Miami Dolphins Promote Brendel
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November 19, 2016
Miami Dolphins Promote Brendel
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have promoted center Jake Brendel off the practice squad to the team’s active roster and have waived cornerback Chris Culliver.
Brendel was signed to Miami’s practice squad on Oct. 11, 2016. He was previously on Dallas’ practice squad and spent the offseason and training camp with the Cowboys after he was signed as an undrafted college free agent on May 6, 2016. Brendel was a four-year starter at center for UCLA and started 52 games in his collegiate career, becoming the school’s all-time leader in games started. He was a three-year co-captain and earned second-team All-Pac 12 honors as a senior in 2015 and a junior in 2014.
Culliver signed with the Dolphins on Aug. 10, 2016 and was placed on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) on Sept. 3, 2016 before he was activated from PUP on Nov. 8, 2016. Culliver has not appeared in a game this season but has played in 52 games with 26 starts in his four-year NFL career and totaled 137 tackles (119 solo), seven interceptions and 34 passes defensed. He played three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (2011-12; 2014) and spent the 2015 season with the Washington Redskins. Culliver originally entered the NFL as a third-round selection (80th overall) by the 49ers in the 2011 NFL draft after playing collegiately at South Carolina.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Jake Brendel |
C |
6-4 |
305 |
9/10/92 |
R |
UCLA ’16 |
Madison, Wis. |
FA, ‘16 |
Miami Dolphins Announce Week 11 Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
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November 15, 2016
***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***
Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tivaos860c16hzb/AACsfzaGBgVkDAky18Oajx73a?dl=0
Miami Dolphins Announce Week 11 Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
Miami – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) recognize the Week 11 youth football players and parent who have demonstrated their commitment to being leaders on and off the field:
- High School Player of the Week: Shaun Shivers from Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School. Shivers rushed for 205 yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries in the Lions’ first-round playoff win over Cardinal Newman. Although he is only a junior, Shivers has committed to Auburn University.
- Youth Player of the Week: Jamari Watson from the Pembroke Pines Optimist Bengals 10U of the American Youth Football League. Watson plays both running back and free safety for the Bengals. He had three touchdowns – one receiving and two on punt returns – in the 45-0 win over the West Pembroke Pines Optimist Wildcats.
- Team Mom of the Week: Joana Duce from the East Miramar Dolphins 8U of the National Youth Football League. Duce has shown full dedication from the first day she came to the park to sign her daughter up for cheerleading. On the first day of sign up for both football and cheerleading, she jumped in and smoothed out the chaos by helping with registration. Duce lends her helping hand wherever she is needed. She not only assists with her daughter’s group, but also helps with the concession at all of the home games. Duce is a true example of a dedicated and committed parent for both her child and the organization. The East Miramar Dolphins are honored to have her as part of the program.
Each award recipient will be presented with a plaque on the field during the Nov. 27 Dolphins home game at Hard Rock Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers, and receive acknowledgement of their accomplishment in the game program and through the Dolphins’ and RISE’s social media platforms. They also will receive a pair of tickets to a Miami Dolphins home game and a Dolphins/RISE T-shirt.
As a newly added component of the program and part of the Dolphins/RISE partnership, winners will be empowered to make a difference by participating in a RISE training program where they will learn how to use the unifying power of sport to promote the importance and benefits of unity, equality and inclusiveness as well as address racial tensions their teams, schools and communities might experience.
Awardees also will be encouraged to take a pledge, committing to stand up to racial inequality and share how they plan to affect change by creating a “How I RISE” video message, which will be posted on RISEtoWIN.org.
About Miami Dolphins Youth Programs
The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to emphasize the importance of education, physical fitness and positive choices for kids in a safe and fun environment. The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ vision is to prepare the next generation of leaders in staying physically active through our Junior Training Camps (JTC), Youth Football Clinics and Youth Football Camps. The goal is to promote Youth Football in the South Florida community.
About the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
Founded in 2015 by Stephen M. Ross, the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sports to advance race relations and drive social progress. Supported by an unprecedented alliance of sports leagues, organizations, educators, media networks, sports professionals and athletes, RISE uses sports as a vehicle to promote understanding, respect and equality. Through public awareness campaigns and educational programming, RISE aims to spark enduring action. To learn more, visit RISEtoWIN.org.
Miami Dolphins Activate Mitchell Off Injured Reserve
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November 10, 2016
Miami Dolphins Activate Mitchell Off Injured Reserve
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have activated defensive tackle Earl Mitchell off injured reserve.
