Miami Dolphins claim Elston off waivers
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December 29, 2017
Miami Dolphins claim Elston off waivers
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have claimed safety Trae Elston off waivers from Buffalo and placed safety Michael Thomas on injured reserve.
Elston played in 13 games with one start this season for Buffalo. He also played in one game with Philadelphia. In total, he recorded 15 tackles (eight solo), one interception and one pass defensed and added four special teams tackles. In 2016, he spent time on Cleveland and Tampa Bay’s practice squad and was on the active roster for two weeks with the Browns. Elston originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with New Orleans on May 6, 2016.
Thomas played in 13 games with two starts for the Dolphins this season. He recorded 16 tackles (nine solo) and one pass defensed and leads the team with 11 special teams tackles. He was inactive the past two games. Thomas leads the NFL with 54 special teams tackles since 2014. He joined the Dolphins after being signed off San Francisco’s practice squad on Dec. 10, 2013.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Trae Elston |
S |
6-0 |
190 |
2/16/94 |
1 |
Mississippi ’16 |
Oxford, Ala. |
Wai., ’17 (Buf.) |
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
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December 28, 2017
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have promoted wide receiver Rashawn Scott and defensive tackle Gabe Wright off the practice squad and placed defensive tackle Vincent Taylor on injured reserve and wide receiver Leonte Carroo on the non-football injury list.
Scott played in one game with the Dolphins in 2017 and was inactive for three others before he was waived on Nov. 29 and signed to the practice squad the following day. He began the 2017 season on the physically unable to perform list. Scott played in two regular season games and Miami’s AFC Wild Card game at Pittsburgh during the 2016 season. He originally joined the Dolphins as an undrafted college free agent on May 6, 2016.
Wright has spent the entire 2017 season on Miami’s practice squad after he was waived by Philadelphia at the end of training camp. He played in five games for Cleveland in 2016, totaling four tackles (three solo) and one pass defensed. In 2015, Wright played in seven games with one start for Detroit, recording six tackles (one solo). He originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick (113th overall) by Detroit in the 2015 NFL draft.
Taylor played in 13 games for the Dolphins this season and recorded 18 tackles (11 solo) and one pass defensed. He also blocked two field goal attempts. Taylor was a sixth-round pick (194th overall) by Miami in the 2017 NFL draft following a standout career at Oklahoma State, where he led all Big 12 interior defensive linemen with seven sacks as a junior in 2016.
Carroo played in 14 games for the Dolphins this season and recorded seven receptions for 69 yards (9.9 avg.). In 2016, Carroo played in 14 games with two starts and totaled three receptions for 29 yards (9.7 avg.). He was a third-round pick (86th overall) by the Dolphins in the 2016 NFL draft.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Rashawn Scott |
WR |
6-0 |
199 |
1/29/92 |
2 |
Miami (FL) ’16 |
Melbourne, Fla. |
FA, ‘16 |
| Gabe Wright |
DT |
6-3 |
305 |
4/3/92 |
3 |
Auburn ’15 |
Columbus, Ga. |
FA, ‘17 |
Miami Dolphins announce team award winners
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December 27, 2017
Miami Dolphins announce team award winners
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced their team award winners for the 2017 season. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was named the Dan Marino Most Valuable Player, defensive end Cameron Wake earned the Don Shula Leadership Award, center Mike Pouncey was named the team’s Ed Block Courage Award winner and wide receiver Kenny Stills earned the Nat Moore Community Service Award. It marks the second consecutive season that Wake and Stills have won their respective awards.
Suh is a first-time winner of the Dan Marino Most Valuable Player award and the first defensive tackle to earn the honor. Entering Week 17, Suh has totaled 45 tackles (29 solo), 4.5 sacks, 6.5 stuffs, two passes defensed, 12 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles. His 4.5 sacks are tied for ninth among all NFL defensive tackles and his 6.5 stuffs are tied for fourth at the position. Suh’s 51.5 sacks since entering the league in 2010 are the second-most among NFL defensive tackles in that span and his 55 stuffs lead the position. He has 416 career tackles (288 solo), the second-most by an NFL defensive tackle since 2010. Suh is the 15th defensive player to win the team’s MVP award and just the fourth defensive lineman, joining Jason Taylor (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006), Adewale Ogunleye (2003) and Wake (2012). This award is voted on by South Florida media and the organization and was re-named the Dan Marino Most Valuable Player Award in 2000 to reflect the achievements of Hall of Fame quarterback and 12-time team MVP Dan Marino.
