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Miami Dolphins Partner with Hyundai to Distribute Thanksgiving Meals and Continue Serving the South Florida Community   Download PDF version

November 20, 2017

***Image Credit: Miami Dolphins***

Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bfe6hwpxpvfbngu/AABykTnMklzg_2IcHm-RshfQa?dl=0

Miami Dolphins Partner with Hyundai to Distribute Thanksgiving Meals and Continue Serving the South Florida Community

Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins have continued their longstanding tradition of serving the community and assisting those in need during the 2017 season. Throughout the year, Dolphins players, cheerleaders, alumni and staff have visited numerous schools, hospitals and community centers throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

As the holidays approach, the Dolphins stayed true to their commitment to serve the community. On Monday afternoon, the Dolphins partnered with Hyundai to distribute Thanksgiving meals to 500 South Florida families.

“Hyundai is proud to again partner with the Miami Dolphins Thanksgiving outreach program,” Hyundai Regional Merchandising Manager Mike Donahoo said. “Giving back in the communities our team members live and work in is a big part of who we are; it’s very rewarding and we have looked forward to participating.”

The event commenced with Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum greeting the families at the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University.

“We’re proud to continue this long-standing tradition in South Florida with our team and coaches,” Tannenbaum said. “We’re invested in giving back, and always look forward to this event around Thanksgiving to help bring joy to the holiday for those in need.”

Players, coaches, mascot T.D., the Miami Dolphins Women’s Organization and Hyundai staff lined up to distribute meals from Publix that serve 7-8 people each and  include a turkey, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, stuffing, marshmallow delight and cranberry-orange relish. The families, pre-selected by Feeding South Florida from 50 nonprofit partner agencies, also had the chance to take photos with and get autographs from the players.

“Usually for most of the week we’re focusing on playing the game that we love, but there’s so much more that goes on in this community, it’s bigger than football,” Dolphins Defensive End Cameron Wake said. “When you get the time to step away from the game and focus on things that matter – like the less fortunate – doing whatever you can for the people that cheer you on and seeing the smiles on their faces with your brothers, it’s a tremendous honor and we’re having a lot of fun at the same time.”

In total over the recent weeks, the Dolphins distributed Publix gift cards and turkeys to feed more than 1500 families throughout South Florida, including visits with alumni, cheerleaders and executives to West Miami, Little Haiti, Miami Gardens, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Liberty City, Hialeah/Miami Lakes, Little Havana and South Dade. This event follows players, alumni and staff last week taking 125 students shopping for their Thanksgiving meals at Publix.

Miami Dolphins waive Smith   Download PDF version

November 20, 2017

Miami Dolphins waive Smith

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have waived running back De’Veon Smith.

Smith was promoted to Miami’s active roster on Nov. 18, 2017. He originally signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted college free agent on May 5, 2017 and totaled 12 carries for 35 yards (2.9 avg.) in the preseason. Smith was a four-year letterman (2013-16) and two-year starter at Michigan where played in 49 games with 26 starts and totaled 495 carries for 2,235 yards (4.5 avg.) and 22 touchdowns. He started all 13 games as a senior in 2016 and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors.

Miami Dolphins make roster moves   Download PDF version

November 18, 2017

Miami Dolphins make roster moves

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have promoted running back De’Veon Smith off the practice squad and waived linebacker Rey Maualuga.

Smith signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted college free agent on May 5, 2017. He totaled 12 carries for 35 yards (2.9 avg.) in the preseason. Smith was a four-year letterman (2013-16) and two-year starter at Michigan where played in 49 games with 26 starts and totaled 495 carries for 2,235 yards (4.5 avg.) and 22 touchdowns. He started all 13 games as a senior in 2016 and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors.

Maualuga played in six games with four starts for the Dolphins after he was signed on Aug. 19, 2017. He recorded 23 tackles (14 solo) in his lone season with the team. Maualuga played the first eight seasons of his career with Cincinnati (2009-16). He has played in 120 career NFL games with 108 starts and originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick (38th overall) in the 2009 NFL draft.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
De’Veon Smith RB 5-11 221 11/8/94 R Michigan ’17 Warren, Ohio FA, ‘17

 

Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 11 Award Winners   Download PDF version

November 15, 2017

***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cgqjqsfgph56z7w/AAAJtvr3IJl3CWbUNVRgujEAa?dl=0

Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 11 Award Winners

Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) today announced their Week 11 award winners in a program designed to recognize the members of the community who have demonstrated their commitment to being leaders on and off the field.

Each week, the Dolphins identify a high school coach of the week, high school player of the week, youth player of the week and team mom of the week. Award recipients are presented with a plaque on the field during a Dolphins home game at Hard Rock Stadium and receive acknowledgement of their accomplishment in the game program and through the Dolphins’ and RISE’s social media platforms. They also receive tickets to a Miami Dolphins home game, access to the Dolphins/RISE pregame tailgate and a Dolphins/RISE T-shirt. For each home game, the Dolphins identify a team of the week and they will be on the field during the national anthem. The program concludes at the Dolphins-Patriots game on December 11 where the Dolphins will honor yearly award winners in all categories with the exception of the team of the year.

