Miami Dolphins Host Gatorade Junior Training Camp
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February 24, 2019
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#TeamworkAtWork #JuniorDolphins #LetsPlayFootball
Miami Dolphins Host Gatorade Junior Training Camp
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today hosted a Gatorade Junior Training Camp at the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. Dolphins defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and alum Troy Drayton taught football specific drills as well as heat and hydration safety to middle school athletes. Members of The City of Miami Gardens Parks and Recreation athletic program, Broward County PAL, Miami-Dade County PAL, Palm Beach County PAL and the American Youth Football League also were invited by the Dolphins to participate in the event and received a Gatorade Junior Training Camp T-shirt.
“It’s always a fun experience when you get a chance to give back to youth and teach kids,” said Godchaux. “I didn’t have anybody growing up that played in the NFL that came back and did these things for me, so for me to come out here and teach these guys the fundamentals of the game, it’s always important, because that’s where it starts with the fundamentals.”
The Gatorade Junior Training Camp is a positive football experience that focuses on football fundamentals and skill development designed to motivate, inspire and educate the next generation of youth football athletes.
The Junior Dolphins program encourages youth players and coaches to learn, teach 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 name McKenzie senior personnel executive
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February 22, 2019
Miami Dolphins name McKenzie senior personnel executive
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have named Reggie McKenzie senior personnel executive.
McKenzie joins the Dolphins after spending the past seven years (2012-18) as the general manager of the Oakland Raiders. He was the organization’s first general manager since Al Davis was hired as head coach and general manager in 1963.
In 2016, McKenzie was named the NFL’s Executive of the Year by Sporting News, The MMQB and the PFWA. He helped construct a Raiders team that went 12-4 in the regular season and made the playoffs. It was the team’s first playoff appearance and winning season since they won the AFC in 2002. Oakland led the NFL with seven players selected to the Pro Bowl that season, the team’s most since 1991. All seven Pro Bowl selections were acquired during McKenzie’s tenure.
McKenzie drafted several Pro Bowl players during his tenure in Oakland. In 2014, he landed linebacker Khalil Mack in the first round and quarterback Derek Carr in the second round. Mack earned two first-team All-Pro honors and three Pro Bowl selections in his four seasons in Oakland. He was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2016. Carr was selected to three Pro Bowls and was tied for third in NFL MVP voting in 2016. McKenzie also drafted wide receiver Amari Cooper and running back Latavius Murray, who both earned Pro Bowl honors in Oakland.
McKenzie also had success identifying free agents to improve the Raiders. Tight end Jared Cook, safeties Reggie Nelson and Charles Woodson and offensive linemen Kelechi Osemele and Donald Penn were all signed as free agents during McKenzie’s tenure and were selected to Pro Bowls with the Raiders. Osemele earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2016.
Prior to Oakland, McKenzie spent 18 years (1994-2011) in the Green Bay Packers’ personnel department. He joined the Packers as a pro personnel assistant in 1994, was promoted to director of pro personnel in 1997 and promoted again to director of football operations in 2008.
In McKenzie’s 18 seasons in Green Bay, he helped the Packers compile the second-best record (185-103, .642) in the NFL during that span. Green Bay won eight division titles, three conference championships and two Super Bowls (XXXI and XLV).
McKenzie was a 10th-round draft pick (27th overall) by the Los Angeles Raiders in the 1985 NFL draft and earned all-rookie team honors at linebacker that season. He spent four seasons (1985-88) with the Raiders, two (1989-90) with the Phoenix Cardinals and one with San Francisco (1992). McKenzie totaled 60 career games played with three sacks and two interceptions. Following his playing career, he spent the 1993 season as a graduate assistant coach at his alma mater, Tennessee.
Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ Participate in 4Ward Americas LGBTI Human Rights Symposium: The Other in Sports
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February 18, 2019
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#TeamworkAtWork #FootballUnites
Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ Participate in 4Ward Americas LGBTI Human Rights Symposium: The Other in Sports
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ program, under the Miami Dolphins’ “Teamwork At Work” initiative, participated in the 4Ward Americas LGBTI Human Rights Symposium: The Other in Sports luncheon organized to engage and empower South Florida’s LGBTI community in an effort to show a unified front between the Miami Dolphins, Gay8 and 4Ward Miami on Monday, Feb. 18.
