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Hard Rock Stadium Lights Up in United Bid Committee Colors in Advance of World Cup Vote on June 13, 2018   Download PDF version

June 11, 2018

Hard Rock Stadium Lights Up in United Bid Committee Colors in Advance of World Cup Vote on June 13, 2018

Miami Gardens, FL – Hard Rock Stadium on June 11 and 12 will light up in the United Bid Committee colors of blue, red and green in advance of FIFA’s vote for the World Cup 2026 vote on June 13, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

Please find in the link at the top a high resolution image of Hard Rock Stadium illuminated. Please credit Hard Rock Stadium for the image.

CMN Sports Partners with Relevent to Present Colombia vs. Venezuela Sept. 7 at Hard Rock Stadium   Download PDF version

June 11, 2018

CMN Sports Partners with Relevent to Present Colombia vs. Venezuela Sept. 7 at Hard Rock Stadium

Pre-Sale Starts June 15; Public On Sale Set for June 18

MIAMI (June 11, 2018) — CMN Sports announced that it has partnered with Relevent to present an international soccer friendly on Friday, Sept. 7 in South Florida. The game will pit South American rivals Colombia and Venezuela at Miami Gardens’ Hard Rock Stadium.

Tickets for the match will go on sale on Monday, June 18 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. A pre-sale will start on Friday, June 15 at 10 a.m.

“CMN Sports is excited to partner with Relevent to showcase these talented teams,” said Henry Cárdenas, President of CMN Sports. “Colombia is a World Cup contender and has shown enormous potential, making them a very tough opponent for Venezuela. We hope fans will enjoy this South American rivalry at one of the most iconic stadiums in the country.”

Currently ranked 16th in the world by FIFA, Colombia earned their ticket to Russia/2018 after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Peru on Oct. 10, 2017 in Lima. Bayern Munich superstar James Rodriguez slotted home his second-half effort to give Los Cafeteros their seventh berth at the grand tournament. On June 19, Head Coach José Pékerman will lead his side against Japan, followed by matches against Poland on June 24 and Senegal on June 28 in group play.

“Relevent is committed to bringing the incredible culture and enthusiasm of international soccer to the U.S. and this match is sure to deliver that excitement to new and established fans alike,” said Charlie Stillitano, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Relevent. “We look forward to celebrating both of these national teams and building even further on a major summer of soccer.”

In six World Cup appearances, Colombia saw its best performance at Brazil in 2014 when it reached the quarterfinals but fell to the host country. The Tricolor have made 21 appearances at Copa América, winning the tournament in 2001 while being runners-up in 1975.

Besides the deft Rodriguez, Colombia’s experienced roster includes veteran goalkeeper David Ospina (Arsenal), defenders Santiago Arias (PSV) and Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham), midfielder Juan Cuadrado (Juventus) and forward/captain Radamel Falcao (Monaco).

Venezuela, the only South American nation never to have earned a berth at the FIFA World Cup, is currently led by former international goalkeeper Rafael Dudamel. Given its recent call-ups, La Vinotinto seem to have set new World Cup aspirations by fielding a mix of veteran players and rising stars including captain Tomás Rincón, defenders José Velásquez (Veracruz) and Rolf Feltscher (L.A. Galaxy), midfielder Júnior Moreno (D.C. United) and forward Josef Martínez (Atlanta United).

Under Dudamel, Venezuela reached the quarterfinals of the Copa América Centenario in 2016. The CONMEBOL nation, currently ranked 39th in the world by FIFA, saw its most successful Copa América campaign in 2011 when it reached the semifinals but fell to Paraguay to finish fourth in the 43rd edition of the tournament.

Miami Dolphins Foundation Announces Nat Moore Scholarship Fund and Recipients   Download PDF version

June 7, 2018

Miami Dolphins Foundation Announces Nat Moore Scholarship Fund and Recipients

The Miami Dolphins Foundation announced a new initiative within its education impact area, embracing a long-held South Floridian’s legacy by housing the Nat Moore Scholarship Fund.

The Nat Moore Scholarship Fund’s mission is to provide the youth of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties with the financial resources needed to pursue avenues of education and training for employment readiness. The Fund is expressly designed to bolster efforts to bridge a gap between receiving financial assistance and obtaining a degree or vocational diploma.

