Dolphins’ Trent Sherfield celebrates coming child, on-field emergence with TD vs. Browns
MIAMI GARDENS – Dolphins wide receiver Trent Sherfield announced the upcoming birth of his first child – as well as a growing role in the Dolphins’ offense – with a toe-tap touchdown in the second quarter of Miami’s 39-17 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Sherfield beat talented Browns rookie Martin Emerson Jr. to make the leaping 14-yard grab, which gave Miami a 17-7 lead seconds before halftime.
The fifth-year wide receiver celebrated by rocking the ball in the cradle of his arms while surrounded by star teammates Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa.
“That was for my unborn child,” Sherfield said. “My wife [Marcella] and I are expecting on Jan. 6.
"We hadn’t even announced it yet but I told her that when I got a touchdown that would be my celebration and announcement to everybody.”
Perfect placement from @Tua to Trent Sherfield! @Channel__10
📺: #CLEvsMIA on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/69z8ixgEIW pic.twitter.com/FHPOJ3zbEy— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2022
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It was Sherfield's first touchdown reception with the Dolphins.
His last score was on Sept. 19, 2021, when he caught the opening touchdown in the San Francisco 49ers' 41-33 win over the Detroit Lions.
“It looked like they could play Cover 2 or Cover 4,” Tagovailoa said of his touchdown pass to Sherfield. “I did my footwork, looked at Tyreek. I gave Trent an opportunity and he made the play."
Sherfield emerging as No. 3 wide receiver
The Miami Dolphins' red-hot passing attack vaulted Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to No. 1 and No. 5 in the NFL for receiving yards entering Week 10.
Sherfield has quietly increased his production each of the last four weeks despite a crowded wide receiver corps that includes offseason additions like Cedrick Wilson Jr. (3-year, $22.8-million dollar free agent from Dallas) and Erik Ezukanma (fourth-round pick 2022 NFL Draft).
He finished as the Dolphins' third-leading receiver in wins over the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers and continued that rise Sunday with his best game of the 2022 season.
Sherfield's 63 receiving yards on five catches were second only to Waddle's 66 receiving yards against the Browns.
“You have to understand as a receiver in the huddle with Tua that you never know when the ball is going to come your way,” Sherfield said. “I just pride myself on being ready for opportunities with my preparation.
“It was just a great ball by Tua. He put me in position to make a play.
San Francisco to Miami express
Sherfield joined the Dolphins this offseason from San Francisco in a move that coincided Mike McDaniel's elevation from 49ers offensive coordinator to Miami's head coach.
He didn't create an immediate offensive impact, catching just 10 passes for 88 yards over the first six games. He gained his earliest notoriety in Week 3 as the posterior in Thomas Morestead's infamous "Butt Punt" safety against the Buffalo Bills.
But the Dolphins' ongoing four-game win streak has seen Sherfield's playing time and production increase to the tune of 12 catches, 159 receiving yards and a touchdown — as well as an unforgettable baby announcement.
“Playing for a guy like Mike McDaniel, it’s really calming,” Sherfield said. “He always has your back and I know that he respects my work and how I go about my business. He gives me opportunities to make plays and that’s all I can ask for.
“Whether it’s two catches a game, one catch per game, a blocker here or there… He gives me opportunities and I have to make the most of them.”
Eric J. Wallace can be reached at ejwallace@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins' Trent Sherfield announces first child with TD celebration