The Dolphins had placed Mitchell on injured reserve on Sept. 13, 2016 after he was injured in the season opener at Seattle on Sept. 11, 2016. He is in his third season with the Dolphins (2014-16) and has played in 29 games with 16 starts, 56 tackles (35 solo), two sacks and one pass defensed. He joined the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent on March 12, 2014 after four seasons with the Houston Texans (2010-13). He originally entered the league as a third-round pick (81st overall) by Houston in the 2010 NFL draft.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Earl Mitchell |
DT |
6-3 |
310 |
9/25/87 |
7 |
Arizona ’10 |
Houston, Texas |
UFA, ’14 (Hou.) |
Miami Dolphins Announce Week 10 Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
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November 10, 2016
***Photo/Video Credit: Miami Dolphins***
Photos/Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wikxflscr1didpb/AADvu0NB55EEnjejuRC2m855a?dl=0
Miami Dolphins Announce Week 10 Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
Miami – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) recognize the Week 10 youth football players, coach and parent who have demonstrated their commitment to being leaders on and off the field:
- High School Player of the Week: Todd Centeio from Dwyer High School. The dynamic senior quarterback threw for 255 yards and five touchdowns last week. This type of performance exemplifies why Dwyer remains undefeated this season.
- High School Coach of the Week: Orson Walkes from Pahokee High School. His team currently sits undefeated at 10-0. Walkes has been an assistant coach on four state championship teams for the Blue Devils prior to becoming the head coach. He also has served as assistant athletic director and was co-head coach for the girls’ basketball team. Walkes, 40, teaches exceptional student education classes at Pahokee High and has been a teacher at the school since 2004. He graduated from Pahokee High in 1994 and played linebacker. Walkes attended Alabama A&M University and played defensive end before transferring to the University of South Alabama, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
- Youth Player of the Week: Tenard Summerall from the Overtown Tornadoes 14U of the National Youth Football League. Summerall plays both quarterback and cornerback for the Tornadoes. Last week, he threw two touchdowns and had one interception in a 33-0 victory over the Opa Locka Hurricanes.
- Team Mom of the Week: Marisella Readon from the Boca Braves of the Gold Coast Pop Warner League. Readon has overcome tremendous adversity as she lost her son earlier this year, who would have been on the Tiny Mite team (7U), yet she still finds the time and energy to support her older son’s team. She is always there when you need her and the first to take the initiative and volunteer her time. Readon never misses a practice or game and is there, not only for her son, but for all the boys on the team. This year, her Jr. Pee Wee team had an influx of new players which meant new moms to the organization. She welcomed everyone with open arms and has made them feel like family. Recently, Readon was appointed to the Braves’ board as scholastic coordinator because of her commitment to the scholastic performance of her players.
Each award recipient will be presented with a plaque on the field during the Nov. 27 Dolphins home game at Hard Rock Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers, and receive acknowledgement of their accomplishment in the game program and through the Dolphins’ and RISE’s social media platforms. They also will receive a pair of tickets to a Miami Dolphins home game and a Dolphins/RISE T-shirt.
As a newly added component of the program and part of the Dolphins/RISE partnership, winners will be empowered to make a difference by participating in a RISE training program where they will learn how to use the unifying power of sport to promote the importance and benefits of unity, equality and inclusiveness as well as address racial tensions their teams, schools and communities might experience.
Awardees also will be encouraged to take a pledge, committing to stand up to racial inequality and share how they plan to affect change by creating a “How I RISE” video message, which will be posted on RISEtoWIN.org.
About Miami Dolphins Youth Programs
The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to emphasize the importance of education, physical fitness and positive choices for kids in a safe and fun environment. The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ vision is to prepare the next generation of leaders in staying physically active through our Junior Training Camps (JTC), Youth Football Clinics and Youth Football Camps. The goal is to promote Youth Football in the South Florida community.
About the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
Founded in 2015 by Stephen M. Ross, the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sports to advance race relations and drive social progress. Supported by an unprecedented alliance of sports leagues, organizations, educators, media networks, sports professionals and athletes, RISE uses sports as a vehicle to promote understanding, respect and equality. Through public awareness campaigns and educational programming, RISE aims to spark enduring action. To learn more, visit RISEtoWIN.org.
Miami Dolphins Waive Benwikere
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November 8, 2016
Miami Dolphins Waive Benwikere
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have waived cornerback Bené Benwikere.
Benwikere (pronounced Ben-ay Ben-WICK-urr-rhee) was claimed off waivers by the Dolphins on Oct. 10, 2016 but was inactive for the three games he was on the roster. Prior to joining Miami, he started four games this season for Carolina and totaled 10 tackles (eight solo), one interception and four passes defensed. Benwikere played three seasons (2014-16) for the Panthers, appearing in 27 games with 14 starts before he was waived on Oct. 7, 2016. He originally entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick (148th overall) by Carolina in the 2014 NFL draft after playing collegiately at San Jose State.
