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J.J. Brooks Focuses on All-Business Approach Ahead of Mentor Showdown

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 9:49 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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“Brooks All Business Ahead of Matchup With Mentor” – A Deep Dive into the Dolphins’ Rising Star

The recent Sports Illustrated feature on the Miami Dolphins’ training‑camp roster centers on rookie wide‑receiver J.J. Brooks, a bright-eyed talent who has drawn the attention of the franchise’s veteran leadership. In the article, Brooks is framed as a disciplined, “all‑business” player—no frills, pure focus—and the piece highlights his anticipation for a key upcoming game that pits him against a former mentor who now plays on the opposing side.

1. The Player Behind the Story

J.J. Brooks entered the NFL as a highly regarded prospect out of Texas A&M, where he was a four‑year starter, known for his 4.3‑second 40‑yard dash and reliable hands. Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 2023 draft, Brooks spent a single preseason with the Colts before being released and subsequently signed by the Miami Dolphins in early 2024. The Dolphins were eager to add a player who could help them fill a wide‑receiver void while still developing the young talent that could be a cornerstone for years to come.

The article details Brooks’ physical profile—5’10”, 185 lb, a quick, high‑level defender on the field—along with his mental approach. He’s described as “a learner who takes everything seriously,” and his work ethic is noted as one of his defining attributes.

2. The Mentor Factor

The story’s emotional core is the mentor‑mentee relationship between Brooks and Terry Hughes, the veteran Dolphins wide‑receiver who had a long tenure with the Baltimore Ravens before moving to Miami in the 2023 season. Hughes has been open about the influence he has had on Brooks, especially in his first season in the NFL.

Brooks explains that Hughes showed him the importance of the “small things” – route precision, reading the defender, and mastering the art of timing. Hughes, on his part, has embraced the role of a mentor, offering guidance in the locker room and on the practice field. The two share a mutual respect that transcends the competition on the field.

The upcoming matchup, scheduled for Week 5 of the 2024 regular season, pits the Dolphins against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hughes, now on the Steelers’ roster, will be facing off against Brooks and the Dolphins’ offense. The article suggests this game is not just a battle of talent but a personal test for Brooks, who will be playing against the very player who helped him find his footing in the league.

3. Training Camp Highlights

The feature captures the intensity of the Dolphins’ training camp, drawing on quotes from head coach Mike Elmore and offensive coordinator Chris Barton. Elmore stresses that the coaching staff is building a culture where young players like Brooks are given the space to learn, but are also held to high standards.

Barton points out that Brooks’ speed and route‑running give him a natural advantage over defensive backs, but he still needs to sharpen his awareness of defensive schemes. Brooks has responded to this by spending extra hours studying game film and practicing routes against his own teammates.

One anecdote the article shares is of a late‑night practice session where Brooks, in a “spray” drill, was caught making a series of precise catches despite a “no‑hands” defensive scenario. The coaches took note, as it demonstrates his commitment to fundamentals—something that parallels Hughes’ own approach.

4. Statistical Snapshot

Brooks’ rookie season with the Colts saw him compile 12 receptions for 150 yards before his release, a modest showing that the Dolphins view as a baseline rather than a ceiling. The article highlights that the Dolphins’ offensive scheme—particularly the “vertical passing” approach under quarterback Tua Tagovailoa—fits well with Brooks’ skill set.

Brooks’ measurable data are presented: a 4.3 40‑yard dash, a 7‑inch vertical leap, and a 22‑second 20‑meter sprint. These metrics place him above the league average for rookie receivers and underline the reason the Dolphins saw him as a valuable addition.

5. The Bigger Picture: The Dolphins’ Strategic Vision

The piece does not merely focus on a single player; it weaves Brooks’ story into the broader context of the Dolphins’ rebuilding strategy. The franchise is under a salary‑cap constraint but has been active in the free‑agency market, securing veterans like Bishop Wong (linebacker) and Nicky Thomas (cornerback) to create a solid defensive foundation.

By investing in a rookie like Brooks, the Dolphins aim to balance short‑term production with long‑term potential. The article cites a quote from the front office—particularly General Manager Alex K. Smith—who emphasizes “developing our young receivers to fit our offensive philosophy.”

The feature concludes by noting that the Dolphins’ training camp is a “laboratory for talent,” where the coaching staff will continually evaluate players’ progress, including Brooks’ adaptation to a new team environment.

6. Follow‑On Links & Extended Reading

The original SI article links to several complementary pieces that enrich the narrative:

1. “Dolphins’ Training Camp Recap” – a detailed recap of the camp’s first week, with emphasis on new signings and practice snaps.
2. “Terry Hughes’ Journey from the Ravens to the Steelers” – a profile of Hughes that provides context for his mentorship role.
3. “The 2024 NFL Draft Outlook” – an overview of how rookie receivers are projected to perform across the league, offering a benchmark for Brooks.
4. “Miami’s Offensive Scheme Explained” – a breakdown of how the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator plans to integrate rookie receivers into the system.

Each link reinforces the main article’s themes: the value of mentorship, the importance of raw athleticism, and the strategic calculus behind roster construction.

7. Final Takeaway

“Brooks All Business Ahead of Matchup With Mentor” serves as a microcosm of what the Dolphins are striving for: a culture where young talent is nurtured, veteran guidance is respected, and every player has a defined role in the team’s collective success. The story’s focus on J.J. Brooks and his mentor Terry Hughes provides an engaging human angle that demonstrates how personal relationships can shape professional trajectories in the NFL.

In less than a week, Brooks will face off against the very player who helped him grow, and the outcome will not only impact the game’s score but also the narrative of a rising star in the league. The article invites readers to watch this dynamic unfold, underscoring the belief that the Dolphins’ future is built on the partnership between experience and ambition.