As part of the Gay 8 Festival, the luncheon featured guest speakers from the Miami Dolphins including former Dolphins Linebacker and Youth Programs Ambassador Twan Russell, Senior Vice President of Communications & Community Affairs Jason Jenkins and Director of Youth Programs Rashauna Hamilton as they discussed how sports organizations can empower all groups in the community and how the Dolphins are engaging with the LGBTI community through Teamwork At Work and FOOTBALL UNITES™.
“4Ward Miami is incredibly grateful that the Miami Dolphins has played such a strong role in supporting the 4Ward Americas Symposium as it has helped us transform an idea into a reality,” 4Ward Americas LGBTI Human Rights Symposium Chair Lynare Robbins said. “We’re excited that a session facilitated by a youth on a topic about youth with Miami Dolphins leaders who focus their work on youth is taking place. It really is an example of integrity where words and actions match with stated goals.”
The Dolphins’ involvement and participation in this event is part of the Miami Dolphins social justice and advocacy program, FOOTBALL UNITES™, created by Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross and Miami Dolphins players during the 2017-2018 season. Through FOOTBALL UNITES™, the Dolphins are using sports as a platform to bring positive social change.
These efforts and initiatives align with the Miami Dolphins mission of Teamwork at Work — an effort to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community. In addition, the organization believes it is important to be inclusive of the diversity and aware of the intersections that make up South Florida, uniting groups of different races, genders, sexual orientations, identities, abilities and faith around the power of football through the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program.
About Gay 8 Festival and 4Ward Miami
Gay8 (“Gay Ocho”) is a Hispanic/Latino LGBTQ art, music, dance, food and cultural street festival in Miami. The mission of 4Ward Miami is to promote LGBTQI diversity & inclusivity, economic status and civil rights through the 4Ward Americas LGBTQI Human Rights Symposium, Gay8 Festival, the ImpactOUT program and other community engagement, human rights and cultural arts programing and events.
Miami Dolphins sign Carradine and Wiltz
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February 15, 2019
Miami Dolphins sign Carradine and Wiltz
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed defensive end Tank Carradine and cornerback Jomal Wiltz.
Carradine is a five-year NFL veteran who played four seasons (2014-17) with San Francisco and one (2018) with Oakland. He has appeared in 45 career games with eight starts and totaled 77 tackles (55 solo), 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Carradine originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick (40th overall) by San Francisco in the 2013 NFL draft. He played collegiately at Florida State, where he earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2012.
Wiltz spent the entire 2018 season and all but one week of the 2017 season on New England’s practice squad. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with Philadelphia on May 11, 2017. He played collegiately at Iowa State. As a senior in 2016, he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors and was seventh in the Big 12 with 11 pass breakups.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Tank Carradine |
DE |
6-4 |
270 |
2/18/90 |
5 |
Florida State ’13 |
Cincinnati, Ohio |
FA, ‘19 |
| Jomal Wiltz |
CB |
5-10 |
190 |
10/23/94 |
1 |
Iowa State ’17 |
Galena Park, Texas |
FA, ‘19 |
Miami Dolphins Announce Staff Additions to Marketing, Partnerships and Ticketing Teams
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February 15, 2019
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Miami Dolphins Announce Staff Additions to Marketing, Partnerships and Ticketing Teams
Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins announced senior level additions to the organization with the marketing, partnerships and ticketing departments. Steve Mullins was named Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, reporting directly to Vice Chair, President & CEO Tom Garfinkel. Laura Sandall was named Vice President of Marketing. Additionally, Moni Gerbini was promoted to the role of Vice President of Ticket Sales and Jamie Weinstein was promoted to Vice President of Membership & Premium Service. Sandall, Gerbini and Weinstein report directly to Dolphins Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Jeremy Walls.
In Mullins new role, he will oversee sponsorship sales and activation. Prior to the Dolphins, Mullins most recently served as the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for the Fiesta Bowl, where he was responsible for ticket sales, service, premium seating, corporate partnership, marketing and creative services. From 2016-2018, he led all Arizona revenue for iHeartMedia as the Senior Vice President of Sales. Mullins’ executive experience includes three seasons with the NBA Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA Minnesota Lynx.
From 2007-2013 Mullins held several positions within the MLB Arizona Diamondbacks, before being named Vice President of Corporate Partnerships in December 2011. Mullins first entry in sports marketing came in 2005 with CBS Sports Properties, the multi-media rights holder for Arizona State University Athletics. Mullins earned a degree in business marketing from Utah State University and also was a member of the school’s football team.
