The NFL dream has come true for Dante Trader Jr., the former University of Maryland All-American in lacrosse. He was named to the 53-man roster for the Miami Dolphins after being selected in the 5th round of the 2025 NFL draft.Â
The news was made official on Tuesday, with the Dolphins releasing their active roster on the day of the 53-man roster deadline. The news was also reported by Dan Arestia.
Trader competed for three seasons as part of the Terrapins football program, starting every game after his Freshman season. He finished his career with 190 total tackles, 5 interceptions, 15 passes defended and a forced fumble.
He played one season for the Terrapins lacrosse team in 2023, being named a USILA third-team All-American at the SSDM position. He caused 14 turnovers for the Terps and had 5 goals and 2 assists in 16 games for Maryland.
Trader is at least the third former Terrapin lacrosse player to compete in the NFL. Will Yeatman was a lacrosse star and played football at Notre Dame for multiple seasons before transferring to Maryland for his final two years. More recently, Jared Bernhardt made two appearances for the Atlanta Falcons after winning the Tewaaraton award as the best lacrosse player in the country. Bernhardt now competes for the Denver Outlaws of the PLL.Â
Trader made one appearance in the preseason for the Dolphins where he registered one tackle. He missed time due to injury, but was referenced in Dolphins press conferences multiple times, according to Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports. He joins a defence that ranked tenth in the NFL last season in points allowed.
Dante Trader was the ninth overall recruit in lacrosse in 2021, according to Inside Lacrosse Magazine after an illustrious career at the McDonough School. The Delaware native will look to make his NFL debut when the Dolphins take on the Indianapolis Colts on September 7th.