Miami Dolphins and Special Olympics Florida Partner to Host Rookie Clinic
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May 16, 2017
***Photos/Video Credit: Miami Dolphins***
Photos/Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jlsl1a7dqy90ezy/AACipoFQBNQkJ9BOznDd9HF3a?dl=0
Miami Dolphins and Special Olympics Florida Partner to Host Rookie Clinic
Davie, Fla. — Members of the Miami Dolphins rookie class hosted more than 60 Special Olympics Florida athletes from Miami-Dade and Broward County to promote physical fitness in the South Florida community.
“We are thrilled to return to the Dolphins Training Facility for our annual clinic with the rookie class,” Special Olympics Florida Area Director Linsey Smith said. “It is one of the highlights of the year for our athletes to have the opportunity to train on the same field as their idols. We are grateful to the Miami Dolphins for providing this memorable experience each year.”
Miami Dolphins rookies Chase Allen, Isaac Asiata, Winston Chapman, Isaiah Ford, Davon Godchaux, Matt Haack, Charles Harris, Larry Hope, Malcolm Lewis, Cameron Malveaux, Praise Martin-Oguike, Raekwon McMillan, Torry McTyer, Drew Morgan, Joby Saint Fleur, De’Veon Smith, Eric Smith, Maurice Smith, Damore’ea Stringfellow, Cordrea Tankersley and Vincent Taylor participated in the event.
“To me, it’s all about giving back,” Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Vincent Taylor said. “I worked with Special Olympics in my hometown of San Antonio. For me to do it in Miami, it’s a fun event. For me to help Special Olympics Florida, it’s a good time to be able to give back to the community.”
The rookies played and refereed flag football games with the Special Olympic Florida athletes, grades 6-12. It was their first community event as members of the organization.
“My favorite part was everything,” Special Olympics athlete Max Mogul said. “What I liked the most was to come out here with the Dolphins and we feel so special to play with the players. It’s very touching and very nice.”
Miami Dolphins sign Godchaux
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Miami Dolphins sign Godchaux
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed fifth-round pick defensive tackle Davon Godchaux.
Godchaux was the second of Miami’s two fifth-round picks (No. 178 overall) and a three-year starter (2014-16) at LSU, where he played in 37 career games with 34 starts, including 33 consecutive starts to finish his career. He totaled 145 tackles (51 solo), 12.5 sacks, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles in his career. As a junior in 2016, Godchaux started all 12 games and had 62 stops (24 solo), 6.5 sacks and one pass defensed.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Davon Godchaux |
DT |
6-4 |
299 |
11/11/94 |
R |
LSU ’17 |
Plaquemine, La. |
D5b, ‘17 |
Miami Dolphins sign 5 draft picks
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May 5, 2017
Miami Dolphins sign 5 draft picks
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed linebacker Raekwon McMillan, cornerback Cordrea Tankersley, guard Isaac Asiata, defensive tackle Vincent Taylor and wide receiver Isaiah Ford.
McMillan was the team’s second-round pick selected No. 54 overall. A three-year letterman (2014-16) and two-year starter at Ohio State, he played in 40 career games with 26 starts and was part of Ohio State’s 2014 national championship team. He earned second-team All-American honors in both 2015 and 2016. During his career, McMillan totaled 275 tackles (136 solo), six sacks, one interception, 10 passes defensed and two forced fumbles. He also served as a team captain in 2016.
Tankersley was picked in the third round with the No. 97 pick of the draft. He lettered four years (2013-16) and started two seasons at Clemson, where he appeared in 55 career games with 30 starts and was part of the school’s 2016 national championship team. His 55 career games played ranks No. 2 in Clemson history. He recorded career totals of 119 tackles (91 solo), one sack, nine interceptions and 29 passes defensed. As a senior in 2016, Tankersley earned first-team All-American and All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors and was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe (best defensive back) and Bednarik Awards (best defensive player).
