Continuity is key in football, like any profession. Having consistency day-in and day-out is invaluable to an organization. It’s common, in these situations, that the most consistent factors on a team are the most hidden and, at times, anonymous.
The Miami Dolphins have had just three long snappers in the last 17 seasons. It’s been a remarkable run at a position that was historically made up of players who played other positions and picked up the skill and has now transitioned into an art.
In 2005, the Dolphins signed an undrafted free agent defensive end from BYU named John Denney. In a stellar 14-year career, Denney made a pair of Pro Bowls despite not recording a single sack because Denney was the Cal Ripken or “Ironman” as Miami’s long snapper, starting every single game in his NFL career. In 224 consecutive games, Denney was slinging it to the holders.
