Miami Dolphins safety Dante Trader Jr., who played at the University of Maryland, has been named the DC Touchdown Club Pro Player of the Week after his strong performance helped the Miami Dolphins earn their first victory of the season.

Trader, a second-year pro, returned from a third quarter shoulder injury and finished with seven tackles to help Miami beat the New York Jets, 28-25, this past Sunday.

“You’re going to have to take my helmet from me” to keep him off the field, Trader said after the game. “I got nicked up. That’s what I get for trying to cut a big back. Where there is a will [to play], there is a way.”

The Dolphins selected Trader in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He started three games as a rookie, making 55 tackles and forcing and recovering a fumble. In six games this season, Trader already has 33 tackles and has broken up three passes and intercepted a pass.