Asiata was selected in the fifth-round at No. 164 overall and was a four-year letterman (2013-16) and three-year starter at Utah, where he played in 45 career games with 43 starts. He started 39 consecutive contests to finish his career, including all 13 games at left guard as a senior. In 2016, he earned the Morris Award as the Pac-12’s best offensive lineman as voted on by the league’s starting defensive linemen. Asiata also earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2016. His cousin, Matt Asiata, played five seasons (2012-16) as a running back for the Minnesota Vikings.
Taylor was Miami’s sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) after he lettered three years (2014-16) and started two seasons at Oklahoma State, where he played in 36 career games with 26 starts. He was a captain and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors as a junior in 2016 after he recorded 51 tackles (28 solo), seven sacks, one pass defensed, two forced fumbles and four blocked kicks. His four blocked kicks tied the school’s single-season record and led the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Ford was the team’s seventh-round pick (No. 237 overall) after he started three years (2014-16) at Virginia Tech, where he played in 40 career games with 37 starts. He finished his career as the only player in ACC history to hold sole possession of his school’s career records for receptions (210), receiving yards (2,967) and receiving touchdowns (24). He earned second-team All-ACC honors as a junior in 2016, was first-team All-ACC as a sophomore in 2015 and earned All-ACC honorable mention recognition as a true freshman in 2014.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Raekwon McMillan |
LB |
6-2 |
243 |
11/17/96 |
R |
Ohio State ’17 |
Hinesville, Ga. |
D2, ‘17 |
| Cordrea Tankersley |
CB |
6-1 |
200 |
11/19/93 |
R |
Clemson ’17 |
Beech Island, S.C. |
D3, ‘17 |
| Isaac Asiata |
G |
6-3 |
323 |
12/29/92 |
R |
Utah ’17 |
Spanish Fork, Utah |
D5a, ‘17 |
| Vincent Taylor |
DT |
6-3 |
310 |
1/5/94 |
R |
Oklahoma State ’17 |
San Antonio, Texas |
D6, ‘17 |
| Isaiah Ford |
WR |
6-2 |
195 |
2/9/96 |
R |
Virginia Tech ’17 |
Jacksonville, Fla. |
D7, ‘17 |
Miami Dolphins sign 14 undrafted college free agents
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May 5, 2017
Miami Dolphins sign 14 undrafted college free agents
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed 14 undrafted college free agents: linebacker Chase Allen, punter Matt Haack, cornerback Larry Hope, wide receiver Malcolm Lewis, defensive end Cameron Malveaux, defensive end Praise Martin-Oguike, cornerback Torry McTyer, wide receiver Drew Morgan, wide receiver Francis Owusu, defensive end Joby Saint Fleur, running back De’Veon Smith, tackle Eric Smith, safety Maurice Smith and wide receiver Damore’ea Stringfellow.
Allen was a three-year starter at Southern Illinois (2014-16) and finished his career 12th in school history with 324 career tackles (157 solo). He played in 45 games with 30 starts over his four-year career (2013-16) and recorded 324 tackles (157 solo), six sacks, seven passes defensed, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four blocked kicks. Allen became the second player in SIU history to lead the team in tackles for three straight seasons. He earned second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors in 2015.
Haack was a four-year letterman at Arizona State (2013-16) where he played in 44 career games. He totaled 209 punts for 8,991 yards (43.0 avg.) and booted 73 punts inside the 20. His 43.0 yards per punt average was tied for fourth in school history. As a senior in 2016, Haack earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors and posted a net average of 44.4 yards per punt, which was sixth-best in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Hope was a two-year letterman (2015-16) at Akron where he played in 22 games with 10 starts. He totaled 56 tackles (32 solo), 11 passes defensed and one interception. Hope transferred from the University of Miami following the 2013 season. A Miami native, he attended American Senior High School in Hialeah, Florida.
