The Miami Dolphins star defensive tackle will have his jersey retired this Friday at Ferris State Football’s 2025 Spring Game. #FinsUp
Zach Sieler has become one of Miami’s best players since being claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens back in December 2019. But before Sieler was a quarterback-sacking machine for the Dolphins, he was a walk-on at Fresno State, where he’d win two state championships and help lead the team to some of their best seasons in school history.
Now, he will receive the highest possible honor — having his iconic #96 Ferris State jersey retired in front of his friends and family — THIS FRIDAY at the Bulldogs’ 2025 Spring game. Here’s what Ferris State’s coach, Tony Annese, had to say about Sieler and the honor of having his jersey retired this Friday.
“We’re looking forward to honoring Zach on Friday and he’s extremely deserving of this recognition,” said FSU head coach Tony Annese. “He has been an ambassador for Ferris State University and Bulldog Football on the game’s biggest stage in the National Football League and we’re proud of his achievements and thankful for what he’s meant for our university.”
During his three seasons at Ferris State, Sieler combined for 176 tackles and 33 sacks, with his best year coming in 2016, when he recorded 80 total tackles and 19.5 sacks in a single season. Since joining the Dolphins in 2019, Sieler has combined for 306 tackles (167 solo), 49 tackles for loss, 30 sacks, 69 QB Hits (#nice), five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and 15 pass breakups.
.@zachsieler is the most underrated player in the world. #probowlvote pic.twitter.com/zV1M0SQk0N
— josh houtz (@houtz) December 6, 2022
According to the official press release, Sieler will become only the second player in Ferris State Football history to have his jersey retired, following in the footsteps of his teammate Jason Vander Laan. The program has been around for 116 years, which makes the feat even more impressive.
Then again, for a guy who wrestles alligators and lived in an RV for a few years, nothing is impossible. Even if you are one of the last players selected in the NFL Draft, and at times, get overlooked. It never stopped Sieler… if anything, it just pushed him to work hard and to achieve the unthinkable — like having your jersey number retired.
Congratulations, Zach Sieler. #YouDeserveIt