Miami Dolphins: Impact of Koa Misi’s retirement for 2017

After seven years with the Miami Dolphins, linebacker Koa Misi is reportedly retiring, a neck injury ending his NFL career.

Make no mistake, this is a sad day for the Miami Dolphins. Koa Misi was leader on defense and an outstanding man to be wearing a Dolphins jersey. Just hours after being placed on season-ending injured reserve by Miami, Andy Slater of 940-AM WINZ reported that he planned to retire. While Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald said Misi’s agent contested the claim, Slater doubled down by saying the linebacker told friends and family on Tuesday and that he’ll tell the team shortly.

After struggling through injury the past few seasons, Misi missed all but three games last season due to a serious neck injury. The injury resulted in spinal fusion surgery. Despite a valiant effort to fight back from the surgery, the injury and risk simply proved too much to return from.

No one can blame a man for not wanting to risk his long-term health and making his family and well-being a priority. There was certainly no lack of effort or toughness to continue to represent the aqua and orange.

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Once we get past the sentiment we still have to focus on how this impacts the team. As unfortunate as this turn of events is, it’s probably what’s best for the team.

Don’t get me wrong; if he was 100 percent healthy, he’d be a valuable asset in the linebacking corps and at worst the No. 4 option in the group. Nevertheless, that was never going to be the case — at least not this season.

There was undoubtedly going to be uncertainty surrounding Misi all preseason and missed time in the regular season. It’s hard to believe his already declining play would be up to par after a limited summer and fighting through injury. Now rookie Raekwon McMillan can lock in as the starter and develop into a clear-cut top option and potential leader on defense.

Next: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Training camp edition

Misi will always be a Dolphin. He was a 2010 second-round pick who could play strong side or MIKE and was one of the team’s best run-stoppers during his time in Miami. He racked up 360 tackles, 12 sacks and had his hand in five fumbles. The fanbase is grateful for everything he gave to the team and thanks him for everything.