SALT LAKE CITY — John Denney is no longer a Miami Dolphin.
The former BYU defensive end who has played 14 seasons as Miami’s long snapper was released by the team Monday morning, as first reported by several Miami-area news outlets.
The 40-year-old Denney has never missed a game in his pro career, playing in 224 straight games — the longest active streak in the NFL — since joining the Dolphins organization in 2005 as an undrafted free agent. He played in the second-most games in franchise history behind only Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, who played in 242.
“Today, unfortunately, marks the end of my time with the Miami Dolphins. I want to thank the Dolphins for giving me a chance back in 2005,” Denney said in a statement released on Twitter by his agent, Ian Greengross. “Over the last 14 years, I have had many wonderful, hard-working teammates, all of whom I would like to thank. I also want to thank all of the coaches that I have worked with in Miami.”
Denney, a Pro Bowler in 2010 and 2012, played for eight different head coaches in Miami, including Nick Saban, Cam Cameron, Tony Sparano, Todd Bowles, Joe Philbin, Dan Campbell, Adam Gase and, most recently, Brian Flores.
“John has (done) a tremendous job for this organization for a long time. I’m very appreciative of the time I’ve spent with him,” Flores said, according to the team’s website. Flores took over as Miami’s head coach this season.
Denney was released six days before what would have been his 15th season in Miami. He signed a one-year deal with Miami on Feb. 8 and was set to make a base salary of just over $1 million this year, according to Over the Cap.
The Dolphins will replace Denney at long snapper with Taybor Pepper, a fourth-year NFL player who previously played for Green Bay and the New York Giants. Denney’s spot on this year’s team appeared solidified when the Dolphins released fellow long snapper Wesley Farnsworth during the team’s final cutdowns to the 53-man roster over the weekend.
The Miami Herald reported it’s unclear if Denney will retire, as a source indicated to the Herald’s Adam Beasley that Denney would like to keep playing.
“In addition, I would like to thank some of the greatest fans in the league,” Denney said in his statement. “You have shown me so much love since I first put on a Dolphins jersey! My family and I are grateful for the way you welcomed us into your community. Please know that your support, especially on social media, since the announcement, has been sincerely appreciated.
“Thank you.”
Denney played for one season at Ricks College before finishing his college career with three seasons at BYU, redshirting in 2001 and playing 2002-04. He also handled long-snapping duties for the Cougars.
Denney’s brother, Ryan Denney, also played in the NFL, as a defensive end with the Buffalo Bills (2002-09) and Houston Texans (2010).