With the eighth-overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins selected Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. It was the first time Miami had selected a quarterback in the first round of the Draft since Dan Marino was selected 27th in 1983. Tannehill started in Week 1 as a rookie, a position he would hold for six seasons – missing the 2017 season due to an ACL injury.
In 2019, the Dolphins traded Tannehill to the Tennessee Titans, where he played five more years. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in his first season with Tennessee and was named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year.
Tannehill’s contract with the Titans expired after the 2023 season. Despite the potential Tannehill could land with another team, either as a veteran backup or a bridge quarterback, he never signed with a club for 2024 and remains out of football as the schedule heads into Week 11 of the 2025 season.
On Thursday, Tannehill spoke with D.J. Siddiqi at The Escapist to discuss the possibility of a return to football.
“I think that chapter is closed,” Tannehill said. “I think last year, that was where I was at, if the right opportunity came up and was right for our family. Staying in shape and staying ready. I had plenty of calls, but nothing ever felt like the right opportunity that I was looking for. That was last NFL season. At this point, I think that ship has sailed for me.”
Tannehill never used “retire” during the interview, but it does seem as though he is ready to leave the game behind him unless a major opportunity presents itself.
“Nothing’s ever set in stone,” he continued. “I’d have to start throwing again. I stay in shape just because I like staying in shape and it’s part of how I like to live my life. But as far as going out and having throwing sessions, I haven’t done that since last year. It’d be a little bit of knocking some rust off to get the arm moving again.”
If the ship has sailed and Tannehill moves from “free agent” to “retired,” he ends his career with 11 years played, throwing for 34,881 yards on a 64.3 percent completion rate. He has 216 passing touchdowns in his career, along with 115 interceptions, and a 91.2 passer rating.
Oh, and, did you know Tannehill played wide receiver in college?
He also ran for 2,103 yards and 27 touchdowns during his career and caught four passes for eight yards and a touchdown.
He remains third all-time in passing yards and passing touchdowns for the Dolphins, trailing just Hall of Famers Dan Marino and Bob Griese. Using 1500 attempts as the minimum for qualification, he is second in passer rating and completion percentage, behind Tagovailoa.
Hoping for Dolphins rebound
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Tannehill is in Spain, along with two-time Pro Bowl and former league MVP, quarterback Joe Theismann and two-time Pro Bowl tackle (and former U.S. Army officer) Alejandro Villanueva, as part of a USAA visit to Naval Air Station Rota ahead of the Dolphins’ game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The trip provided the three football players a chance to meet with U.S. service members as well as host a flag football game. The winning team was awarded tickets to the Commanders versus Dolphins game in Madrid.
Siddiqi’s conversation with Tannehill turned toward the Dolphins’ 2025 season and their 3-7 record. “It’s been a tough year,” Tannehill stated. “Probably not what expectations were coming into this year, but we were able to secure a big win last week against the Bills, a really good Bills team. Hopefully they can really build some momentum off of that and carry it forward into Spain, the first NFL game in Spain, which is really cool.”
He added, “Once you get some momentum, then everything you know seems to come a little bit easier.”
Tannehill rooting for Tua Tagovailoa
Tannehill admitted he does not have a direct relationship with current Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, having only spoken to him when the Titans and Dolphins faced off, but he has head positive things about Miami’s current starter. “I think he’s a good player. I know guys that have played with him and like him. Seems like he has a good reputation with anyone I’ve come in contact with, anyone who’s been in contact with him. I want the best for him.
He’s grown a lot over the course of his career. Hopefully he can keep growing and getting better.”
If this is the end of Tannehill’s career, he will be remembered as a player who was willing to give everything he could on the field. The Dolphins were never able to get over the hump and win some playoff games with Tannehill, but they also have not been able to do that without him.
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