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The Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes officially ended with Monday night’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Dolphins were ultimately unable to overcome their slow start to the regular season, and now it will have been more than a quarter century since the franchise last celebrated a postseason victory. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sharp in the Week 15 finale, finishing the night with just four incompletions in the 28-15 victory.
While Rodgers’ efficient performance helped Pittsburgh maintain first place in the AFC North, Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman sparked some talk when he took issue with a call by the referees made in the second half, which he described as “ridiculous.”
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Troy Aikman prior to 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/Imagn Images)
The call in question appeared in the third quarter. The Dolphins defense appeared to briefly stall on third down, but Miami’s effort was thwarted by a mocking penalty. Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks tackled Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth short of the line for the win.
After delivering the big hit, Brooks stood up and momentarily stood over Freiermuth before the tight end got to his feet.
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After Brooks turned away, he quickly returned 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/Imagn Images)
“If this is a penalty on the Dolphins for taunting after the game, that will be unbelievable,” said Aikman, an NFL analyst for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” broadcasts, moments after noting the referees threw 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’t follow it. I know the official who threw the flag, he was some distance away.”
ESPN rules analyst Russell Yurk defended the officials’ decision, noting that the league’s competition committee made “a point of clarification and weight” when it comes to players hovering over an opponent.
“Yes, Troy, it was #20 standing over him. That’s a point of clarification and emphasis from the competition committee. They want it called, they’ve instructed the officials to call it.”
“It’s ridiculous. I mean, it’s not much. It’s not much at all in my opinion. I don’t know. I think it’s a terrible call. 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/Imagn Images)
The Steelers went on to score on another drive after picking up a first down via penalty. The Dolphins had won four straight entering Monday night, but the loss to Pittsburgh dropped Miami’s record to 6-8.
