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Stephen Ross and Miami Dolphins Players Create Yearly Fund to Advocate for Social Justice Programs   Download PDF version

November 4, 2017

Stephen Ross and Miami Dolphins Players Create Yearly Fund to Advocate for Social Justice Programs

MIAMI – Stephen Ross and Miami Dolphins players announced that they have created a yearly fund for advocacy and social justice programs. In addition, the Miami Dolphins and its players will highlight groups and organizations in South Florida that tackle these challenges in the community during Miami Dolphins home games.

During 2017-18, the organization and players will identify and support social justice programs, including:

  • Social Justice Grant Program
    • The Miami Dolphins will identify and earmark funds for a grant program to impact organizations in need that are involved in community engagement, education or justice reform.
  • Project Change Scholarship
    • The Miami Dolphins will Identify deserving high school students and provide them with funds over a four-year period. The goal is to target students to change their lives, so they can make a change in their community. Criteria includes participation in programs that positively impact community engagement, education or justice reform along with an essay on how they want to positively impact the community.
  • Police Athletic League of North Miami
    • Players and law enforcement discussed collaborating on joint programs during a ride along event and community policing on Tuesday, Oct. 10 with the North Miami Police Department and Broward Sherriff’s Office. As a result of these productive conversations, the team will sponsor The Police Athletic League of North Miami’s (PAL of North Miami) whose mission is to cultivate partnership between parents, schools and the community.
  • 5000 Role Models and Miami Dolphins Police and Youth Conference
    • The Miami Dolphins will partner with the 5000 Role Models Excellence Project to host a conference at Hard Rock Stadium designed to promote positive interaction between youth and law enforcement.
  • RISE Leadership Programs
    • The RISE Leadership Program is 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. During the 10-week program, high school 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. The Dolphins will sponsor programs at Booker T. Washington, Cooper City and Hollywood Hills.
  • CommUNITY Tailgate
    • Miami Dolphins players will continue to host community leaders, youth, coaches and law enforcement to participate in special tailgates prior to each home game with the goal of continuing dialogue between community members and fostering relationships. The CommUNITY Tailgate initiative stems from a solution-oriented town hall hosted in fall 2016 by the Dolphins and RISE during which players and local leaders discussed actionable steps that could be taken to address issues of racial inequality and unite the community. This marks the second season of the tailgates at Dolphins home games.
  • Unity Day
    • During the Dolphins and RISE player funded tailgate vs. the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 31, the team will host a town hall meeting featuring community leaders, law enforcement and educators with a shared goal of improving race relations and bringing people together under the unifying values of sports.

These initiatives will be in addition to the previous work in this space through the team’s collaboration with the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE). Founded and created by Ross in October 2015, RISE harnesses the unifying power of sports to improve race relations and drive social progress. Since its founding, RISE programs have reached more than 30,000 students, coaches and athletic staff at the high school, collegiate and professional level. To learn more about RISE, visit risetowin.org.

Miami Dolphins activate Larsen   Download PDF version

November 4, 2017

Miami Dolphins activate Larsen

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have activated center/guard Ted Larsen off injured reserve and placed him on the active roster.

Larsen was signed by the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent from Chicago on March 10, 2017 before being placed on injured reserve on Sept. 4, 2017. An eight-year NFL veteran, Larsen has played in 102 career games with 65 starts and appeared in all 16 games with eight starts last year for the Bears. He also spent time with Tampa Bay (2010-13) and Arizona (2014-15). Larsen originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick (205th overall) by New England in the 2010 NFL draft.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
Ted Larsen C/G 6-3 320 6/13/87 8 NC State ’10 Palm Harbor, Fla. UFA, ’17 (Chi.)
Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 9 Award Winners   Download PDF version

November 1, 2017

***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cwog7x41b3339ed/AAAfSGpDVmTNSuGoYU1ZFqyUa?dl=0

Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 9 Award Winners

Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) today announced their Week 9 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 9 Winners:

  • High School Coach of the Week: Daryle Heidelburg from Miami Norland Senior High School. Heidelburg guided the Vikings to a 28-27 upset win over the state’s No. 1 6A team, Miami Northwestern after being down 20 points going into the second half. The Vikings were the eighth ranked team in 6A prior to the matchup. Norland’s victory over Northwestern will likely move the Vikings up one spot in the rankings prior to the playoffs beginning in two weeks.
  • High School Player of the Week: Ryle Aguila from Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy. The sophomore quarterback completed 21-of-30 passes for 504 yards and seven touchdowns in a win over Boca Christian. He also added two rushing touchdowns and accounted for 546 total yards of total offense.
  • Youth Player of the Week: Cornell Mims from the North Miami Beach Sundevils 12U of the Miami Xtreme Youth Football League. Mims rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns in the Sundevils victory over the Doral Broncos.
  • Team Mom of the Week: Catherine Richardson from the West Pines Wildcats of the American Youth Football League. Richardson is retired from the Air Force and has been an amazing team mom. She is the first one at the park and the last one to leave. Richardson has been the first to do everything for her team from fundraising to fitting uniforms and spends countless hours volunteering. Even through hard times, Richardson always greets everyone with a smile and asks how she can help. She exemplifies what all team mom’s aspire to be and is one of the reason why her park is successful.
  • Team of the Week: Red Zone Sports Flag. The Red Zone Sports Flag team represented South Florida at the 2017 Pro Bowl and became the 2017 Boys NFL FLAG National Champions powered by USA Football.

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 make roster moves   Download PDF version

October 31, 2017

Miami Dolphins make roster moves

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have activated wide receiver Rashawn Scott off the physically unable to perform list. The team placed safety Nate Allen and center/guard Anthony Steen on injured reserve.

Scott was placed on the physically unable to perform list on July 27, 2017. He played in two games for the Dolphins in 2016 and also appeared in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Pittsburgh on Jan. 8, 2017. He was inactive for three games and on the Dolphins practice squad for the other 11 games of the 2016 season. Scott originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with Miami on May 6, 2016. He played collegiately at the University of Miami.

Allen started all seven games for the Dolphins this season, totaling 20 tackles (14 solo) and one pass defensed. He was signed by Miami as an unrestricted free agent from Oakland on March 10, 2017. An eight-year NFL veteran, Allen also spent time with Philadelphia (2010-14) and Oakland (2015-16). He has played in 100 career games with 83 starts and has 13 career interceptions. Allen originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick (37th overall) by Philadelphia in the 2010 NFL draft.

Steen started six games at left guard for the Dolphins this season and has played 21 games with 13 starts for the team over his two-year career (2016-17). He signed with Miami on Jan. 5, 2016 after a stint on the team’s practice squad in 2015. Steen originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with Arizona on May 12, 2014.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
Rashawn Scott WR 6-0 199 1/29/82 2 Miami (Fla.) ’16 Melbourne, Fla. FA, ‘16
Miami Dolphins trade Ajayi to Philadelphia   Download PDF version

October 31, 2017

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have traded running back Jay Ajayi to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2018 fourth-round pick.

Ajayi started all seven games for the Dolphins in 2017 and has rushed 138 times for 465 yards (3.4 avg.) and no touchdowns. He’s also caught 14 receptions for 67 yards (4.8 avg.). A third-year pro, Ajayi has played in 31 career games with 19 starts and totaled 447 carries for 1,924 yards (4.3 avg.) and nine rushing touchdowns. He was a fifth-round pick (149th overall) by Miami in the 2015 NFL draft.

Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders Host 2017 Swimsuit Fashion Show   Download PDF version

October 27, 2017

Image credit: Miami Dolphins

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xarf33z60t1bd85/AAAFImIRN22Nmy0pw1WReimJa?dl=0

Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders Host 2017 Swimsuit Fashion Show

Miami – On Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders hosted their annual Swimsuit Fashion Show at Hard Rock Stadium. In contrast to previous years in which the cheerleaders created a swimsuit calendar, this year the ladies are captured in The Annual, a 100-page book filled with beautiful and iconic images that are timeless.

Proceeds from this Annual, photographed from Key West to Miami Beach, will benefit rebuilding efforts in the Keys and all affected areas from Hurricane Irma through the Miami Dolphins Foundation.

The cover of the Annual was unveiled before the show, with Miami Dolphins Cheerleader Adrianna receiving the honor as the first cover girl for the Annual. A high-energy swimwear fashion show featuring the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders followed. The show showcased swimsuit designs by Meg Liz Swimwear, Luli Fama, DEPSI Swimwear, Brooke and Arrow, PintArena Swimwear, Sincerely ALC and Zannikini and jewelry from Brooke and Arrow.