Lewis played in 50 games with 15 starts during his five-year career (2012-16) at the University of Miami. He totaled 62 receptions for 649 yards (10.5 avg.) and three touchdowns and also returned 21 kickoffs for 470 yards (22.4 avg.). Lewis is just the 11th player in school history to play in 50-plus career games. He started the final four games of his senior season and recorded 17 receptions for 211 yards (13.7 avg.) in 2016. Lewis was granted an additional year of eligibility following a season-ending injury in 2012. A native of nearby Miramar, Florida, he played high school football at Miramar High School.
Malveaux was a four-year letterman (2013-16) and two-year starter at Houston, where he totaled 52 career games played and 27 starts. He posted 81 tackles (44 solo), four sacks, five passes defensed and three fumble recoveries. As a senior, Malveaux served as a team captain and started all 13 games. He finished his final season with 7.5 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries.
Martin-Oguike was a four-year letterman for Temple (2011, 2014-16) and played in 47 career games with 28 starts. He totaled 124 tackles (80 solo), 19 sacks, one interception, two passes defensed, 11 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. Martin-Oguike earned second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in both 2014 and 2016. His 11 forced fumbles were second among all FBS active players at the time he finished his career. As a senior in 2016, Martin-Oguike played in 14 games with 11 starts and totaled 54 tackles (31 solo), 7.5 sacks, one pass defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
McTyer played in 49 games with 22 starts over his four-year career (2013-16) at UNLV. He totaled 138 tackles (100 solo), four interceptions and 28 passes defensed. As a senior in 2016, he led the team with 15 passes defensed and three interceptions. His father, Tim McTyer, played three seasons in the NFL as a cornerback for Philadelphia (1997-98) and Cleveland (1999) after he was an undrafted college free agent in 1997.
Morgan was a four-year letterman (2013-16) and two-year starter at Arkansas. He finished his career with 138 receptions for 1,768 yards (12.8 avg.) and 14 touchdowns. The 138 receptions are seventh, the 1,763 receiving yards are 15th and the 14 receiving touchdowns are 13th in school history. As a senior in 2016, Morgan led the team with 65 receptions, which was third in single-season school history. Morgan earned second-team All-SEC honors as a junior in 2015 when he caught 63 passes for 843 yards (13.4 avg.) and 10 touchdowns. The 10 touchdowns were tied for second in the SEC and were third-most in school history.
Owusu played in 50 games with 14 starts in his four-year career (2013-16) at Stanford. He totaled 34 receptions for 482 yards (14.2 avg.) and three touchdowns. As a senior in 2016, he played in 11 games with seven starts and caught eight passes for 113 yards (14.1 avg.) and one touchdown. Owusu set career highs in reception (13) and receiving yards (175) as a junior in 2015. His brother, Chris Owusu, entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent in 2012. He played wide receiver for Tampa Bay (2012-14) and the New York Jets (2014-15).
Saint Fleur was a four-year letterman (2013-16) and three-year starter at Northwestern Oklahoma State, where he played in all 43 career games and made 32 starts. He recorded 208 tackles (128 solo), 23 sacks, 10 passes defensed, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Saint Fleur led his team in sacks for three straight seasons. As a senior in 2016, he earned second-team All-Great American Conference honors as he totaled 41 tackles (26 solo), four sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He was named D2 All-American honorable mention and earned first-team All-Great American Conference honors as a junior in 2015 with 77 tackles (48 solo), 10.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
De’Veon Smith played in 49 games with 26 starts at running back in four seasons (2013-16) at Michigan. He recorded career totals of 495 carries for 2,235 yards (4.5 avg.) and 22 touchdowns. Smith started all 13 games as a senior in 2016, totaling 181 carries for 846 yards (4.7 avg.) and 10 touchdowns, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention. As a junior in 2015, Smith earned All-Big Ten honorable mention with 180 carries for 753 yards (4.2 avg.) and six touchdowns.
