Lions, Dolphins Set for Rare Joint Practices This Preseason

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The Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins will hold rare joint practices ahead of their preseason matchup on August 16, 2025, at Ford Field. This event marks a notable moment in both teams’ preparations and holds particular significance for Lions head coach Dan Campbell. Since becoming head coach of the Lions, Campbell has organized multiple joint practices with other NFL teams, including the New York Giants, the first franchise for which he played professionally. Now, Campbell is bringing his team together with the Dolphins, the organization where he began his coaching career, demonstrating a full-circle moment in his NFL journey. Preseason matchups between the Lions and Dolphins are extremely uncommon. According to the Dolphins’ official website, this game will be their first preseason meeting in the 21st century. The last time the two teams faced off in the preseason was on August 28, 1999, when the Dolphins defeated the Lions 31-10. The rarity of these games adds to the excitement surrounding this season’s joint practices and game. In their announcement, the Dolphins praised the Lions, describing them as “the best measure of grit perhaps in the entire NFL,” acknowledging the Lions’ reputation for toughness and resilience under Campbell’s leadership.

The Lions will open their 2025 preseason schedule with the Hall of Fame Game on July 31 in Canton, Ohio, against the Los Angeles Chargers. They will then travel to face the Atlanta Falcons on August 8, host the Dolphins on August 16, and conclude the preseason on August 23 with a road game against the Houston Texans. Currently, no other joint practices are scheduled for Detroit this preseason. This rare joint practice opportunity provides both teams a valuable chance to prepare in a competitive yet collaborative environment and may offer fans a preview of what to expect as the regular NFL season approaches.