The talented Bayron Matos is making the most of his opportunity on the Miami Dolphins practice squad, eagerly awaiting his moment to make history in the NFL.
Bayron Matos, a Dominican offensive tackle on the Miami Dolphins practice squad, has showcased his versatility and athleticism, earning a reputation as a “dual threat.” This term typically refers to athletes like Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson and sports icon Bo Jackson, who have excelled in multiple professional sports.
Matos’s background is impressive: he has played at a professional level in both American football and basketball. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, he also dabbled in baseball, throwing fastballs that reached 90 miles per hour—leading one to wonder if he could have been a “triple threat.”
As part of the NFL’s 2024 International Player Pathway (IPP) program, which aims to increase the number of international players in the league, Matos is carving out his niche. Originally from Los Minas, Santo Domingo, he initially thought his future would be in basketball. At 16, he moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to pursue his studies and basketball career on a scholarship. After attending the University of New Mexico, he transferred to the University of South Florida (USF) where he was encouraged by coaches to give football a try.
“I was told that I should play football because of my size, speed, and strength. One day I decided to give it a shot, and I liked it,” Matos revealed in an interview. He trained with the USF football team but did not play in any games, continuing to focus on basketball.
In the 2022-23 season, Matos played as a power forward for the Diablos de Miranda in Venezuela’s Superliga Profesional de Baloncesto. While there, he received the opportunity to audition for the NFL, marking a significant turning point in his career.
This unique combination of professional basketball and aspiring to be in the NFL makes him stand out. How many can claim to have pursued similar paths? Not many.
An Emerging Talent
Matos and his fellow practice squad players are always ready for a call to the active roster. They learn the team’s plays, travel with the team, and are treated like part of the overall squad. Matos, however, is patient and focused on preparing diligently for the right moment to shine.
What stood out during his time in the International Player Pathway program was Matos’s ability to quickly learn new skills. He emphasizes the importance of discipline and dedication, stating, “I try to put discipline at the forefront; it serves as my shield.”
He acknowledges that the speed of the NFL game has been a surprising challenge, describing it as, “In the blink of an eye, the play happens.” He draws comparisons to his limited exposure to college football at USF. However, he does not view this challenge as an obstacle, as he has received remarkable support from coaches and veteran teammates like Terron Armstead, Kendall Lamm, and Isaiah Wynn throughout his journey.
Off the field, Matos shares aspects of his culture with his teammates, introducing them to Dominican music, dance, and food, while spreading the uplifting energy characteristic of his homeland.
Summary: Bayron Matos, a Dominican athlete, thrives in the Miami Dolphins practice squad and aspires to make a significant mark in the NFL. Having excelled in both basketball and American football, he is a promising talent focused on honing his skills and embracing the diverse culture of his teammates.
This story of Bayron Matos is incredibly inspiring, highlighting the power of dedication and the pursuit of dreams across borders. His journey serves as a reminder that with hard work and the right support, achieving greatness in multiple fields is entirely possible.