“South Florida has shaped and influenced so much of who I am as an individual, teammate, professional and leader. I have made it my mission in life to create opportunities for the youth raised here to develop into educated community citizens dedicated to making a difference,” Nat Moore said. “The Miami Dolphins’ exemplary commitment to the community was an example I followed as a player and now working closely with our employees and alumni. The Dolphins are the best entity, so well versed in giving back to education, for creating this fund in perpetuity.”

The Fund is a continuation of the Nat Moore Foundation, which started in 1998 to serve the youth of South Florida through education. The Miami Dolphins Foundation through the Nat Moore Scholarship Fund is committed to raising $10 million in 10 years to fund educational opportunities for South Florida youth. This commitment will foster the next generation of industry and community leaders by providing students who are achieving academically and who give back to their communities with the opportunity to attain their educational goals.

Five recipients were the first to be awarded the Nat Moore Scholarship Fund at the recent Fins Weekend. These graduating seniors were selected through an application process that showcased community service, leadership, financial need and academic standing.

2018 Nat Moore Scholarship Fund Recipients:

  • Jaquan Starling
    • High School: Palm Beach Gardens High School, Palm Beach County
    • University: Florida International University, Modesto A. Maidique Campus
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
  • Deneisha Dickinson
    • High School: Miami Carol City Senior High, Miami-Dade County
    • University: Bethune-Cookman University
    • Major: Psychology
    • Minor: Pre-Law Studies
  • Leilani Fleites-Fernandez
    • High School: Miami Arts Studio, Miami-Dade County
    • University: Florida State University
    • Major: Pre-Clinical Professions
  • Andrew Lazara
    • High School: Miami Springs Senior High School, Miami-Dade County
    • University: University of South Florida
    • Major: Biomedical Sciences on a Pre-Pharmacy Track
  • Elba Jimena Garcia
    • High School: Young Women’s Preparatory Academy
    • College: Miami-Dade Honors College, Wolfson Campus
    • Major: Biology (with Pre-Medical Track)

One of the most celebrated players in Dolphins history, Moore was drafted in the third round of the 1974 draft (78th overall) out of the University of Florida. Moore spent his entire 13-year NFL career as one of the most productive offensive players in Dolphins’ history. Moore earned All-Pro recognition and was a Pro Bowl selection in 1977. He was named the team’s Most Outstanding Receiver for six straight years (1974-79). On December 5, 1999, the Dolphins organization honored Moore as the 12th honoree and second receiver to be inducted into the Dolphin Honor Roll. He also is one of 15 former Dolphins to be inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.

Establishing a positive reputation on and off the field led Moore to be named the Dolphins’ 1984 NFL “Man of the Year,” an honor bestowed on the player who gives outstanding service to his community, and earned him the 1985 Byron White Humanitarian Award for his service to his team, community and country. In recognition of Moore’s impact in South Florida, Dolphins Founder Joe Robbie in 1987 renamed the Dolphins’ community service award to The Nat Moore Community Service Award. This award is given each year to a Miami Dolphins player recognized for his involvement in the South Florida community.

In 1988, he founded the Nat Moore Foundation, which has distributed more than $2 million in scholarships and grants to youth and organizations in South Florida. The Miami Dolphins Foundation is proud to continue the legacy for a former Dolphin dedicated to giving back through education.

Miami Dolphins Host Glades Central Community High School at Minicamp Practice   Download PDF version

June 6, 2018

#LetsPlayFootball

***Image Credit: Miami Dolphins***

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Miami Dolphins Host Glades Central Community High School at Minicamp Practice

Davie, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today hosted the Glades Central Community High School football team at their Minicamp practice. The team was given a tour of the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University and heard from Miami Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier about enjoying their high school football experience and challenging themselves on and off the field to reach their goals.

The Glades Central football team also had the opportunity to watch the Dolphins practice and meet with current players on the field. Following practice, the athletes had lunch provided by Publix.

“I’m extremely honored to have our guys come down and watch the Dolphins just to see how professionals practice and the tempo of practice,” Glades Central Community High School Head Football Coach Jessie Hester said. “It was awesome for our kids to hear from the leader of an organization about what it takes to make it here, all the pitfalls to avoid. Those kids learned some really valuable lessons today.”

“I was excited to see Ryan Tannehill, his footwork. I saw his three-step drop, five-step drop and his release and high pointing the ball,” Glades Central Community High School junior quarterback Davius Richard said. “What I took from Grier is nothing is easy, but it’s possible. Nobody has limitations, so whatever you want, strive for it.”

