Zach Sieler Cites Arnold Schwarzenegger on Breaking Limits With Dolphins

Aug 4, 2025 1:37 PM EDT

The Miami Dolphins announced the official contract extension for defensive tackle Zach Sieler on Monday morning, making Sieler the highest-paid defensive lineman in franchise history.

Sieler signed a three-year, $67.75 million extension that will keep him in Miami through 2029 and includes $44 million in guaranteed money. Although Sieler has become a household name on the Dolphins over the last two years, he’s had quite the journey.

Sieler played college football at a Division II program, Ferris State, and was drafted in the seventh round by the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens waived Sieler twice before the Dolphins signed him off waivers in 2019. The D-II product started just two games across his first two years in the NFL.

However, Sieler didn’t let his arduous journey hold him back. Entering his sixth full year with the Dolphins, he’s cemented himself as the leader of Miami’s defense. Sieler put up 10 sacks in the last two seasons, becoming the first player in franchise history to do so.

On Monday morning, Sieler spoke with the media about his unique journey, defined by resilience and belief.

“I think, obviously, there’s lots of journeys people can take to get to certain spots. For me, I think that is 100% my path. That’s what I want him (points to his son) to see,” Sieler said. “And then when I talk to people and other kids and everything like – honestly, in college, Arnold Schwarzenegger, heard a quote, he always said, ‘Break the rules, not the laws, but break the rules.’

“And there’s rules put on people throughout their lives that you can do this, you can’t do that. And I think that was big for me early on, where it’s like, hey, just this kid from nowhere. No one ever went anywhere from my town for football or sports or really anything. And I was kind of the first one, even going to a D-II, and that was kind of like a big step.”

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) celebrates after a sack of New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. — Source: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Sieler grew up in Pinckney, Michigan, and attended Pinckney High School. The Dolphins’ defensive lineman became the first NFL recruit out of Pinckney. But, Sieler hasn’t forgotten where he came from.

Sieler quoted Schwarzenegger’s second of six rules to success: Break some rules. But if you look at the other five rules, they all apply to Sieler. He trusted himself through his journey, was never afraid to fail, ignored the naysayers, worked hard, and has given plenty back.

“So I think just over the years, just kind of, it didn’t really resonate with me until two years, three years after I heard that, going to the league,” Sieler said. “I think that was such a big moment for me when it kind of like hit me, and that’s what I want him (motioning to his son) to see, what I want kids to know and see when I talk to them in different schools and areas where it’s like, hey, look, just because you’re from somewhere that no one knows the name of or where you’re on the map doesn’t mean that you can’t make it. And by all means, this isn’t the end.”

Throughout the offseason, Sieler kept his focus on this season and this Dolphins team when everyone asked about his contract situation. Now, he has his new contract, but his mindset hasn’t changed.

While Schwarzenegger has done it all, from the film industry to bodybuilding and business to even politics, Sieler has done it all on and off the field for the Dolphins and his community.

Miami has its star defender locked up for the future, and Sieler’s ready to continue a journey in which he’s already accomplished so much.