Sandall brings many years of experience in the marketing, events, public relations and brand strategy space to her role with the Dolphins. She previously served as the Vice President of Marketing at Michaels where she was involved instrumentally in overall marketing strategies and campaigns, publicity programs and brand building initiatives since 2016. Prior to her tenure with Michaels, Sandall was the Vice President of Partnerships, Publicity and Philanthropy at JCPenney for four years.
From 2008 to 2012, Sandall was CEO & Owner of Sandall Marketing where her clients included OfficeMax, General Mills, Best Buy and the LA Film Festival. Prior to Sandall Marketing, she was the Director of Events Marketing and Publicity for Target Corporation where she spearheaded Target’s entry into action sports, built collaborations with designers and executed programs that elevated Target’s brand through vanguard marketing strategies. She is a graduate of Bradley University.
Gerbini, entering her sixth season with the Dolphins, oversees business and membership development as well as group sales. She formerly held the role of Director of Ticket Sales, managing all new season membership sales. Gerbini previously worked as Manager of Membership Development responsible for the recruiting efforts and development of the entry level sales team and oversaw more than 30 staff promotions. Gerbini also has held roles as Account Executive of Membership Development and Premium Sales Account Manager. Gerbini received her Bachelor of Art in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont.
Weinstein previously served as the team’s Senior Director of Membership & Premium Service. She joined the Dolphins from the NHL San Jose Sharks where she was Director of Client Development & Ticket Operations. She formerly held roles with Legends as the General Manager of the NHL Ottawa Senators project and the NBA Orlando Magic as Assistant Director of Ticket Sales. Weinstein started in the sports industry with the then NBA Charlotte Bobcats first as an inside sales consultant before moving to a role as Account Executive of Season Ticket Sales. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis and master’s degrees from the University of Central Florida in both business administration and sports business management.
Dolphins Cancer Challenge Hosts Fourth Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Moss Construction
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February 8, 2019
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#CancerFighters #TeamworkAtWork
Dolphins Cancer Challenge Hosts Fourth Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Moss Construction
Aventura, FL – The Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) hosted its fourth annual DCC Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Moss Construction at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry’s two 18-hole championship courses on Friday, Feb. 8. The tournament offered cancer fighters a chance to golf and interact with Miami Dolphins executives, players, alumni, T.D. and other celebrity guests. Funds raised from the golf tournament benefited Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. The event this year is in advance of DCC IX’s signature event slated for Saturday, April 6.
“Today we showed we are all cancer fighters by coming together for this event in the name of fighting a disease that has impacted us all in some way. It has been a privilege to watch this event grow through the years as we look forward to DCC IX,” Dolphins Cancer Challenge Executive Director Jennifer Jehn said. “We are excited to continue our efforts toward tackling cancer together with Sylvester. This is Teamwork at Work; we are working together to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida.”
Golfers teed off for a round of scramble-golf on the world-famous Soffer and Miller Courses, then enjoyed the post event 19th hole Celebration presented by BBVA Compass. Special guests at the event included Miami Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores, Vice Chair, President & CEO Tom Garfinkel and General Manager Chris Grier. Also in participation were Dolphins players Jake Brendel, John Denney, Davon Godchaux, Jakeem Grant, Raekwon McMillan, Vincent Taylor and Sam Young, as well as Dolphins alumni Dick Anderson, Woodey Bennett, Kim Bokamper, Vernon Carey, Mark Duper, Lorenzo Hampton, Sam Madison, Dan Marino, Nat Moore and John Offerdahl.
Former and current pro athletes also participated in the event including Bob Bryan, Darrell Fullington, Rickey Jackson, Charles Johnson, Brett Romberg, Duane Starks, Alonzo Mourning and Darryl Williams.
These efforts align with the Miami Dolphins’ community mission of “Teamwork at Work.” Through Teamwork at Work, the Miami Dolphins Foundation is committed to leveling the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community.
2019 DCC Celebrity Golf Tournament Winners
Scramble (Miller Course) – Charles Bisbano, Jeremy Gerson, John Moore and Sam Young
Scramble (Soffer Course) – Dan Marino, Bob Moss and Scott Moss
Closest to the Pin (Miller) – Charles Bisbano
Closest to the Pin (Soffer) – Dan Marino
Women’s Longest Drive (Miller Course) – Michelle Ferrulo
Women’s Longest Drive (Soffer Course) – Ninnella Gabaldon
Men’s Longest Drive (Miller Course) – Andrew Cohn
Men’s Longest Drive (Soffer Course) – Victor Beauchamp
About Dolphins Cancer Challenge
The Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) was founded in 2010 by the Miami Dolphins organization as the signature initiative of the Foundation’s health impact area. The DCC’s purpose is to improve people’s lives through financial support for innovative cancer research at South Florida’s only academic-based cancer center – Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. Since its inception, the DCC has raised more than $27.5 million, donating 100 percent of participant-raised funds to Sylvester. For additional information, call (305) 943-6799 or visit www. DolphinsCancerChallenge.com.