The theme this year was Air, Land and Sea. The show took spectators on a journey that started with “Air,” showcasing colorful birds, butterflies, peacocks and more. The next phase of the show was “Land,” featuring exotic animal print bikinis such as a tigers, snakes, cheetahs and zebras. The next stop on the journey took viewers to the beach where a live band HyRyze played tropical tunes while the ladies walked in summer beach attire.

The next scene took the show to the water, with the ladies sporting fun scuba gear, beach props and water guns. The seas then got rough and the ladies ventured into the depths of the ocean dressing as sea urchins, octopi and other dangerous animals of the deep. Progressively getting deeper and deeper, the ladies ended the show in head-to-toe glowing body paint.

The Annual can be ordered on DolphinsCheerleaders.com and will ship in mid-November. The cost of the Annual is $19.99, plus shipping.

The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders are the most highly recognized cheerleader brands in the world. They are the most accessible and visible ambassadors of the organization. The Dolphins cheerleaders are the most international cheerleading squad in the NFL, representing six countries and speaking a combined four languages. One of the most visible entertainment groups in all of professional sports, the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders have traveled to more than 30 countries on five continents over the past decade and continue to be an iconic and international face of NFL Cheerleaders.

The cheerleaders are multifaceted individuals that represent all women (athletes, students, professionals, teammates, sisters). The cheerleaders are professional, educated and hard working women who strive to be a positive role model and inspire all females through public speaking, physical fitness and etiquette. The cheerleaders are on the sidelines for all home games and are extremely active in the community; visiting schools and hospitals, as well as charity and corporate events.

Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 8 Award Winners   Download PDF version

October 25, 2017

***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/w1rl6okznxg6pkn/AACpWMjGCrzlKDOf4b_cKAiKa?dl=0

Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 8 Award Winners

Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) today announced their Week 8 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 8 Winners:

  • High School Coach of the Week: Tavarius (TJ) Jackson from Atlantic High School. The Eagles have not lost since Week 1 and have outscored their opponents 161-47. The Eagles can clinch the District 10-8A championship with a win over Boca Raton this weekend. The Eagles are currently ranked No. 3 in the Palm Beach Post High School Football Top Ten.
  • High School Player of the Week: Jakari Norwood from Deerfield Beach High School. Norwood rushed eight times for 124 yards and three touchdowns as the Bucks routed Monarch 49-0. Norwood is committed to attend the University of Illinois in the fall.
  • Youth Player of the Week: Aden Johnson from the Pembroke Pines Optimist Bengals of the American Youth Football League. Johnson had three carries for 121 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Sunrise Gators.
  • Team Mom of the Week: Charisma Burton of the Washington Park Buccaneers Super Pee Wee (4 and 5 years old) from the Florida Youth Football League. Burton undertakes so many different responsibilities as a Team Mom. Not only is Burton a certified Team Mom for the Florida Youth Football League but she also is a certified USA Football Heads Up Team Parent. Along with her daily responsibilities for the super peewee team, Burton oversees the program’s registration and all team books as board-treasurer, which is the backbone of the organization each season. Her relentless effort is the reason why her football and cheer programs are one of the top programs in all of South Florida youth football.

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 make roster moves   Download PDF version

October 24, 2017

Miami Dolphins make roster moves

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed quarterback David Fales and released cornerback Byron Maxwell.

Fales spent the offseason and training camp with the Dolphins before he was waived on Sept. 2, 2017. In the preseason, he completed 27-of-55 passes (49.1 pct.) for five touchdowns and one touchdown, posting a quarterback rating of 97.8. Fales played in one game with Chicago in 2016 and spent time on Baltimore’s practice squad that year. He was also on Chicago’s practice squad and active roster in 2014 and 2015. Fales originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round selection (183rd overall) by Chicago in the 2014 NFL draft.

Maxwell started two games this season and was inactive for four others. He recorded eight solo tackles and forced one fumble. In 2016, Maxwell started 13 games, did not play one contest and was inactive for two others. He totaled 53 tackles (43 solo), two interceptions, 15 passes defensed and four forced fumbles. He was acquired by the Dolphins in a trade with Philadelphia on March 9, 2016 and originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round selection (173rd overall) by Seattle in the 2011 NFL draft.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
David Fales QB 6-2 213 10/4/90 3 San Jose St. ’14 Salinas, Calif. FA, ‘17