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Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 7 Award Winners   Download PDF version

October 18, 2017

Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 7 Award Winners

Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) today announced their Week 7 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 7 Winners:

  • High School Coach of the Week: Max Edwards from Miami Northwestern Senior High School. The Bulls improved to 5-1 on the season with a 16-7 win over Carol City. This was Coach Edwards’ first game coaching since being hospitalized two weeks ago in Bradenton prior to the Bulls matchup against IMG Academy.
  • High School Player of the Week: TJ Butler from Plantation High School. Butler had five tackles and three interceptions as the Colonels upset previously unbeaten Western 34-26. This victory put the 6-1 Colonels in prime position to get the first wildcard spot or possibly engage in a three-team tiebreaker for the district title.
  • Youth Player of the Week: Octavius Durden from the Opa Locka Hurricanes 14U of the National Youth Football League. Durden had three catches for 70 yards and one touchdown and added six tackles in a 12-0 shutout of the North Miami Tigers.
  • Team Mom of the Week: Sandra Cerezo from the Dick Conley Steelers 8U of the Miami Xtreme Football League. Cerezo volunteers her love, sweat and tears to help the 8U division and every age group in the Dick Conley Steeler family. She goes above and beyond making sure her team’s books are in order. She assistances with new player sign ups and gives all the information to parents to help them understand what the players’ needs are for the year. Cerezo makes sure the team is run smoothly on a daily basis. She plans game day snacks, drinks and postgame meals for the players and coaches. Cerezo and another team mom came up with a great idea for the players to use cool towels during games to help keep our players cool and hydrated. She volunteers in the concession stand on a daily basis to raise money and also organizes fundraisers for players who would not otherwise have the proper gear to play.
  • Team of the Week: Cooper City High School. The Cowboys are part of the RISE Leadership Program, 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. The multifaceted program increases awareness, builds skills and creates safe spaces to have difficult conversations. 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.

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 Go Halloween Costume Shopping with Elementary School Students   Download PDF version

October 17, 2017

Miami Dolphins Go Halloween Costume Shopping with Elementary School Students

Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins took 50 elementary school students shopping for Halloween costumes on Tuesday afternoon. Students from Park Lakes Elementary and Robert Russa Moton Elementary walked the aisles of Spirit Halloween in Oakland Park with Dolphins players, cheerleaders, alumni and mascot T.D. in search of great costumes to impress their friends.

The students came into the shop in two waves, with Park Lakes Elementary’s 25 students coming first. Ten Dolphins players, four cheerleaders, three alumni and T.D. greeted the students as they walked in and handed each one a Miami Dolphins T-shirt. Shortly thereafter, the kids were off shopping for costumes with some of their favorite Dolphins players, including Chase Allen, MarQueis Gray, Matt Haack, Neville Hewitt, Malcolm Lewis, Drew Morgan, Cody Parkey, Eric Smith, Gabe Wright and Vincent Taylor.

“It’s the holidays. Halloween is coming up and I know kids look forward to going costume shopping. Me being a father and having my own kids, it’s something I couldn’t do this year because they’re out of town,” Dolphins tight end MarQueis Gray said of being able to join the kids in their costume hunt. “I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to go help these kids and help them have fun today.”

Once the Park Lakes students all had their costumes, they sat down with some of the Dolphins to enjoy a Papa John’s pizza party. Meanwhile, the Robert Russa Moton students entered the building for their chance to shop for costumes. Players, cheerleaders Alexandra, Britt, Holly and Jenny, and alumni Larry Ball, Troy Drayton and Lousaka Polite walked kids through the aisles to help them become grim reapers, princesses, superheroes and more.

Robert Russa Moton principal Eric Wright said he selected the students based on need. “We come from a low economic area. Most of them have challenges and needs, so it’s just an opportunity to get away from their community, but really they probably wouldn’t have had a chance to go shopping for costumes. Most of our students are siblings that come from large families, so usually they don’t all get to get something. This way they all get to get something.”

Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 6 Award Winners   Download PDF version

October 11, 2017

Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 6 Award Winners

Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) today announced their Week 6 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 6 Winners:

  • High School Coach of the Week: Chris Merritt from Christopher Columbus High School. Last week, the Explorers beat Lake Gibson 28-7. Coach Merritt and his team have played four games in 14 days and earned a 4-0 record, improving to 5-1 this season. Merritt also is a Regional Master Trainer for USA Football.
  • High School Player of the Week: John Smith from Park Vista High School. Smith threw two touchdowns, had a touchdown reception and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in a 29-7 win over Boca Raton.
  • Youth Player of the Week: Cormury Butts from the Miami Beach Dolphins 12U of the Youth Academic Sport League. Butts rushed six times for 127 yards and two touchdowns and added three catches for 80 yards in a win over the Muck City Gators.
  • Team Mom of the Week: Angela Lawrence from the Gwen Cherry Bulls (7U) of the Florida Youth Football League. Lawrence takes care of all of the administrative work and goes above and beyond with disseminating, collecting and proofing all of the required paperwork for the league. She keeps the parents informed of the park rules, expectations, schedules, uniform orders and accessory orders. Lawrence also purchases food, water, ice and Gatorade for the kids, often times with her own money. She treats all of the kids as if they are her own. Lawrence instills good qualities in the kids at the park by carrying herself as a role model. At times, she picks kids up from home and ensures that they return home safely. The kids on other teams at the park all know her, because she is always there. Academics are a big deal to her as well. She constantly reminds the kids that academics come first and football/sports are second.

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 name DeGuglielmo senior offensive assistant   Download PDF version

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have named Dave DeGuglielmo senior offensive assistant.

DeGuglielmo (pronounced day-GHOUL-yell-mo) returns to Miami after he spent the 2009-11 seasons as the Dolphins offensive line coach. He brings 25 years of coaching experience – 12 years in the NFL and 13 at the college level. DeGuglielmo has coached two Super Bowl champions, serving as the assistant offensive line coach for the New York Giants when they won Super Bowl XLII following the 2007 season and as the New England Patriots offensive line coach for their Super Bowl XLIX win following the 2014 season.

Most recently, DeGuglielmo was the assistant offensive line coach for the San Diego Chargers in 2016. His unit helped running back Melvin Gordon rush for 997 yards and 10 touchdowns while protecting quarterback Philip Rivers, who threw for 4,386 yards and 33 touchdowns.

In 2014-15, DeGuglielmo served as offensive line coach for the New England Patriots. His offensive line enabled the Patriots offense to finish in the top third in the NFL in every major category in their championship season in 2014.  The offensive line allowed just 26 sacks, tied for fourth in the NFL.

As offensive line coach with the New York Jets in 2012, DeGuglielmo helped the offense rush for 1,896 yards, the 12th-most in the NFL that season.

From 2009-11, DeGuglielmo was the offensive line coach for the Dolphins. In his three years with the Dolphins, he tutored tackle Jake Long to three Pro Bowl appearances and two starts. Long became the first Dolphins offensive lineman since tackle Richmond Webb (1990-96) to be selected to three straight Pro Bowls. In 2011, running back Reggie Bush (1,086 rushing yards) and wide receiver Brandon Marshall (1,124 receiving yards) became the first 1,000-yard rushing/receiving duo in team history.

DeGuglielmo spent five seasons (2004-08) as a member of the New York Giants staff. DeGuglielmo joined the Giants in 2004 as the assistant offensive line/quality control coach before being elevated to assistant offensive line coach in 2005. During his tenure (2004-08), the Giants consistently ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in several rushing categories. The Giants were one of only four NFL teams to have put together a 4.0-yard average per rush attempt or better each of his last four seasons (2005-08). Also during this four-year stretch, the Giants allowed 28 or fewer sacks each year and qualified for the playoffs four consecutive years for the first time in franchise history. In 2008, the team led the league and established a franchise record with 2,518 rushing yards and 5.0 yards per carry. DeGuglielmo also assisted in tutoring 2009 Pro Bowl selections guard Chris Snee and center Shaun O’Hara, the first Giants offensive linemen named to the Pro Bowl since guard Ron Stone in 2001.