Miami Dolphins announce coaching staff additions
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February 8, 2019
Miami Dolphins announce coaching staff additions
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced 16 members of their coaching staff for the 2019 season: Jim Caldwell (assistant head coach/quarterbacks), Danny Crossman (special teams coordinator), Patrick Graham (defensive coordinator), Chad O’Shea (offensive coordinator), Josh Boyer (defensive pass game coordinator/cornerbacks), Karl Dorrell (wide receivers), Pat Flaherty (offensive line), George Godsey (tight ends), Marion Hobby (defensive line), Rob Leonard (linebackers), Tony Oden (safeties), Jerry Schuplinski (assistant quarterbacks), Eric Studesville (running backs), Josh Grizzard (quality control), Matt Lombardi (quality control) and Tiquan Underwood (quality control).
Along with head coach Brian Flores, the 17 coaches combine for 179 years of NFL coaching experience. The group has 19 Super Bowl rings with five different organizations – Baltimore, Denver, Indianapolis, New England and the N.Y. Giants. During those 179 seasons, the coaching staff has made 94 playoff appearances, won 79 division titles and 31 conference championships. They’ve also been part of three national championships at the collegiate level.
Caldwell comes to Miami with 17 years of NFL coaching experience, including seven seasons as a head coach for two different NFL teams. He also spent eight years as a college football head coach. In his seven seasons as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts (2009-11) and Detroit Lions (2014-17), he compiled a 62-50 (.554) regular-season record, four playoff berths, two 11-win seasons and one conference championship. Caldwell also won two Super Bowls as an assistant coach with Indianapolis (Super Bowl XLI) and Baltimore (Super Bowl XLVII). Teams he has been part of the coaching staff have qualified for the playoffs 13 times in 17 seasons.
“Jim is an incredible human being, a man of faith and a great football coach. His experience as a head coach will be invaluable for me. Jim is a great teacher, highly organized and somebody that I have a lot of respect for,” Flores said.
Crossman has been a special teams coach for all 26 years of his coaching career, including 16 seasons in the NFL. For the past 13 years, Crossman has been a special teams coordinator with Carolina (2005-09), Detroit (2010-12) and Buffalo (2013-18). In 2018, Crossman’s punt team forced opponents to start inside their own 20 on 31 occasions, which was ninth in the NFL, despite using three different punters.
“Danny and I worked under Scott O’Brien and there is a lot of familiarity from technique, fundamentals and a vernacular standpoint. Danny is full of energy and extremely good with the fundamentals. I am excited to have him,” Flores said.
Graham arrives in Miami with 10 years of NFL coaching experience and has coached in the playoffs in eight of those seasons. He has been part of teams that have won seven division titles, two conference championships and one Super Bowl (XLIX). Most recently, he was the defensive run game coordinator/inside linebackers coach for Green Bay during the 2018 season.
“Pat is a Yale guy. He’s extremely bright. He is great with the fundamentals and has very strong leadership ability. I can’t say enough good things about him. We worked together in New England and I know the type of passion he has and the way he works. We have a lot of the same core values and beliefs from a defensive standpoint,” Flores said.
O’Shea brings 16 years of NFL coaching experience to the Dolphins, having spent time with Kansas City (2003-05), Minnesota (2006-08) and New England (2009-18). In those 16 seasons, his teams have won 12 division titles, five conference championships and three Super Bowls (XLIX, LI and LIII). He spent the past 10 years (2009-18) in New England as the team’s wide receivers coach.
“Chad is extremely smart, innovative and hard working. He brings a lot of energy to practice and meetings. Chad has a great rapport with players. He has earned the trust of a lot of guys he has worked with from Randy Moss to Wes Welker to Julian Edelman. Chad has gotten the most out of his players from the 10 years I have been around him,” Flores said.
Boyer joins the Dolphins after spending 13 years (2006-18) with New England, most recently as cornerbacks coach (2012-18). During his tenure, the Patriots won 12 division titles, six AFC championships and three Super Bowls (XLIX, LI and LIII). The team went 162-46 (.779) in the regular season during Boyer’s tenure, the best record in the NFL during that span. In his 10 seasons (2009-18) as a position coach for the Patriots, he helped develop five different Pro Bowl selections and five different All-Pro honorees.