The Junior Dolphins program encourages youth players and coaches to teach, learn and play football in a fun and safe environment. The Junior Dolphins program is designed to give kids access to learn the fundamentals of football using the NFL’s top resources. To grow the game, the Junior Dolphins program will work to educate coaches, parents and youth on the health and safety of football with a strong emphasis on character development. Junior Dolphins is building the next generation of Dolphins Fans.

Miami Dolphins sign 3 draft picks   Download PDF version

June 6, 2018

Miami Dolphins sign 3 draft picks

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed three of their 2018 draft picks: linebacker Jerome Baker, tight end Durham Smythe and running back Kalen Ballage.

Baker was picked in the third round at No. 73 overall. He was a three-year letterman (2015-17) and two-year starter at Ohio State, where played in 33 career games with 25 starts. Baker totaled 158 tackles (90 solo), seven sacks, two interceptions, five passes defensed, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. He was named All-Big Ten honorable mention as a junior in 2017 and a sophomore in 2016. Baker was a college teammate of fellow Dolphins linebacker Raekwon McMillan.

Smythe was the first of Miami’s two fourth-round selections at No. 123 overall. He was a four-year letterman (2014-17) and two-year starter at Notre Dame, appearing in 41 games with 28 starts. Smythe started all 13 games as a senior in 2017 and recorded 15 receptions for 244 yards (16.3 avg.) and one touchdown. His blocking helped the school set a single-season rushing record with 3,503 rushing yards.

Ballage was a fourth-round pick at No. 131 overall. He was a four-year letterman (2014-17) and two-year starter at Arizona State. Ballage finished his collegiate career with 450 carries for 1,984 yards (4.4 avg.) and 27 touchdowns. He also totaled 82 receptions for 684 yards (8.3 avg.) and two touchdowns. His 27 rushing touchdowns were sixth in school history. As a junior in 2016, Ballage totaled 16 rushing touchdowns, which were second in the Pac 12 and 26th nationally.

Miami Dolphins Foundation Gives Back To Education through Fins Weekend   Download PDF version

June 2, 2018

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Miami Dolphins Foundation Gives Back To Education through Fins Weekend

MIAMI — The Miami Dolphins Foundation hosted the 22nd annual Fins Weekend, complete with golfing, fishing and parties amid the largest gathering of players, coaches, alumni and cheerleaders to give back to education in South Florida.

The signature charity event welcomed several new additions this year, from enhanced fan experiences to added player access and involvement. Proceeds from the event weekend, through the education impact area of the Miami Dolphins Foundation, benefit City Year Miami, an education-focused nonprofit organization that partners with public schools to help keep students on track to graduate.

“There’s a lot said about a community and an organization that can come together for the benefit of our youth,” Fins Weekend Chair Jeff Peck said. “I’m amazed by the amount of character within the South Florida community that this event revealed. It shows that we make our greatest impact when we come together and work toward a common goal.”

The festivities begin early Saturday morning with the Fins Weekend Fishing Tournament at Rickenbacker Marina. Boats took to the seas angling to capture the largest kingfish, dolphin, wahoo and tuna.

The Weigh-In presented by Hooters South Florida included members of the Dolphins rookie class on site to sign autographs, and provided fans double the opportunities to give back to the Miami Dolphins Foundation through a garage sale of team items, including player-issued apparel and unique Dolphins knickknacks.

About an hour after lines were in the water for the fishing tournament, a shotgun was fired, prompting the start of the Fins Weekend Golf Tournament presented by South Florida Ford. Threesomes golfed at Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne with a Dolphins current or former player or coach. Team Pepsi and team members Mark Stokes, Gene Christman, Carl Carris and Ki-Jana Carter took home the priceless first place prize – a flight on the team charter for a 2018 Dolphins away game.

After the golf tournament, participants reveled in the Fins Weekend Saturday Night Party at Miami Marine Stadium. Guests gathered to enjoy a live band, local fare, games, live auction and a fireworks show. The winners of the Fins Weekend Fishing Tournament were also announced, with Team Remix and members Michael John Greisman, Rick Pruim and Alberto Suarez reigning as the first place finishers. They join Team Pepsi Golf Tournament winners on the Dolphins charter to an away game.

