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The Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes officially ended with Monday night’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Dolphins ultimately couldn’t overcome their slow start to the regular season, and it will now have been more than a quarter-century since the franchise last celebrated a postseason victory. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was brilliant late in Week 15, finishing the night with just four incomplete passes in a 28-15 win.
While Rodgers’ efficient performance helped Pittsburgh maintain its first place in the AFC North, American Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman sparked some conversation when he took issue with a call the referees made in the second half that he described as “ridiculous.”
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Troy Aikman before a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 7, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jay Biggerstaff/Image Images)
The call in question came in the third quarter. The Dolphins defense appeared to pause briefly on third down, but Miami’s efforts were negated by a mocking penalty. Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks tackled Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth near the line for the win.
After delivering the big hit, Brooks stood up and momentarily stood over Freiermuth before the tight end rose to his feet.
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After Brooks turned around, he quickly turned and briefly exchanged words with Freiermuth. The penalty flag gave the Steelers an automatic first down and allowed them to extend their drive.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) runs with the ball in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Charles LeClaire/Image Images)
“If this is a penalty on the Dolphins for taunting after the play, it will be incredible,” said Aikman, an NFL analyst for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” broadcasts, moments after noticing the refs throwing a flag.
“I personally didn’t see anything after the play,” Aikman continued. “But we’ll take a look at it and see if we can follow it. I know the officer who threw the flag, he was pretty far away.”
ESPN rules analyst Russell Yurk defended the referees’ decision, noting that the league’s competition committee made “a point of clarification and emphasis” when it comes to players hovering over an opponent.
“Yes, Troy, it was number 20 standing over him. That’s a point of clarification and emphasis from the competition committee. They want it called, they’ve ordered the officials to do it.”
“That’s ridiculous. I mean, that’s not much. That’s not much in my opinion. I don’t know. I think it’s a terrible decision. And I’m not excusing the behavior. I just don’t think there’s enough there.”
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) runs away from Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) in the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Barry Reeger/Image Images)
The Steelers scored on another drive after picking up a first down through the penalty. The Dolphins had won four games in a row as of Monday night, but the loss to Pittsburgh dropped Miami’s record to 6–8.
