to find a place, move and arrange for his car to be sent down.
Before Duck knows it, Sept. 8 will arrive and with it, the Jacksonville Jaguars and an opportunity to make his NFL debut. Duck beat the odds, but he’s realistic about it.
“It’s just a start,” he said.
Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal. Click here to subscribe.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Undrafted CB Storm Duck makes Miami Dolphins, but ’it's just a start'
