HOUSTON, TX (June 18, 2026) – The Houston Gamblers today announced that tackle Gottlieb Ayedze (6-4, 309, Maryland) has signed an NFL contract with the Miami Dolphins. He joins Gamblers teammate S Major Burns, who also signed with the Dolphins earlier this week, and is among the first group of UFL players to earn an NFL opportunity as the UFL's 2026 offseason signing period officially opened on Monday, June 15.
Ayedze provided a physical presence along the Houston Gamblers’ offensive line after joining the team prior to the start of the year. He helped anchor Houston’s protection schemes and contributed to the team’s efforts in both the passing and rushing attack. The Gamblers ended the season averaging 128.3 rushing yards per game and ranked 3rd in tackles for loss allowed on the year.
A Germantown, Maryland resident, Ayedze played collegiately at Frostburg State (2019-2022) and Maryland (2023). He began his professional career as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 before joining the United Football League later that year as a draft selection by the DC Defenders. In 2025 he was signed to the Las Vegas Raiders and remained on the practice squad, before returning to the Defenders in the UFL, and then traded to the Gamblers on March 13, 2026.
The Houston Gamblers retain the rights to Ayedze should he return to the UFL in the future.