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

June 2, 2018

***Image Credit: Miami Dolphins***

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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.

Miami Dolphins Host Miami Killian Senior High School at OTA Practice   Download PDF version

May 31, 2018

#LetsPlayFootball

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Miami Dolphins Host Miami Killian Senior High School at OTA Practice

Davie, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today hosted the Miami Killian Senior High School football team at their Organized Team Activity (OTA) practice. The team was given a tour of the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University and heard from Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Ambassador and Dolphins alum Twan Russell about perseverance.

“It’s a great experience for these kids to be able to see actually how professional players are moving around the field, how they’re listening to their coaches, how they’re taking coaching and just being able to see the whole environment. It opens their eyes to everything,” Miami Killian Senior High School Head Football Coach Steve Smith said.

The Miami Killian 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. Miami Dolphins running back Frank Gore’s son, Frank Gore Jr., is a sophomore running back for the Cougars.

“It’s cool to see how the pros practice and how fast they go. They take it serious,” Gore Jr. said. “It’s cool to see (my dad’s) job and actually the way he’s doing it at practice.”

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 Host Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School at OTA Practice   Download PDF version

May 30, 2018

#LetsPlayFootball

Miami Dolphins Host Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School at OTA Practice

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Davie, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today hosted the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School football team at their Organized Team Activity (OTA) practice. The team was given a tour of the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University and heard from Miami Dolphins Vice Chairman, President & CEO Tom Garfinkel about leadership and teamwork.

“The whole Dolphins organization has been by far the best to us than anybody could be. From Day 1, they’ve done so much. They’ve put on youth camps for our little kids. They’ve come into our practices and spoke to our team. Just so much. We can’t be thankful enough to them,” Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Head Football Coach Willis May said. “This is a good day spent. Good day for our kids to be able to sit here and watch their idols and guys they look up to and watch how they work.”

The Stoneman Douglas 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.

“It means the world to us to come do what we love and watch football. We got to pick up on stuff from the vets and these rookies. It’s just great to come out here and learn,” Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School sophomore center/guard Gage Gaynor said. “We really appreciate the Dolphins, because they’ve come and talked to us a couple times and they’ve really been there for us.”

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.

Centerplate Extends Food and Beverage Contract with Hard Rock Stadium   Download PDF version

May 30, 2018

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Centerplate Extends Food and Beverage Contract with Hard Rock Stadium

Newly signed agreement calls for landmark 10-year extension through 2031

Stamford, Conn. and Miami Gardens, Fla. (May 30, 2018) – Centerplate and Hard Rock Stadium today announced a 10-year contract extension for the provider to continue delivering a first-class food and beverage program at the global entertainment destination. The long-term partnership between Centerplate – acquired in November 2017 by Sodexo – and the 65,000-seat Hard Rock Stadium means an unparalleled fan experience, locally-inspired culinary program and top-notch guest service will continue to be pillars of the venue’s service offering.

Best known as the home of the Miami Dolphins, the venue also hosts year-round events such as University of Miami football games, the Capital One Orange Bowl, Super Bowl LIV and the 100th anniversary of the NFL, College Football Playoffs Final 2021, international soccer and a host of world-class events. The facility also will host the Miami Open tennis tournament beginning in 2019. This July, marquee international soccer is slated for the stadium, with the International Champions Cup men’s and women’s teams prepared to take the pitch.

“Our partnership with Hard Rock Stadium has been one of our most successful because they have ownership and a management team that truly focuses on, invests in and innovates the guest experience,” Centerplate President/CEO Chris Verros said. “We are looking forward to continuing to work together with them to create best-in-class experiences at what is now one of the premier global entertainment destinations in the world: Hard Rock Stadium.”

Centerplate and Hard Rock Stadium’s emphasis on innovative, local cuisine is a big draw, continuing a commitment to bring fresh flavor and a diverse array of options to Hard Rock Stadium. The menus include fresh and renowned food and beverage offerings sourced directly from South Florida. The venue also has 50+ craft beers and more than 1,000 tap handles venue wide, one of the highest distribution point totals in the NFL. Centerplate also worked closely with the Miami Dolphins over the last few seasons lending its hospitality design expertise to the stadium’s recent $500 million plus renovation.

“We are excited to extend our partnership with Centerplate for many years to come,” added Hard Rock Stadium and Miami Dolphins Vice Chair, President & CEO Tom Garfinkel. “Centerplate has been the kind of partner you hope to have: responsive, innovative and operationally excellent. They listen and collaborate while also bringing creative ideas on how we can continually improve the guest experience together.”

About Hard Rock Stadium

Hard Rock Stadium is a global entertainment destination that serves as home to the Miami Dolphins, University of Miami football team, Orange Bowl, Super Bowl LIV and the 100th anniversary of the NFL, College Football Playoff 2021 Final, major concerts, international soccer and a host of world-class events. The facility recently completed a $500 million, multi-year renovation privately funded by Owner Stephen Ross.

About Centerplate

Centerplate is a global leader in live event hospitality, “Making It Better To Be There®” for more than 116 million guests each year at more than 300 prominent entertainment, sports and convention venues. Strategically acquired in November 2017 by world leader in Quality of Life services Sodexo, Centerplate has provided event hospitality services to more than 30 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, 14 Super Bowls and 22 World Series. Visit the company online at Centerplate.com, connect via Twitter @centerplate, Instagram @Centerplate_ or Facebook.com/centerplate.

Miami Dolphins waive Hickey   Download PDF version

May 29, 2018

Miami Dolphins waive Hickey

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have waived tackle Sean Hickey.

Hickey originally joined the Dolphins on Aug. 15, 2017 and spent the entire 2017 season on Miami’s practice squad. Throughout his NFL career, he’s also spent stints on the practice squads of Minnesota (2016), N.Y. Jets (2016), New England (2015) and New Orleans (2015). Hickey originally joined the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with New Orleans on May 4, 2015 after starting three seasons (2012-14) at Syracuse.

Miami Dolphins sign Matthews   Download PDF version

May 25, 2018

Miami Dolphins sign Matthews

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed center Mike Matthews.

Matthews spent the 2017 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers but missed the year with a season-ending injury during training camp. He spent the 2016 offseason and training camp with the Cleveland Browns after originally signing with them as an undrafted college free agent on May 5, 2016. Matthews was a three-year starter (2013-15) at Texas A&M, where he played in 40 games with 33 starts.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
Mike Matthews C 6-2 300 1/27/94 1 Texas A&M ’16 Missouri City, Texas FA, ‘18