Eric Smith played in 45 career games over four seasons (2013-16) at Virginia and started 44 straight games to finish his career. He started all 12 games at right tackle in his sophomore (2014), junior (2015) and senior (2016) seasons. In 2015, Smith helped block for Taquan Mizzell, who set the ACC record for most receiving yards in a season by a running back (721). As a true freshman in 2013, Smith became just the fourth true freshman in school history to start at a tackle position and earned Freshman All-American honors.
Maurice Smith started one season (2016) at Georgia, where he played in all 13 games with 11 starts. He posted 50 tackles (32 solo), one sack, five passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Smith also served as a team captain. He transferred from Alabama following the 2015 season and played in 40 games with two starts during his three seasons (2013-15) with the Crimson Tide. Smith totaled 38 tackles (19 solo) with 1.5 sacks, five passes defensed and one fumble recovery at Alabama and was part of the program’s national championship team in 2015.
Stringfellow played two seasons (2015-16) at Mississippi and appeared in 24 games with 17 starts. He totaled 82 receptions for 1,219 yards (14.8 avg.) and 11 touchdowns. His 11 career receiving touchdowns are tied for 11th in program history. As a junior in 2016, Stringfellow started all 12 games at wide receiver and recorded 46 receptions for 716 yards (15.6 avg.) and six touchdowns. He transferred from Washington following the 2013 season. Stringfellow played one season (2013) at Washington with 12 appearances and three starts. He caught 20 passes for 259 yards (13.0 avg.) and one touchdown.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Chase Allen |
LB |
6-4 |
241 |
8/29/93 |
R |
Southern Illinois ’17 |
Belleville, Ill. |
FA, ‘17 |
| Matt Haack |
P |
6-1 |
185 |
7/25/94 |
R |
Arizona State ’17 |
West Des Moines, Iowa |
FA, ‘17 |
| Larry Hope |
CB |
6-0 |
192 |
10/19/93 |
R |
Akron ’17 |
Miami, Fla. |
FA, ‘17 |
| Malcolm Lewis |
WR |
5-10 |
190 |
10/27/93 |
R |
Miami (Fla.) ’17 |
Miramar, Fla. |
FA, ‘17 |
| Cameron Malveaux |
DE |
6-6 |
270 |
8/22/94 |
R |
Houston ’17 |
Beaumont, Texas |
FA, ‘17 |
| Praise Martin-Oguike |
DE |
6-1 |
255 |
8/30/93 |
R |
Temple ’17 |
Woodbridge, N.J. |
FA, ‘17 |
| Torry McTyer |
CB |
6-0 |
195 |
4/10/95 |
R |
UNLV ’17 |
Los Angeles, Calif. |
FA, ‘17 |
| Drew Morgan |
WR |
6-0 |
193 |
12/2/94 |
R |
Arkansas ’17 |
Greenwood, Ark. |
FA, ‘17 |
| Francis Owusu |
WR |
6-3 |
210 |
12/27/94 |
R |
Stanford ’17 |
Oxnard, Calif. |
FA, ‘17 |
| Joby Saint Fleur |
DE |
6-5 |
245 |
11/11/92 |
R |
NW Oklahoma St. ’17 |
Winter Haven, Fla. |
FA, ‘17 |
| De’Veon Smith |
RB |
5-11 |
228 |
11/8/94 |
R |
Michigan ’17 |
Warren, Ohio |
FA, ‘17 |
| Eric Smith |
T |
6-5 |
300 |
9/2/95 |
R |
Virginia ’17 |
Decatur, Ga. |
FA, ‘17 |
| Maurice Smith |
S |
6-0 |
195 |
6/14/95 |
R |
Georgia ’17 |
Sugar Land, Texas |
FA, ‘17 |
| Damore’ea Stringfellow |
WR |
6-2 |
219 |
10/18/94 |
R |
Mississippi ’17 |
Perris, Calif. |
FA, ‘17 |
International Music Icon Marc Anthony to Headline International Champions Cup First Ever Halftime Show at El Clásico Miami
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May 3, 2017
***Photo/Video Credit: Miami Dolphins***
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rqw35ymtyswex7b/AABi3fPidzKKOqMGsOh6F90Ia?dl=0
Relevent Sports: Ben Spencer, bspencer@releventsports.com
Derris: Dave Beauboeuf: dave@derris.com
International Music Icon Marc Anthony to Headline International Champions Cup First Ever Halftime Show at El Clásico Miami
MIAMI – El Clásico Miami announced today that global music icon Marc Anthony is the performer and main music attraction for the halftime at the 2017 International Champions Cup presented by Heineken match of El Clásico Miami between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Barcelona. The match, set for July 29 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., is presented by Relevant Sports, a division RSE Ventures.