Week 11 Winners:

  • High School Coach of the Week: Brian Dodds from Park Vista High School. Dobbs guided his eight seeded Cobras (9-3) to a stunning first-round, 28-20 win over number one seed Miramar. Park Vista now advances to the second round against Delray Atlantic.
  • High School Player of the Week: Alexis Alvarez from West Broward High School. He recovered two fumbles, including the game winning touchdown recovery which sealed the victory for the Bobcats. Alvarez also added 10 tackles as the Bobcats won their first ever playoff game, 31-26, against Forest Hill. West Broward will visit St. Thomas Aquinas this Friday.
  • Youth Player of the Week: Schneider Joseph from the East Boynton Wildcats 12U of the Florida Youth Football League. Joseph had over 300 total rushing yards and receiving yards and scored four touchdowns, including an interception that he returned 106 yards for a touchdown to help seal the Wildcats’ victory over the Miami Gardens Ravens.
  • Team Mom of the Week: Helen Baxter of the from Leisure City Modello Timberwolves of the Miami Xtreme Football League. Baxter has been a part of her park prior to the 2000 season. She is the eyes and ears if her coaches off the field, because of her knowledge of the league rules and regulations, which means the coaches can spend more time coaching and mentoring the players on the field. Baxter also has three sons, who provide the coaches with additional hands for her team. Baxter handles all communication to the parents and she even fills in for the team president when he is absent. The program feels truly blessed to have such a dedicated team mom.
  • Team of the Week: Booker T. Washington Senior High School. The Tornadoes are part of the RISE Leadership Program, designed to empower sports administrators, coaches and athletes to be leaders in discussing and addressing matters of racism, prejudice, diversity and inclusivity within their teams, schools and communities. The multifaceted program increases awareness, builds skills and creates safe spaces to have difficult conversations. Participants learn about the history of race and sports, the power of sports to drive change and how they can become leaders in improving race relations.

About Miami Dolphins Youth Programs

The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to transform the lives of youth football players by instilling character building and reinforcing safety standards that help to increase football participation and grow a new generation of Dolphins fans.

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 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sports to improve race relations and drive social progress. Supported by an unprecedented alliance of sports leagues, organizations, athletes, educators, media networks and sports professionals, 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 and Publix Partner for 15th Year To Host 125 Students at Kids and Fins Shopping Spree   Download PDF version

November 14, 2017

***Image Credit: Miami Dolphins***

Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dy7d12rw4pffq7e/AACNKVM11ihRiLdtJShudDeIa?dl=0

Miami Dolphins and Publix Partner for 15th Year To Host 125 Students at

Kids and Fins Shopping Spree

Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins and Publix came together to take 125 students from four schools in the tri-county area shopping for Thanksgiving meals. Dolphins players, cheerleaders, mascot T.D. as well as Miami Dolphins Women’s Organization members and Ft. Lauderdale Police walked up and down the Publix aisles with kids checking items off their Thanksgiving shopping lists. The event, started in 2003, celebrates 15 years and hosting more than 1,400 students throughout the Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade area as they shop and prepare for the upcoming holiday.

“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the Miami Dolphins,” Publix Director of Media & Community Relations Maria Brous said. “We are in a unique position to make an impactful difference in the lives of our children and to make memories that will last a lifetime. We are grateful to have this opportunity to serve our community.”

Prior to embarking on their shopping spree, the kids – ranging from 6 to 18 years old – received a Kids and Fins T-shirt and got to mingle and enjoy a dinner party with cheerleaders and alumni. Alumnus Twan Russell MC’d the event while cheerleaders Agustina, Britt, Emily, Jamie, Jenny and Whitney danced and spent time with the participants. The students, from Henry D. Perry Center in Broward County, H.L. Watkins Middle School in Palm Beach County and Agenoria S. Paschal/Olinda Elementary School and West Homestead K-8 Center in Miami-Dade County, were selected by their principals to participate in this event.

In all, 16 players – Leonte Carroo, John Denney, Kenyan Drake, Matt Haack, Malcolm Lewis, Kolby Listenbee, Rey Maualuga, Drew Morgan, Cody Parkey, Rashawn Scott, De’Veon Smith, Eric Smith, Kenny Stills, Ryan Tannehill, Gabe Wright and Sam Young – were at Publix to help the kids fill up their shopping carts for the holiday. The Miami Dolphins Special Teams volunteers, members of the Miami Dolphins Women’s Organization, Fort Lauderdale police officers and Dolphins alumni Elmer Bailey, Larry Ball, Bob Brudzinski, Troy Drayton, Roy Foster, Lorenzo Hampton, Anthony Harris, Jim Jensen, Lousaka Polite, Ken Poole, Twan Russell, Bryant Salter, Jed Weaver and Shawn Wooden also aided in the shopping effort.

