Omar Kelly: Dolphins will be leaning on ex-Patriots veteran Jason McCourty for leadership

Throw an “uncle” or an “auntie” in the front of someone’s name and it is a sign of respect, an homage to wisdom and experience, especially when they’re actually not a relative.

Jason McCourty has been called “Uncle Mac” in NFL circles since 2017 because of what the 13-year veteran has brought to the three teams he’s previously played for.

Considering the Miami Dolphins added him this offseason to fill a leadership void in the secondary, one created by the release of starting free safety and team captain Bobby McCain, don’t be surprised if the nickname sticks.

After all, McCourty is one of three players 30 or older on the Dolphins roster, joining fellow newcomers D.J. Fluker, an offensive lineman, and John Jenkins, a veteran nose tackle.

The Dolphins, who are holding minicamp this week, are embarking on Year 3 of a full-fledged youth movement, but the veteran exceptions made were strategic and the roles they will be asked to fill have more to do with building a culture than filling a void.

The 33-year-old McCourty knows about the culture the Dolphins are trying to build from his time with coach Brian Flores in New England, where they won the Super Bowl in their lone season together.

“Jason fits the bill,” Flores said. “From a leadership standpoint, from an experience standpoint — he’s a good player…. I think he brings a lot to this team.”

McCourty, who has 723 tackles, nine forced fumbles and 18 interceptions in his 12 seasons, has the experience and personality to serve as a leader on a defense that released their vocal leader.

“I think it’s natural,” McCourty said of his tendency to be a vocal leader. “Just to get to know the guys. Part of leadership is listening and serving. You have to get to know the guys around you.”

According to McCourty, the key to building a good culture, and having a cohesive team is to let things “come naturally.”

“I think it just happens. And when it happens organically, I think guys gain respect for you,” said McCourty. “For me, I’m coming in obviously going into my 13th year, so there’s going to be a level of respect that guys are going to have for me just knowing that, ‘Hey, he’s been able to do it for a long time,’ but I think for my part, you don’t walk in the building right away and think that you’re going to start telling a guy what to do.

“I’m in the process of learning from the guys here, whether it’s a rookie who’s maybe been here for a little while, maybe got to do a little bit more meetings because the rookies are able to be around more. There may be things in this building that they know more than I do. Or how do I get here, where do I go there? So I think part of being a leader is understanding that you don’t always have to be in front. You don’t always have to be the one that speaks up, and I think a very important part of it is when you’re on a young roster is empowering young leaders.”

Along with his experience, McCourty offers the kind of versatility that Flores likes in his players. Throughout his career he’s played cornerback on the boundary, and inside at nickel. And he’s also played safety, much like his twin brother Devin McCourty, a starter for the Patriots.

“He’s got a lot of experience in this system,” secondary coach Gerald Alexander said. “Ideally, we’d like him to be as versatile as he has been in his experience. Whether it be playing at the perimeter corner or in the slot or as a safety, he’s got the versatility to do a lot.”

In an ideal world, McCourty would mentor Jevon Holland, the former Oregon star the Dolphins selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, and Brandon Jones, the former Texas standout the Dolphins took in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft, sharing the wisdom and experience they need to become upper echelon starting safeties.

But that doesn’t happen overnight, and it requires wisdom and patience.

And “Uncle Mac” seemingly has plenty of both.

“We’ll start to get a feel for what the team needs. When you learn a little bit about someone’s personal battles and journeys, it can really help not only on the field but in life as well,” McCourty said. “I’m a good amount older than a lot of these guys in the locker room. So I am looking forward to getting to know them and just be able to be a helping hand where I can.”