The announcement was made at the Pérez Art Museum Miami. Marc Anthony was introduced by Related Group Miami CEO & Co-Founder Jorge Perez, who also serves as an Ambassador of El Clásico Miami. Anthony’s historic performance at the sold-out match will be the first to headline a halftime show at any International Champions Cup match and will give the fans in attendance a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy his music.
Marc Anthony is one of the most influential performing artists of his time, and an ambassador of Latin music and culture at a global level with social media platforms totaling more than 30 million followers. He is a five-time Grammy winner with 26 Billboard chart topping hits, holds the Guinness World Record for best-selling salsa artist and the most number-one albums on the Billboard Tropical Albums year-end charts. He also is a successful actor and philanthropist. Anthony’s foundation, Maestro Cares, addresses the housing, academic and health challenges orphaned children face each day in developing Latin American countries. In 2015, he founded MAGNUS Media, a company with operating divisions for artist management, music publishing, digital and video content creation, television production, a music label, talent agency, a sports division and an entertainment-centric brand marketing practice focused on leveraging the power of top Latino content creators and influencers worldwide.
Leading up to El Clásico Miami, fans will have a chance to participate in a variety of activities including concerts, team pep rallies, art and more. These festivities will be hosted in and around Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Beach, Wynwood and Bayfront Park as part of an immersive experience that will provide chances for fans to experience the culture of Miami.
About the International Champions Cup
The International Champions Cup is the world’s premier summer soccer tournament organized by Relevent Sports, featuring the best clubs from around the world. A staple property of Relevent Sports and RSE Ventures, the International Champions Cup works with leading sponsors such as Heineken, Nike, Orlando, and Ally, among others, to bring the best in soccer to iconic sports venues across North America, Europe and China.
The International Champions Cup has hosted some of the most iconic matchups in the world, including the two most attended soccer matches in U.S. history. First came when Real Madrid C.F. and Manchester United F.C. drew 109,318 fans to Michigan Stadium at the University of Michigan. Real Madrid C.F. returned to the “Big House” to take on Chelsea F.C. in front of 105,826 fans, second all-time, as part of the 2016 tournament. The International Champions Cup also has hosted the most attended soccer matches in Minnesota (64,101 at U.S. Bank Stadium) and Ohio (86,641 at Ohio Stadium) state history. In its four-year history, Real Madrid C.F., Manchester United F.C., Juventus F.C. and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. have all won installments of the tournament.
About Relevent Sports
Relevent Sports provides an innovative approach to building a soccer presence in the United States and around the globe. Relevent Sports showcases the best match-ups and tournaments in soccer featuring the top clubs, international teams and players. Since 2013, Relevent Sports has organized the International Champions Cup; the premier preseason tournament featuring the top European clubs with matches in North America, Europe and Asia. Utilizing brand development, grassroots planning, corporate sponsors and international touring, Relevent Sports promotes and grows the love of soccer worldwide.
About the International Champions Cup
The International Champions Cup is the world’s premier summer soccer tournament organized by Relevent Sports, featuring the best clubs from around the world. A staple property of Relevent Sports and RSE Ventures, the International Champions Cup works with leading sponsors such as Heineken, Nike, Orlando, and Ally, among others, to bring the best in soccer to iconic sports venues across North America, Europe and China.