Wake earned the Don Shula Leadership Award for the second consecutive season and the fourth time in his career. He also earned the honor in 2013, 2014 and 2016. Wake joins Taylor (2002, 2006, 2007, 2009) as the only players to win or co-win the award four-or-more times and is the first player in team history to win the award outright on four occasions as Taylor was a co-winner in 2009. Wake is one of six Dolphins to win the award in consecutive seasons, but the only one to win it in consecutive seasons on two separate occasions. The others to win it twice in a row include Zach Thomas (1998-99), Derrick Rodgers (2000-01), Junior Seau (2003-04), Jason Taylor (2006-07) and Karlos Dansby (2010-11). The Don Shula Leadership Award is voted on by the players and is given to the teammate who exhibits leadership on and off the field. It was re-named the Don Shula Leadership Award in 2005 to reflect the accomplishments of Hall of Fame Head Coach Don Shula.
Pouncey is a first-time recipient of the team’s Ed Block Courage Award and the only center to earn the honor in team history. He bounced back from a hip injury that limited him to just five games in 2016 and was concerned he may not be able to continue his football career. Pouncey has started all 15 games this season and if he starts on Sunday, he’ll have started all 16 games in a season for the first time since 2012. He began the season with 10 straight games without allowing a full sack before it came to an end at New England on Nov. 26. Those were the final 10 contests of a 26-game streak without allowing a full sack, which began back on Sept. 27, 2015. Each year, players from all 32 teams select a teammate to receive the Ed Block Courage Award. The recipient symbolizes professionalism, great strength and dedication. The honoree also is a community role model.
Stills is just the second offensive player in team history to win the Nat Moore Community Service Award in back-to-back seasons, joining Lousaka Polite (2009-10). He is the team’s most active player in the South Florida community, making appearances and lending a hand nearly every single week. The team’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, Stills has become a pioneer among NFL players in addressing societal issues. His advocacy for social justice and equal rights has led to a partnership with RISE (Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality). Along with RISE, Stills has helped organize police ride alongs and CommUNITY tailgates, bringing local student-athletes, coaches, parents, community leaders, law enforcement and military personnel together at every Dolphins home game. Stills has used his platform to help inspire other NFL players to host similar programs in their local communities. Five other teams joined the effort and hosted their own ride alongs this season, encouraging dialogue and displaying the teamwork that unites communities and their NFL teams directly to youth in the area. The Nat Moore Community Service Award is given each year to a Miami Dolphins player recognized for his involvement in the South Florida community. The winner of this award is given to the player that logs the most community service hours and is named after Moore to highlight the commitment the former wide receiver had in the South Florida community. Moore spent 13 seasons in a Dolphins uniform, culminating by his placement on the Dolphins Honor Roll in 1999.
Miami Open Enters New Era As It Relocates to Hard Rock Stadium
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December 20, 2017
Miami Open Enters New Era As It Relocates to Hard Rock Stadium
MIAMI, FL – IMG, an Endeavor company, today announced that the Miami Open presented by Itau will be relocating to Hard Rock Stadium in 2019. The partnership between IMG and Hard Rock Stadium will bring an unparalleled fan experience, improved player amenities, ample parking, as well as an extended fan base to the Miami Open, a cornerstone of IMG’s events portfolio. Construction on the new tennis facilities will begin in 2018.
The Miami Open’s last event at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, where it has enjoyed a successful 32-year run, will take place in March 2018. While the event had numerous offers to relocate to other cities, IMG committed to finding a solution that would keep the event in South Florida for the benefit of the community, working closely with Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez to develop this reimagined event.
“The Miami Open belongs in Miami,” said WME and IMG Co-President Mark Shapiro. “We’re grateful to have amazing partners in Stephen, the Miami Dolphins organization, Mayor Gimenez and above all the people of Miami who have been supporting the Miami Open for decades. While we’re looking forward to creating the new Miami Open experience at Hard Rock Stadium, our priority is to make the last edition of the Key Biscayne event the best it’s ever been.”
“We are extremely excited that the Miami Open, a global entertainment event, will remain in our community,” Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross said. “We are committed to bringing a best-in-class experience alongside IMG to all of the players, fans and partners that will take part in this global affair. The opportunity to showcase the best tennis in the world in Hard Rock Stadium, a venue that brings together the best of culture, art and entertainment, will be an amazing experience for everyone involved.”
“The Miami Open has been a part of Miami’s culture for as long as I can remember and it’s a tournament that is very special to me and my family,” added 23-time Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams. “I’ve enjoyed some of my best career moments in Miami thanks to the amazing tournament team and the supportive Miami fans. I am thrilled the Miami Open is staying in Miami, where it belongs.”
