Former CFL linebacker Nate Holley activated by Miami Dolphins for NFL debut

Photo courtesy: Calgary Stampeders

Former CFL linebacker Nate Holley has been activated by the Miami Dolphins, according to The Blade.

Week 13 will be the first game for Holley in the NFL. Holley worked out and signed with the Dolphins in August and has been on the practice roster since. The six-foot, 210-pounder is listed as a safety for Miami.

The 26-year-old Holley played in all 18 games last year for the Calgary Stampeders when he notched 78 defensive tackles, 22 special team tackles, one sack and one interception. For his efforts, Holley was named the league’s Most Outstanding Rookie in 2019.

The CFL Players’ Association filed a grievance with the league in February over Holley’s lack of ability to pursue NFL interest following one season in the CFL. After the 2020 season was cancelled in Canada, the Stamps finally allowed Holley to seek employment south of the border.

During four seasons at Kent State University, Holley played in 43 games recording 424 tackles, defended seven passes, notched three sacks, forced two fumbles, recovered two more and grabbed one interception. He was named first-team all-Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 2014 and 2015.

After going unselected in the 2017 NFL Draft, Holley signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings, but did not make the final roster. In June of 2018, he inked a deal with the Los Angeles Rams, although Holley was waived at the end of training camp.

Holley’s NFL debut comes against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.