“We had a great time. The boys I was with didn’t have a list or anything so we just went through every aisle and figured out what they wanted,” Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills said of the event. “This event is special because I get to spend time with the kids and let them make all of the decisions. I love spending time with the kids and having the opportunity to be out here.”

Miami Dolphins make roster moves   Download PDF version

November 11, 2017

Miami Dolphins make roster moves

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have activated safety T.J. McDonald off the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner list and placed tackle Ja’Wuan James on injured reserve.

McDonald was signed by the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent from the Los Angeles Rams on March 31, 2017. He played the first four seasons of his career (2013-16) for the Rams, where he started 53 games and totaled 281 tackles (216 solo), five sacks and four interceptions. McDonald started all 16 games for the Rams in 2016, recording 62 tackles (49 solo), one sack, two interceptions and six passes defensed. He was originally a third-round pick (71st overall) by the Rams in the 2013 NFL draft.

James had started the past 25 straight games at right tackle for the Dolphins, including all eight this season and the AFC Wildcard playoff game at Pittsburgh last year. He’s started 47 games in his four-year NFL career, all for the Dolphins. James was originally a first-round pick (19th overall) by the Dolphins in the 2014 NFL draft.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
T.J. McDonald S 6-2 223 1/26/91 5 USC ’13 Fresno, Calif. UFA, ’17 (LAR)
Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 10 Award Winners   Download PDF version

November 8, 2017

***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bxtva8ulpy7zczt/AACPL2yboruh2BwHfJOe6Irta?dl=0

Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 10 Award Winners

Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) today announced their Week 10 award winners in a program designed to recognize the members of the community who have demonstrated their commitment to being leaders on and off the field.

Each week, the Dolphins identify a high school coach of the week, high school player of the week, youth player of the week and team mom of the week. Award recipients are presented with a plaque on the field during a Dolphins home game at Hard Rock Stadium and receive acknowledgement of their accomplishment in the game program and through the Dolphins’ and RISE’s social media platforms. They also receive tickets to a Miami Dolphins home game, access to the Dolphins/RISE pregame tailgate and a Dolphins/RISE T-shirt. For each home game, the Dolphins identify a team of the week and they will be on the field during the national anthem. The program concludes at the Dolphins-Patriots game on December 11 where the Dolphins will honor yearly award winners in all categories with the exception of the team of the year.

Week 10 Winners:

  • High School Coach of the Week: AJ Scott from Miramar High School. The Patriots (9-1) leap frogged Deerfield Beach and earned a No. 1 seed in this coming week’s 8A State Playoff by taking down three time state champion St. Thomas Aquinas 44-27. The Patriot’s defense forced five turnovers in the game.
  • High School Player of the Week: Jatarie Washington from Pahokee High School. Washington rushed 27 times for 201 yards and four touchdowns in a thrilling 33-27 overtime win against Glades Central in the Muck Bowl. The Blue Devils are a No. 1 seed going into the 1A State Playoff next week.
  • Youth Player of the Week: Gary Hadley from the Pompano Eagles Mitey Mites of the Gold Coast Pop Warner Football League. Hadley had 134 yards rushing, 64 yards passing and scored three touchdowns in the Eagles victory over the Parkland Rangers. Hadley also is a straight-A student.
  • Team Mom of the Week: Tranee Fields from the East Boynton Wildcats 11U of the Florida Youth Football League. Fields has been the team mom for the past three years. As a team mom, she goes above and beyond her duties. Fields makes sure all of the players’ paperwork is signed and submitted in a timely manner and keeps close communication with all the parents, helping bridge the gap between the parents and coaches. At the start of each week, she communicates all game information and on game day before any player gets dressed or takes the field, she makes sure they have their proper equipment. Fields also assigns the water boys, ball boys and she makes sure that all the coaches have their team identification badges on before they take the field. She also has taken on the responsibility of issuing all game uniforms and makes sure that every player returns their uniform immediately after the game. Fields’ passion for her players and coaches is unmatched and she is the reason why her park is so successful.

About Miami Dolphins Youth Programs

The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to transform the lives of youth football players by instilling character building and reinforcing safety standards that help to increase football participation and grow a new generation of Dolphins fans.

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 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sports to improve race relations and drive social progress. Supported by an unprecedented alliance of sports leagues, organizations, athletes, educators, media networks and sports professionals, 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 sign Sterup   Download PDF version

November 8, 2017

Miami Dolphins sign Sterup

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed tackle Zach Sterup off Cleveland’s practice squad.

Sterup (pronounced STIR-up) was signed to Cleveland’s practice squad on Sept. 9, 2017 after the team waived him on Sept. 7, 2017. He spent the entire offseason and training camp with the Browns. In 2016, Sterup spent time on Kansas City, the N.Y. Jets and Cleveland’s practice squads. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with Kansas City on May 10, 2016. Sterup was a four-year letterman (2012-15) and two-year starter at Nebraska.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
Zach Sterup T 6-9 318 5/14/92 1 Nebraska ’15 Hastings, Neb. FA, ‘17