Miami Dolphins and Publix Partner for Kids and Fins Thanksgiving Shopping Spree
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November 7, 2016
Photo credit: MIAMI DOLPHINS
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d84c8q4xjzi7efg/AAB0ifL2uEcJgkiz_9LTmPC9a?dl=0
Miami Dolphins and Publix Partner for Kids and Fins Thanksgiving Shopping Spree
Ft. Lauderdale – The Miami Dolphins players, alumni, cheerleaders, mascot TD and Miami Dolphins Women’s Organization members will pair up with Publix to host students from our partner schools in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties to shop for Thanksgiving meals.
Every year we look forward to teaming up with our partners the Miami Dolphins and local school districts for this special shopping experience,” Publix Media and Community Relations Manager Nicole Krauss said. “It’s a unique and memorable way for these students to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday and we are proud to be a part of it.”
The students, ages 6-18, attend Title I schools and were selected by their principals to participate in the event. Students will receive a Miami Dolphins and Publix branded Kids and Fins T-shirt, enjoy food, drinks and shop to fill their families’ pantries for the Thanksgiving holiday.
“It’s always really fun for Lauren and me to come out and be able to interact with people of the community, all of my teammates and former players,” Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. “It’s just a really special event.”
Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves
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November 7, 2016
Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have activated cornerback Chris Culliver from the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List (PUP) and promoted cornerback Lafayette Pitts to the active roster from the team’s practice squad. The Dolphins have also waived defensive tackle Chris Jones and waived/injured cornerback Chimdi Chekwa.
Culliver has played in 52 career games with 26 starts with San Francisco (2011-12, 2014) and Washington (2015). He has totaled 217 career tackles (119 solo), seven interceptions, 34 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Culliver was signed by Miami on Aug. 10, 2016 and placed on PUP on Sept. 3, 2016. He originally entered the NFL as a third-round selection (80th overall) by San Francisco in the 2011 NFL draft.
Pitts joined the Dolphins as an undrafted college free agent on May 5, 2016. He was waived by the Dolphins on Sept. 3, 2016 and signed to the team’s practice squad on Sept. 5, 2016. Pitts was a four-year letterman at Pittsburgh (2012-15) and played in all 52 career games with 51 starts. He recorded a total of 152 tackles (118 solo), one sack, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 25 pass breakups at Pittsburgh.
Jones played in seven games for the Dolphins in 2016 and totaled six tackles (four solo) and one quarterback hit. He re-joined the Dolphins as a free agent on Sept. 14, 2016. He had spent the 2016 training camp with Miami before he was waived on Sept. 3, 2016. Jones originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round selection (198th overall) by the Houston Texans in the 2013 NFL draft and played two seasons (2013-14) with New England.
Chekwa played in three games for the Dolphins this season, making two solo tackles. He was signed on Oct. 11, 2016 and previously spent the 2016 training camp with the Dolphins but was released on Sept. 3, 2016. Chekwa has played in 35 career games with four starts and began his career in Oakland (2011-14). He has career totals of 34 tackles (30 solo), four passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He was originally selected by Oakland in the fourth-round (113th overall) of the 2011 NFL draft.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Chris Culliver |
CB |
6-0 |
199 |
8/17/88 |
6 |
South Carolina ’11 |
Philadelphia, Pa. |
FA, ‘16 |
| Lafayette Pitts |
CB |
5-11 |
196 |
9/24/92 |
R |
Pittsburgh ’16 |
Duquesne, Pa. |
FA, ‘16 |
Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves
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November 5, 2016
Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have activated linebacker Zach Vigil off the Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) list and promoted tight end Thomas Duarte from the practice squad to the active roster. The team has also placed tight end Jordan Cameron on injured reserve.
Vigil played in all 16 games and made two starts during his rookie season with the Dolphins in 2015. He totaled 11 tackles (eight solo) and made seven special teams stops. Vigil entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with the Dolphins on May 8, 2015. He played collegiately at Utah State.
Duarte spent the first seven games of the season on Miami’s practice squad after the Dolphins selected him in the seventh round (231st overall) in the 2016 NFL draft. Duarte was a three-year letterwinner (2013-15) at UCLA and played in 38 career games with 22 starts at receiver. He totaled 97 receptions for 1,626 yards (16.8 avg.) and 17 touchdowns in his collegiate career.
Cameron started three games for the Dolphins in 2016 before he suffered a season-ending injury vs. Cleveland on Sept. 25. He caught eight passes for 60 yards (7.5 avg.) and one touchdown. Cameron has started 19 games for Miami in the past two seasons (2015-16). He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2013 as a member of the Cleveland Browns. Cameron originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick (102nd overall) by Cleveland in the 2011 NFL draft. He signed with the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent on March 12, 2015.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Zach Vigil |
LB |
6-2 |
240 |
3/28/91 |
2 |
Utah State ’15 |
Clearfield, Utah |
FA, ‘15 |
| Thomas Duarte |
TE |
6-2 |
241 |
3/30/95 |
R |
UCLA ’16 |
Fullerton, Calif. |
D7b, ‘16 |
