It's always been Hayden Rucci's dream to play in the NFL.

In some ways, he's already realized that boyhood dream. But in some other very real ways, he hasn't.

A 2019 graduate of Warwick High School, Rucci was a member of the Miami Dolphins' practice squad for the majority of the 2024 season. He was as close to playing in the NFL as any player can get, without actually playing a down.

"Ever since I picked up a football, watched a game and knew about my dad playing, (playing in the NFL) has been my goal," said Rucci, whose father, Todd, played for the New England Patriots from 1993 to 2000. "As a kid, I kind of took it for granted. As I progressed, I gained more and more appreciation for what it takes to get to that level. The ultimate goal was always to play in the league. It's always been my goal."

Rucci was the only tight end on Miami's 16-player practice squad. The Dolphins also carried three tight ends as part of their regular 53-player active roster.

Miami finished the regular season with an 8-9 record.

At any point, players can move between the active roster and the practice squad, based on team needs, coaching decisions, player performances and injuries. Rucci was part of Miami's practice squad for most of this past year but wasn't activated to play in any NFL regular-season game.

"For us on the practice squad, our job is to give the offense and defense looks as a scout team," said Rucci. "For us on offense, we're running our opponent's offense for the defense to look at. Right now, my role is to give our defense the most accurate look for the tight ends they're going to be facing each week."

"If anything would happen, you're one play away from being active," continued Rucci. "It is kind of tough to do both, stay locked in and be ready. But that's why I'm here, to play. In preseason, I actually played in games, and I showed what I can do. The worst thing is having an opportunity and not being ready. My ultimate goal is to get out there."

After playing collegiately at Wisconsin, Rucci went unselected during the 2024 NFL draft. The six-foot-five-inch, 247-pound Rucci was signed by the Dolphins on May 10 and went through the team's offseason programs and training camp. He was released by Miami on Dec. 24 but then re-signed by the Dolphins to a reserve/future contract on Jan. 7.

"It definitely helps being surrounded by teammates; it keeps you motivated," said Rucci. "Being in the league puts things in perspective. Here, each day isn't guaranteed. You're never guaranteed tomorrow. You never know when you're going to return to your locker and it's going to be empty. I think that motivates me to go out there and be grateful each day."

At Wisconsin, from 2020 to 2023, Rucci played in 36 games and started 18 of them. He gained a reputation as an outstanding blocker while catching 17 passes for 200 yards and one touchdown.

"No matter what level you're at, from high school to college or college to the NFL, the stakes get higher," said Rucci. "It's just about finding your routine in each situation you're in. I think it's adapting to each situation (that's important)."

Rucci's current situation makes it difficult to ponder a future in the NFL. It's a business that's gained a reputation for being fleeting and uncertain.

"Once you start looking too far ahead, you don't focus on the moment," said Rucci. "I haven't thought about the offseason yet. I'm focused on getting better each day. I haven't thought past that."