Dorrell is entering his second stint with the Dolphins after he previously served as the team’s wide receivers coach from 2008-10 and was Miami’s quarterbacks coach in 2011. He spent the past four seasons (2015-18) with the N.Y. Jets as their wide receivers coach. During that span, the Jets had five different players record at least 50 receptions in an individual season.
Flaherty has 19 years of NFL coaching experience, including 15 years as an offensive line coach. He’s been an offensive line coach for two Super Bowl-winning teams, as the New York Giants won Super Bowl XLII following the 2007 season and Super Bowl XLVI following the 2011 season. Flaherty was also the offensive line coach for Jacksonville’s 2017 run to the AFC Championship game. He has been a position coach on five division-winning teams and had four different players who have been selected to nine Pro Bowls.
Godsey has experience coaching on both sides of the football. In his eight years (2011-18) as an NFL assistant coach, Godsey has been part of seven winning seasons, five divisions titles and one AFC Championship. His teams have compiled a .617 winning percentage. He served as Houston’s offensive play-caller for three seasons as offensive coordinator (2015-16) and quarterbacks coach (2014).
Hobby has been coaching defensive linemen for Power 5 and NFL teams for more than 20 years. He also has experience as a defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at the collegiate level. He spent the past two seasons (2017-18) as Jacksonville’s defensive line coach, helping the Jaguars defense become a top five unit in both seasons. Hobby won a College Football Playoff National Championship as Clemson’s defensive line coach following the 2016 season.
Leonard spent the past six seasons (2013-18) on the N.Y. Giants staff, beginning his tenure as a defensive assistant (2013-16) before being promoted to assistant defensive line coach in 2017 and again to outside linebackers coach in 2018. A former walk-on at North Carolina State, Leonard worked his way up to a starting linebacker role in 2008, where he led the Wolfpack with 95 tackles that season.
Oden returns after spending the 2018 season as Miami’s defensive backs coach, where he helped cornerback Xavien Howard tie for the NFL lead with seven interceptions and earn his first career Pro Bowl selection. Oden has 15 years of NFL coaching experience, all with defensive backs. In four of his past six seasons, Oden’s teams have ranked in the NFL’s top five in interceptions (2013-14, 2017, 2018). He’s played an instrumental part in six players earning eight Pro Bowl selections.
Schuplinski has been part of three Super Bowl winning teams (XLIX, LI and LIII) during his six seasons (2013-18) as an NFL coach with New England. His teams have won four AFC titles and advanced to the conference championship in all six years. He spent the past three seasons (2016-18) as New England’s assistant quarterbacks coach, working closely with Tom Brady. In 2017, Brady won the league’s Most Valuable Player award after leading the NFL in passing with 4,577 yards.
Studesville returns as the team’s running backs coach after he helped the Dolphins improve from 24th to ninth in the NFL with 4.68 yards per carry in 2018, his first season with the team. Studesville has 22 years of NFL coaching experience, including 18 at the running backs position. He has been on the coaching staffs of two conference championship teams (2013 and 2015) and won Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos.
Grizzard returns to Miami for his third season with the Dolphins, having served as an offensive quality control coach in each of the past two seasons (2017-18). In 2018, he helped the Dolphins offense improve from 24th to ninth in the NFL with a 4.68 yards per carry average.
Lombardi spent the past two seasons (2017-18) at Baylor, where he served as an offensive quality control coach. In 2018, the Bears improved by six wins and won the Texas Bowl. He also spent three years at Louisville as a special teams quality control coach (2014) and graduate assistant working with tight ends (2015-16), where he helped tight end Cole Hikutini lead the team with 50 receptions and earn second-team All-ACC honors as a senior in 2016.
Underwood began his coaching career in 2018 at Lafayette College as a wide receivers coach, where he helped Nick Pearson bounce back from injury to earn second-team all-conference honors. Underwood played five seasons in the NFL with Jacksonville (2009-10), New England (2011) and Tampa Bay (2012-13) before playing three seasons (2015-17) in the Canadian Football League.
Miami Dolphins re-sign Denney
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February 8, 2019
Miami Dolphins re-sign Denney
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have re-signed long snapper John Denney.
Denney is the longest-tenured active Dolphins player. He just wrapped his 14th NFL season and has played in every game since making his debut in 2005. His 224 consecutive games played streak is the longest in Dolphins history and the longest active streak in the NFL. His 224 games played are second in Dolphins history behind Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino. Denney made four special teams tackles (one solo) in 2018.