The International Champions Cup has hosted some of the most iconic matchups in the world, including the two most attended soccer matches in U.S. history. First came when Real Madrid C.F. and Manchester United F.C. drew 109,318 fans to Michigan Stadium at the University of Michigan. Real Madrid C.F. returned to the “Big House” to take on Chelsea F.C. in front of 105,826 fans, second all-time, as part of the 2016 tournament. The International Champions Cup also has hosted the most attended soccer matches in Minnesota (64,101 at U.S. Bank Stadium) and Ohio (86,641 at Ohio Stadium) state history. In its four-year history, Real Madrid C.F., Manchester United F.C., Juventus F.C. and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. have all won installments of the tournament.
About RSE Ventures
Founded in 2012 by Stephen M. Ross and Matt Higgins, RSE Ventures is a multi-national sports and entertainment venture firm with a focus on new technologies. RSE builds, owns and operates companies in sports, media, entertainment and technology, including Catalyst Media Group, VaynerMedia, Vayner/RSE, Relevent Sports, Ascendent Sports Group and the International Champions Cup.
Miami Dolphins exercise fifth-year option on James
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MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have exercised the fifth-year option on tackle Ja’Wuan James. He is now signed through the 2018 season.
James started all 16 games at right tackle in 2016 for the Dolphins and helped quarterback Ryan Tannehill set career highs in quarterback rating (93.5) and yards per attempt (7.70). He was part of an offensive line unit that blocked for running back Jay Ajayi’s 1,272-yard season, the third-most rushing yards in a single season in team history. James has started 39 games in his three-year career and originally entered the NFL as a first-round pick (19th overall) by the Dolphins in the 2014 NFL draft.
Miami Dolphins, AARP Foundation Host Fourth Annual Million Meal Pack
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April 30, 2017
***Photos/Video Credit: Miami Dolphins***
Photos/Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nnc8up2ocnkdepp/AADeRuAwhxm0uH69lWdXggo9a?dl=0
#EndHunger
#MillionMealPack
Miami Dolphins, AARP Foundation Host Fourth Annual Million Meal Pack
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins and AARP Foundation teamed up for the 4th Annual Million Meal Pack at the Rick Case Arena at Nova Southeastern University. Participants packed 1,003,680 meals that will be delivered by U.S. Hunger to Feeding South Florida’s network of older adults in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. On hand to help pack meals was Miami Dolphins President & CEO Tom Garfinkel, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum, Head Coach Adam Gase, coaches, staff and both current and former players.
“We’ve worked together with AARP Foundation, for the fourth consecutive year, to pack and deliver more than one million meals that will stay right here in our community,” Miami Dolphins Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Jehn said. “Once again volunteers energetically united and graciously gave their time to help our neighbors in need.”
“Today, with the help of dedicated local volunteers, the Miami Dolphins and AARP Foundation, came together to help alleviate the issue of hunger that affects more than 10 million older adults in the U.S. every day,” said Emily Allen, Senior Vice President of AARP Foundation. “Over the past few years our continued relationship with the Miami Dolphins demonstrates our commitment to helping low income older adults in South Florida.”
At the Million Meal Pack, more than 5,295 enthusiastic volunteers worked an assembly line to pack nutritious Jambalaya meals of red lentils, rice, dehydrated vegetables and pink Himalayan salt. Volunteers also were invited to take part in a Community Fair as a thank you for their service. The fair’s lively atmosphere featured live music, football activities, performances by the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders and chances to win prizes. Participants were also able to learn about additional volunteer opportunities to serve their senior neighbors though interactive demonstrations, speakers and take-home materials.
Together, AARP Foundation and the Miami Dolphins have built a volunteer community committed to serving low-income older adults in South Florida. As the presenting sponsor of the Miami Dolphins Special Teams program – the largest volunteer program in the National Football League – AARP Foundation has helped execute numerous service events in South Florida and has positively impacted the region in an effort to help older adults facing challenges with hunger, isolation, income and housing needs through targeted and customized events to address these issues.