Prior to entering the NFL coaching ranks, DeGuglielmo spent 13 seasons at the collegiate level, including the final five at South Carolina (1999-2003) under Hall of Fame Coach Lou Holtz, where he tutored the offensive line for two years (1999, 2003), and the offensive tackles and tight ends for the balance (2000-02). Before joining South Carolina, he spent two seasons as the offensive line coach for the University of Connecticut (1997-98), where the Huskies appeared in the 1998 NCAA 1-AA playoffs, the first postseason appearance in school history and the first and only 10 win season in school history. Prior to that, DeGuglielmo spent four seasons (1993-96) at his alma mater Boston University, the first three as offensive line coach and the final one as offensive line/assistant head coach. DeGuglielmo began his coaching career at Boston College, spending two seasons with the Eagles (1991-92), where he was the school’s graduate assistant offensive line coach under Tom Coughlin.

DeGuglielmo grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts, and was a four-year letterwinning offensive lineman at Boston University (1987-90), while playing both the guard and center positions. A two-time Yankee Conference All-Academic Player and a First Team All-New England selection, he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1990 and a master’s degree in 1991. He and his wife, Kimberly Ann, have a daughter, Saige Ashley.

Miami Dolphins Collaborate with Facebook & ASBN to Live Stream High School Football Games Across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties   Download PDF version

October 6, 2017

Miami Dolphins Collaborate with Facebook & ASBN to Live Stream High School Football Games Across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties

Miami, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they are working with Facebook and ASBN to become the first NFL team to live stream high school football games on the social platform. The games, featuring teams from Miami-Dade and Broward counties, will be available to people on Watch, Facebook’s new platform for shows. Fans can add these games to their watchlist by following the Miami Dolphins High School Live Show Page.

Prior to kickoff, the Dolphins also will stream “The Audible: Football Fridays,” a 30-minute program hosted by former Dolphins Kim Bokamper and Joe Rose. The social and interactive show promotes high school football in both counties, talks about the upcoming Dolphins game and is available on Facebook, Periscope and YouTube. The show’s earlier announced slate of games now features five rescheduled matchups due to Hurricane Irma.

The first streamed contest will feature Deerfield Beach High School vs. St. Thomas Aquinas High School this Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET. Those tuning into the broadcast will hear analysis and discussion from correspondents and audience interaction will be encouraged via live chats.

“By working with Facebook and ASBN, the Miami Dolphins are once again proving to be innovative adaptors by bringing football and technology together,” Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Communications & Community Affairs Jason Jenkins said. “This program will further our mission of celebrating youth football in South Florida and now bring the stories of these coaches, players and teams to a national audience.”

 

Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 5 Award Winners   Download PDF version

October 4, 2017

***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uu87vje7yy6655k/AAD36qxM-g1rcpKu7BnRFidta?dl=0

Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 5 Award Winners

Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) today announced their Week 5 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 5 Winners:

  • High School Coach of the Week: Brendan Kent from Oxbridge Academy. The Thunderwolves defeated the seventh ranked Glades Central 31-0. Coach Kent and his team improved to a 3-1 record and sit atop the 3A Associated Press poll.
  • High School Player of the Week: Shaun Shivers from Chaminade- Madonna. Shivers carried the ball eight times for 238 yards and four touchdowns in a 52-0 win over Piper High School. He is committed to attend Auburn University in the fall.
  • Youth Player of the Week: Edward McIntosh from the Pompano Chief Junior Peewees of the Gold Coast Pop Warner League. McIntosh rushed for 140 yards and three first-half touchdowns on seven carries. He added two interceptions and one touchdown on defense in a win over the Pompano Chiefs Green Team. McIntosh also has a 4.0 grade point average.
  • Team Mom of the Week: Diedra Lamas from the Boca Braves of the Gold Coast Pop Warner League. Lamas is one of the hardest working moms in the Gold Coast Pop Warner League. At the beginning of the 2017 season, she was at the park night and day organizing for the first day of kickoff. Lamas also assisted every team in the park with preparing their books for certification. She can recite any players name, their age and even their weight on the spot. Llams also is the team mom to her son’s baseball team and she works full time.
  • Team of the Week: Miami Central Senior High School’s high school football team was stranded in Las Vegas this week and couldn’t get home due to issues with Hurricane Irma. They were originally in Nevada to play Bishop Gorman, a three national champion powerhouse. Miami Central won the game 24-20. We spoke with Miami Central’s coach and several of our players (Reshad Jones, Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker, Ndamukong Suh, Kenny Stills, Lawrence Timmons and Laremy Tunsil) paid for their hotel stay in Nevada and transportation from the airport when they arrive back in Florida.

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 3, 2017

Miami Dolphins make roster moves

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have placed tackle Eric Smith on injured reserve and promoted cornerback/safety Jordan Lucas to the active roster.

Smith signed with Miami as an undrafted college free agent on May 5, 2017 and made the active roster out of training camp, but was inactive for the first three games of the season. He was a four-year starter (2013-16) at Virginia, where he started 44 straight games to finish his collegiate career.

Lucas was a sixth-round pick (204th overall) by Miami in the 2016 NFL draft and played in eight games with two assisted special teams tackles. He also recorded an assisted special teams stop in the 2016 AFC Wild Card playoff game at Pittsburgh. Lucas was waived by Miami on Sept. 2, 2017 and signed to the team’s practice squad on Sept. 3, 2017. He was a four-year letterman (2012-15) and three-year starter at Penn State.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
Jordan Lucas CB/S 6-0 202 8/2/93 2 Penn State ’16 New Rochelle, N.Y. D6b, ‘16
Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 4 Award Winners   Download PDF version

September 27, 2017

***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ejhyw3i96pp5xti/AACdLSgqt9So1sIOHOXHwViea?dl=0

Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 4 Award Winners

Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) today announced their Week 4 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 4 Winners:

  • High School Coach of the Week: Matt DuBuc from Cardinal Gibbons High School. The Chiefs are off to a 3-0 start this season after defeating Stoneman Douglas 49-0. Cardinal Gibbons is currently ranked No.2 in the state in 5A football.
  • High School Player of the Week: Divaad Wilson from Miami Northwestern Senior High School. The 6’0”, 180 pound senior defensive back had four tackles, two interceptions and two pass breakups in a 14-7 win over Booker T. Washington. Divvad is committed to attend the University of Florida in the fall.
  • Youth Player of the Week: Eric Cannon from the Palmetto Bay Broncos Junior PeeWee (115s) of the Greater Miami South Florida Pop Warner football league. Cannon had eight carries for 130 yards and three touchdowns and added three receptions in a victory over the Miami Youth Hurricanes.
  • Team Mom of the Week: Melissa Dempsey from the Kendall Hammock Warriors 11U of the Miami Xtreme Youth Football League. Dempsey is a first year head team mom, but has been an assistant head team mom for over eight years. In her first season as head team mom, Dempsey has dealt with adversity that comes with the position, but with all the frustrations, she has never complained and deals with all the problems immediately. On top of her head team mom duties, Dempsey also has taken the leadership of managing the concessions stands. Dempsey is one in a million volunteer, who takes on challenges and always has a smile on her face. Her dedication to the Kendall Hammocks Warriors program is priceless.

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.