“This event is larger than just a fun day of fishing and golfing. It’s more than just a party and meeting the team you cheer for all season. This is a cornerstone event where the Miami Dolphins strive to do our part to make educational advances in our South Florida community,” Miami Dolphins Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Jehn said. “The Miami Dolphins Foundation has a commitment to being off the field champions. Fins Weekend is a reflection of the Dolphins’ work in leveling the playing field, aspiring to have teamwork at work.”

The funds from Fins Weekend benefit City Year Miami through a four-year, $1 million partnership. The Dolphins made a commitment to help young people who are working to transform education in Miami Gardens, sponsoring programs at Miami Carol City and Miami Norland Senior high schools.

2018 Fins Weekend Fishing Tournament Winners

Top Junior Angler: TIE Veloce Scott from Just Do It, 16.8 lb tuna; Nico Diaz and Bryce Bernheim from Intreprid, 16.8 lb kingfish

Ladies Overall Winner: Courtney Baker from 60 Grit, 10.4 lb kingfish

Largest Kingfish: Tom Barber, Sr. from Big Time, 21.7 lbs

Largest Dolphin: Scratch

Largest Wahoo: Rick Pruim from Remix, 61.4 lbs

Largest Tuna: Rob Deignan from Encore, 29.3 lbs

First Place Finishers: Team Remix and members Michael John Greisman, Rick Pruim and Alberto Suarez, 80.4 lbs

Fins Weekend Golf Tournament presented by South Florida Ford

First Place Finishers: Team Pepsi with Mark Stokes, Gene Christman, Carl Carris and Ki-Jana Carter

Celebrity Long Drive: Matt Haack

Celebrity Closest to Pin: AJ Derby

Senior Closest to Pin: Bob Stoermer  

Senior Longest Drive: Dan Hurtak

Women Closet to Pin: Sally Williams

Men Long Drive: Mark Margulies

Men Closest to Pin: Paul Schneider

Women Long Drive: Sally Williams

For more information, please visit FinsWeekend.com.

Miami Dolphins sign McCain to contract extension   Download PDF version

June 1, 2018

Miami Dolphins sign McCain to contract extension

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed cornerback Bobby McCain to a contract extension through the 2022 season.

McCain has played in all 48 games of his three-year NFL career (2015-17), all with the Dolphins. He’s totaled 111 tackles (84 solo), two sacks, three interceptions, 17 passes defensed and one forced fumble. In 2017, he played in all 16 games with seven starts and set several career highs, including tackles (45), interceptions (2) and passes defensed (7). McCain was originally a fifth-round pick (145th overall) by Miami in the 2015 NFL draft.

Miami Dolphins sign 4 draft picks   Download PDF version

June 1, 2018

Miami Dolphins sign 4 draft picks

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed four of their 2018 draft picks: safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, cornerback Cornell Armstrong, linebacker Quentin Poling and kicker Jason Sanders.

Fitzpatrick was Miami’s first-round pick at No. 11 overall. He played in 42 games with 38 starts as a three-year starter (2015-17) at Alabama. As a junior in 2017, Fitzpatrick won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defensive player and the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. He became just the third player in NCAA history to win both awards, joining cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Patrick Peterson. Fitzpatrick was a unanimous All-American and first-team All-SEC selection.

Armstrong was Miami’s only sixth-round pick at No. 209 overall. He lettered four years (2014-17) and started three at Southern Miss. Armstrong played in 47 games with 40 starts and totaled 146 career tackles (108 solo), five interceptions and 34 passes defensed. He was named honorable mention All-Conference USA as a senior in 2017 and made the Conference USA All-Freshman Team in 2014.

Poling was selected at No. 227 overall in the seventh round. He was a four-year starter (2014-17) at Ohio University, where he started 50 games and finished his career as the school’s all-time leader in solo tackles (217) and tackles for loss (44). He earned first-team All-MAC honors as a senior in 2017 and as a junior in 2016, surpassing 100 tackles in each season. Poling was also a two-time team captain.

Sanders was Miami’s second seventh-round pick at No. 229 overall. He was a four-year letterman (2014-17) at New Mexico, where he played in 50 games. Sanders set school records for consecutive extra points made (81) and most 50-plus yard field goals (4). As a senior in 2017, Sanders played in all 12 games and was 10-of-15 in field goals (66.7 pct.). He was a perfect 28-for-28 (100.0 pct.) on extra points and his 81.3 touchback percentage was third in the nation.