Miami Dolphins Celebrate Youth Football in South Florida with Announcement of Day 3 Draft Picks from the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University
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April 29, 2017
***Photo/Video Credit: Miami Dolphins***
Photo/Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/anfo01kibg04onf/AAAI2BCoRQ4YqOlaQnoiLEr7a?dl=0
MIAMI DOLPHINS CELEBRATE YOUTH FOOTBALL IN SOUTH FLORIDA WITH ANNOUNCEMENT OF DAY 3 DRAFT PICKS FROM THE BAPTIST HEALTH TRAINING FACILITY AT NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Davie, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins announced their Day 3 picks during Rounds 5 and 6 of the NFL Draft from the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. The team’s Day 3 selections – which began on Saturday, April 29 at 12 p.m. ET – celebrated youth football in South Florida with several special guests on hand. The announcements were made by Jaden Piner from the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight, Miami Dolphins Alum and American Heritage High School Head Football Coach Patrick Surtain and Miami Dolphins Alum Troy Drayton.
Moonlight cast member Jaden Piner announced the selection of fifth-round pick (164th overall) guard Isaac Asiata from Utah. Piner, 13, co-starred in the movie Moonlight that won the Academy Award for Best Picture. He played the young version of Chiron’s friend Kevin and had the opportunity to walk the red carpet and attend the Oscars. Piner is a student at Norland Middle School in Miami Gardens and was joined by his cast members and drama teacher, Tanisha Cidel.
Accompanying Surtain for the announcement of fifth-round pick (178th overall) defensive tackle Davon Godchaux from LSU was Miami Carol City Senior High School running back and Dolphins High School Player of the Year Nayquan Wright as well as Dolphins Team Mom of the Year Marisella Readon from the Boca Braves of the Gold Coast Pop Warner League. These three announcers were recognized throughout the 2016 NFL season by the Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) for their commitment to being leaders both on and off the field.
Surtain was a second-round pick by the Dolphins in the 1998 NFL draft and played seven seasons for the team (1998-2004). He was selected to three straight Pro Bowls (2002-04) and named All-Pro in 2002 and 2003. Surtain played in 108 games for the Dolphins and had 29 interceptions and 86 passes defensed. As a coach, he helped American Heritage win the FHSAA Class 5A state championship in 2016, defeating Ponte Verde 35-33. Surtain also received the Week 14 High School Coach of the Week award and was named by the Dolphins as the Broward County High School Coach of the Year.
Wright is a running back from Miami Carol City Senior High School and a member of the Chiefs’ 2016 Class 2A State Championship team. He received recognition as the Week 5 High School Player of the Week. Only a sophomore, Wright already has scholarship offers from Alabama, Miami (Fla.), Notre Dame, Florida State and Georgia.
Readon who was the Week 10 Team Mom of the Week award recipient. Readon has overcome tremendous adversity as she lost her son in early 2016, who would have been on the Tiny Mite team (7U), yet she still finds the time and energy to support her older son’s team. She is always there when you need her and the first to take the initiative and volunteer her time. Readon never misses a practice or game and is there, not only for her son, but for all the boys on the team. This year, her Jr. Pee Wee team had an influx of new players which meant new moms to the organization. She welcomed everyone with open arms and has made them feel like family. Recently, Readon was appointed to the Braves’ board as scholastic coordinator because of her commitment to the scholastic performance of her players.
Drayton, who currently serves as the Dolphins Youth Programs Manager announced sixth-round pick (194th overall) defensive tackle Vincent Taylor from Oklahoma State. Drayton was joined by the youth flag football team that represented the franchise at this year’s NFL Pro Bowl in Orlando The team is comprised of players who participated in the Dolphins Academy Summer Camps.
Drayton played tight end for the Dolphins from 1996-99 and appeared in 55 games with 53 starts. He caught 127 passes for 1,511 yards (11.9 avg.) and eight touchdowns. He was a second-round pick in the 1993 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Rams and played eight NFL seasons with three different teams.
