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Detroit Lions Playing Miami Dolphins in Preseason Is Extremely Rare

When was the last time the Lions played the Dolphins in the preseason?
John Maakaron|
Detroit Lions Calvin Johnson catches a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins back in 2014
Detroit Lions Calvin Johnson catches a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins back in 2014 | Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

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The Detroit Lions playing the Miami Dolphins in the preseason has not occurred this century.

According to the Dolphins' team website, "Lions-Dolphins, meanwhile, is almost a preseason anomaly. This will be the first time Detroit and Miami play in the preseason this century. The last time the two sides squared off in the preseason was a 31-10 win by Miami on Aug. 28, 1999. Before that, another 31-point output by Miami in 1981."

Dan Campbell has often expressed the benefits of breaking up the monotony of facing off against teammates on a daily basis.

Miami features a plethora of offensive weapons, including wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, that should put Detroit's young defense to the test.

A familiar face also now plays for the Dolphins: Ifeatu Melifonwu. Melifonwu started his career playing in Motown. The talented defensive back had a surge of production late in the 2023 season, but suffered multiple injuries that hampered his availability for the duration of his four seasons in Detroit.

In 2024, Melifonwu suffered a pair of injuries that held him out until Week 15. He appeared in just four games, including the divisional round game against Washington. He signed a one-year deal with Miami in free agency.

“This guy, he’s a defensive back. I wouldn’t even say he’s a safety. He’s a defensive back,” Dan Campbell said during the NFL's annual meetings in April. “He can play, really, dime linebacker. He can play the safety position. He can play corner. He can pressure. He’s a matchup piece in coverage. Iffy was one of our original draft picks in '21. Wish him the best. You guys are going to love him down there, and he'll be a productive player."

Detroit is hoping to put together another set of joint practices against Houston prior to the preseason finale.

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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