Already one of the world’s largest and most prestigious combined tennis events, the move to Hard Rock Stadium will allow the Miami Open the freedom and flexibility to grow and innovate the event with improved infrastructure, upgraded amenities, expanded space and parking. The new Miami Open will have 30 show and practice courts; a tennis oasis with the largest video screen of any tennis event; a sponsorship village with expanded and upgraded entertainment spaces; permanent retail facilities; improved Wi-Fi, media facilities, locker rooms and fitness space for players and tennis staff. The tournament’s sponsors will enjoy state-of-the-art hospitality options, improved activation areas, additional opportunities for brand exposure and access to new markets north of Miami-Dade County.
The centerpiece of the move will be a new Center Court, which will showcase a 14,000-seat stadium within Hard Rock Stadium. Ross has invested more than $500 million into Hard Rock Stadium over the years, which boasts a state-of-the-art shade canopy, four giant high-definition video boards, new seats closer to the action, concourses, restrooms and retail outlets throughout the entire facility, and new premium spaces that raise the caliber for luxury within a sports facility. The move also will allow IMG to take the fan experience to unprecedented heights by incorporating the company’s network across music, fashion, culinary and art.
###
About the Miami Open presented by Itaú
The 2018 Miami Open will be played March 19-April 1 at the Crandon Park Tennis Center in Miami. The two-week combined event is owned and operated by IMG. The Miami Open is one of nine ATP Masters 1000 Series events on the ATP calendar, a Premier Mandatory event on the WTA calendar, and features the top men’s and women’s tennis players in the world. The tournament is widely regarded as the most glamorous on the ATP and WTA calendars because of its exotic Miami location, thriving nightlife, five-star hotels and restaurants, beautiful weather and beaches, and its celebrity appeal. For ticket information, call +1.305.442.3367 or visit www.miamiopen.com.
About Itaú
Itau is the largest Latin America privately owned bank, with approximately 94,000 employees and operations in 19 countries throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe. Itaú’s relationship with sport goes back to the 1970s, when Itaú first sponsored the Itaú Tennis Cup in Brazil in 1970. Itaú has been a sponsor of the Miami Open for the last six years, and also sponsors the Rio Open, the only combined ATP/WTA event in South America. Itaú also supports the Brazilian Women’s Tennis Circuit, only female professional tournament in South America, certified by the Brazilian Tennis Confederation (CBT) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), as well as the Tennis Institute Training Center, responsible for the development of young, new talent.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media, operating in more than 30 countries. The company manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specializes in sports training and league development, as well as marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. IMG is part of the Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG) network.
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 Playoffs 2021 Final, major concerts, international soccer matches and a host of world-class events. The facility has undergone a $500 million, multi-year renovation privately funded by Owner Stephen Ross.
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
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December 20, 2017
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have promoted tight end Thomas Duarte off the practice squad, activated tackle Eric Smith off injured reserve and placed guard/tackle Jermon Bushrod and tight end Julius Thomas on injured reserve.
Duarte has spent all of the 2017 season on Miami’s practice squad. He played one game for the Dolphins and was inactive for eight contests in 2016, spending the remainder of that season on the practice squad. Duarte was a seventh-round pick (231st overall) by the Dolphins in the 2016 NFL draft. He was a three-year letterwinner (2013-15) and two-year starter at UCLA, where he totaled 97 receptions for 1,626 yards (16.8 avg.) and 17 touchdowns.
Smith was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 3 after being inactive for the first three games. He originally joined Miami as an undrafted college free agent on May 5, 2017. Smith was a four-year starter (2013-16) at Virginia where he started 44 consecutive games to finish his collegiate career. He was the team’s starting right tackle for every game from 2014-16 and earned Freshman All-American honors in 2013.
Bushrod started 10 games at right guard for the Dolphins in 2017, but was inactive for the past four games due to injury. He started all 16 games at right guard for Miami in 2016, his first season with the team. Bushrod joined the Dolphins as a free agent on March 11, 2016. He is in his 11th NFL season after also spending time with New Orleans (2013) and Chicago (2013-15). Bushrod originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick (125th overall) by New Orleans in the 2007 NFL draft.
Thomas played in 14 games with 12 starts for the Dolphins in 2017. He recorded 41 receptions for 388 yards (9.5 avg.) and three touchdowns. Thomas has caught 36 touchdowns since 2013, the third-most among all NFL tight ends during that span. He was acquired by Miami in a trade with Jacksonville on March 9, 2017. Thomas originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick (129th overall) by Denver in the 2011 NFL draft.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Thomas Duarte |
TE |
6-2 |
244 |
3/30/95 |
2 |
UCLA ’16 |
Fullerton, Calif. |
D7b, ‘16 |
| Eric Smith |
T |
6-4 |
321 |
9/2/95 |
R |
Virginia ’17 |
Decatur, Ga. |
FA, ‘17 |
Jones Selected to Pro Bowl
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December 19, 2017
Jones Selected to Pro Bowl
MIAMI – The National Football League today announced that Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones has been selected to start for the AFC team in the 2018 Pro Bowl.
