Malik Willis Points to Jesus after Leading Dolphins to First Victory of Season
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The Miami Dolphins’ first-year quarterback said Sunday he’s staying grounded in his faith as the team looks to build on its first win of the season and he works to strengthen his chemistry with his teammates.
Malik Willis, in his first season as the Dolphins’ starter after serving primarily as a backup in Green Bay and Tennessee, completed 14 of 21 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns as previously winless Miami (1-5) defeated the New York Jets on the road, giving fans hope that the team can turn its season around.
Willis signed with the Dolphins during the offseason. He played college football at Liberty University.
"You remember this. You remember the times where you have hard times, and you lean on each other." - Malik Willis to @AKinkhabwala on how the @MiamiDolphins' 1st win can be a spark for the rest of the season https://t.co/Yf3lBenGS9
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 25, 2026
“I'm super grateful right now,” he told CBS Sports. “Just the resilience of this team and the guys in that locker room – I can't say it enough how proud I am of those guys and grateful for this opportunity to just fight through adversity and continue to push forward.”
Willis helped the Dolphins build a 21-7 halftime lead but watched the Jets pull within 21-17 and threaten to take the lead. His 63-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown strike to Caleb Douglas put the Dolphins up 28-17 and gave them the cushion they needed.
Asked how the team persevered in the second half, Willis said the key was “just continuing to push positivity.”
“I continue to stay rooted in my faith. I mean, Jesus had it way harder than I do. I come out here and play this game for fun, and I obviously try to do my best and enjoy it, but we’ve got to just fight for each other. It could change at the drop of a hat.”
He hopes the team can build on the momentum.
“You remember this – you remember the times where you have hard times and you lean on each other, and you just continue to build upon that,” Willis said. “And those relationships grow stronger. So in good times and bad times, you can lean on them. … We came out with a W, first one of the year. Let's try to get some more.”
Willis was drafted out of Liberty University in 2022 by the Titans and spent his first two NFL seasons in Nashville. He later joined Green Bay, drawing attention in 2025 with his performances in place of injured starter Jordan Love.
He’s one of the league’s most outspoken Christians, and draws his eye black in the shape of a cross.
Upon signing with the Dolphins during the offseason, he released a statement citing Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33-34: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Photo Credit: Screen Grab/CBS
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published October 26, 2026.
