Chosen Anderson’s 2022 season was ‘disappointing,’ but he’s at ‘peace’ returning home to Dolphins

Chosen Anderson already had plans to spend time with his family the night of April 15, watching a movie and then bowling afterward.

But the previous day, he and the Dolphins officially agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $1.3 million. So, before the news became public, he wanted to let his loved ones know about the homecoming.

In a video shared to his Instagram, Anderson opened a box and revealed a Tua Tagovailoa jersey as the group went into a frenzy.

“I’m Comin[g] Home @miamidolphins,” he wrote.

In his first comments to local reporters since joining the team, Anderson called signing with the Dolphins a “dream come true.”

“It’s definitely a dream come true to be a Dolphin,” he said Tuesday on a virtual news conference. “Growing up, watching the Dolphins and even always being here, driving past the stadium, being fascinated by the stadium. So it’s truly really a dream come true opportunity I truly cherish.”

The Dolphins have a long history of bringing in players from the talent-rich area they reside in and Anderson, who turned 30 on Tuesday, is the latest. Asked about his memories of the Dolphins during his formative years, he recalled watching Zach Thomas and Ricky Williams, the debut of the Wildcat and the team’s fight song blaring through the radio after touchdowns.

A South Plantation High alumnus, Anderson has frequently returned to give back to the community and host philanthropic events.

Anderson’s homecoming was weeks in the making, but he had his sights on the Dolphins after the Arizona Cardinals released him on March 8.

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said during the team’s predraft news conference that Anderson’s agent reached out to see if there was any interest, which led to a visit, meeting with not only Grier but head coach Mike McDaniel and wide receivers coach Wes Welker.

Grier told Anderson to take his time and speak to other teams who had interest — “don’t rush through this decision just because it’s home” — and Anderson mulled his options. But he kept returning to the Dolphins and noted his conversations with McDaniel as being influential in his decision.

“It was very fulfilling for me,” Anderson said, “because I felt that over the years, a lot of things he’s noticed about my game, what I’ve gone through, what I’ve been working towards, he’s noticed that and made that very evident. It felt good to finally hear that from a coach, a great coach too, a coach that’s had a lot of success and knows what it takes to be successful.

“In our conversation, we really connected. We had instant chemistry and we were on the same page about everything. I pretty much told them before I left, ‘My decision is made.’ They told me still assess things, but my heart led me to being here. I took my time making this decision to make sure it was aligned with my purpose in life and what truly matters and my ultimate goals of what I’m here to accomplish in playing football.”

Anderson’s return to South Florida is the latest stop in a journey that has been full of changes in the past year.

One of the better deep threats in the NFL, he recorded a career-low 20 catches for 282 yards and one touchdown in 14 games and was traded from the Carolina Panthers to Arizona, one week after Matt Rhule, his college coach at Temple, was fired.

“The difficult part of last year was more so seeing things before it happened in Carolina but trying to stay positive in the situation,” he said. “The trade, I feel like it was difficult but I feel like that’s what brings out the best in me, is hard times ... I grew a lot from the situation.”

In February, it was revealed that Anderson changed his first name from Robbie to Chosen, a decision he declined to explain but said has “positive meaning behind it, something I’m very grateful for and something I feel strongly about. ... This is my new era and direction and kind of like a foundational thing for moving forward with my generations.”

On the field, Anderson brings a proven track record to an offense searching for a No. 3 option behind wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

In his first four seasons with the New York Jets, he caught 207 passes for 3,059 yards and 20 touchdowns before signing a multiyear deal with the Panthers. In 2020, he recorded a career-high 95 receptions and 1,096 yards, along with three touchdowns.

Anderson declined to divulge what McDaniel and coaches have told him about his role he is expected to compete for a roster spot.

He described his 2022 season as “disappointing,” but said his time in Arizona was “peaceful,” reuniting with wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson, whom he knew from his time in New York.

“It is what it is and I grew from it, and that’s what’s molded me to be where I am today,” he said.

Back in South Florida and surrounded by a talented receiver room, Anderson’s confident in the prospects of being with his hometown team.

“I’m a firm believer in you are the company you keep,” he said. “Last year, they were the two best receivers in the NFL. So, I’m only learning and you are a product of your environment.”