Jones’ selection extends Miami’s streak to 20 consecutive seasons with a defensive player elected to the Pro Bowl. Miami has had at least one representative in the Pro Bowl in all but two seasons of the team’s 50-year history. The only seasons in which the Dolphins did not have a Pro Bowl representative were following the 1980 and 1997 campaigns.
It’s the second selection of Jones’ career after he also earned a Pro Bowl nod following the 2015 season. Jones has started all 14 games for the Dolphins this season and has recorded 99 tackles (76 solo), a half-sack, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries and four passes defensed. He is the only player in the NFL to return two fumbles for touchdowns this season and his five career defensive touchdowns are second in team history. His 99 tackles lead all AFC safeties this season.
Jones becomes the eighth player on the Dolphins active roster to be selected to multiple Pro Bowls, joining guard/tackle Jermon Bushrod (2011-12), long snapper John Denney (2010, 2012), wide receiver Jarvis Landry (2015-16), center Mike Pouncey (2013-15), defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (2010, 2012-14, 2016), tight end Julius Thomas (2013-14) and defensive end Cameron Wake (2010, 2012-14, 2016).
Jones is one of six Dolphins safeties to be selected to the Pro Bowl and is one of just four to be selected multiple times, joining Jake Scott (five times; 1971-75), Dick Anderson (three; 1972-74) and Brock Marion (three; 2000, 2003-04). Yeremiah Bell (2009) and Tim Foley (1979) are the other Dolphins safeties selected to the Pro Bowl.
The 2018 Pro Bowl, which kicks off at a new start time of 3 p.m. ET, will take place on Sunday, January 28, and be televised live from Camping World Stadium in Orlando on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and simulcast on ABC. Fans may visit NFL.com/ProBowlOnSale to purchase game tickets.
Miami Dolphins Hosted 125 Kids for Holiday Toy Event presented by Petland
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December 19, 2017
Image credit: Miami Dolphins
Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8urk706uc9q3m6x/AABamFGqiwfHcOyBML-HmKJPa?dl=0
Miami Dolphins Hosted 125 Kids for Holiday Toy Event presented by Petland
Davie, Fla. – Miami Dolphins players Matt Haack, Tony Lippett, Drew Morgan, Cody Parkey, Kenny Stills, Vincent Taylor and Sam Young, cheerleaders Alexandra, Holly, Katie, Kelly, Tamara and Vera, mascot T.D. and the Miami Dolphins Women’s Organization hosted 125 school students for their annual holiday toy event. The event was presented by Petland. The kids from Charles D. Wyche Elementary, H.L. Watkins Middle School, Lauderhill Paul Turner Elementary School, Orchid Villa Elementary School and Riverland Elementary School received holiday toys and participated in activities including creating a stuffed animal, a sugar cookie decorating station, jumping in inflatable bounce houses and slides, smiling for a photo booth with Santa, playing cornhole and tossing the football.
“I’m having a great time here. My favorite thing has been the cookies and I got to make a stuffed dolphin with the players,” Jorge from Charles D. Whyche Elementary said. “I hope all of the other kids are having as good a time as me.”
The holiday toys were purchased by the players and coaching staff, a decades-long tradition of the Miami Dolphins. More than 1,000 kids from the Dolphins partner schools in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties have participated in the event over the years.
“Being able to come out here and toss the football with these kids is just a blessing,” Dolphins DT Vincent Taylor said. “It’s always good to be able to do stuff like this because some people are not fortunate enough to have a good Christmas, so it’s a blessing to be able to give back and share what I have with these kids.”
Miami Dolphins Hosted Gatorade Junior Training Camp
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December 14, 2017
***Photo/Video Credit: Miami Dolphins***
Photos/Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6f25w9as8916hk5/AABOr2iAafBoA9lnSCzNLD6Ga?dl=0
Miami Dolphins Hosted Gatorade Junior Training Camp
Mia, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today hosted a Gatorade Junior Training Camp at Carol City Middle School. Dolphins alumni Elmer Bailey, Lorenzo Hampton, Sam Madison, Twan Russell and Jed Weaver spent the morning teaching football specific drills as well as heat and hydration safety to approximately 300 middle school athletes.
“We’re excited to host the Gatorade Junior Training Camp at Carol City Middle School, which is just a short distance away from Hard Rock Stadium here in Miami Gardens,” said Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Ambassador & Alum Twan Russell. “Today’s sessions were geared toward helping young athletes develop key football skills to help them on the field and also ensuring they are knowledgeable about staying properly hydrated while competing.”
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. Wendy’s was a supporting partner of the event.
