Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 11 Award Winners
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November 15, 2017
***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***
Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cgqjqsfgph56z7w/AAAJtvr3IJl3CWbUNVRgujEAa?dl=0
Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 11 Award Winners
Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) today announced their Week 11 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 11 Winners:
- High School Coach of the Week: Brian Dodds from Park Vista High School. Dobbs guided his eight seeded Cobras (9-3) to a stunning first-round, 28-20 win over number one seed Miramar. Park Vista now advances to the second round against Delray Atlantic.
- High School Player of the Week: Alexis Alvarez from West Broward High School. He recovered two fumbles, including the game winning touchdown recovery which sealed the victory for the Bobcats. Alvarez also added 10 tackles as the Bobcats won their first ever playoff game, 31-26, against Forest Hill. West Broward will visit St. Thomas Aquinas this Friday.
- Youth Player of the Week: Schneider Joseph from the East Boynton Wildcats 12U of the Florida Youth Football League. Joseph had over 300 total rushing yards and receiving yards and scored four touchdowns, including an interception that he returned 106 yards for a touchdown to help seal the Wildcats’ victory over the Miami Gardens Ravens.
- Team Mom of the Week: Helen Baxter of the from Leisure City Modello Timberwolves of the Miami Xtreme Football League. Baxter has been a part of her park prior to the 2000 season. She is the eyes and ears if her coaches off the field, because of her knowledge of the league rules and regulations, which means the coaches can spend more time coaching and mentoring the players on the field. Baxter also has three sons, who provide the coaches with additional hands for her team. Baxter handles all communication to the parents and she even fills in for the team president when he is absent. The program feels truly blessed to have such a dedicated team mom.
- Team of the Week: Booker T. Washington Senior High School. The Tornadoes 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 and Publix Partner for 15th Year To Host 125 Students at Kids and Fins Shopping Spree
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November 14, 2017
***Image Credit: Miami Dolphins***
Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dy7d12rw4pffq7e/AACNKVM11ihRiLdtJShudDeIa?dl=0
Miami Dolphins and Publix Partner for 15th Year To Host 125 Students at
Kids and Fins Shopping Spree
Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins and Publix came together to take 125 students from four schools in the tri-county area shopping for Thanksgiving meals. Dolphins players, cheerleaders, mascot T.D. as well as Miami Dolphins Women’s Organization members and Ft. Lauderdale Police walked up and down the Publix aisles with kids checking items off their Thanksgiving shopping lists. The event, started in 2003, celebrates 15 years and hosting more than 1,400 students throughout the Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade area as they shop and prepare for the upcoming holiday.
“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the Miami Dolphins,” Publix Director of Media & Community Relations Maria Brous said. “We are in a unique position to make an impactful difference in the lives of our children and to make memories that will last a lifetime. We are grateful to have this opportunity to serve our community.”
Prior to embarking on their shopping spree, the kids – ranging from 6 to 18 years old – received a Kids and Fins T-shirt and got to mingle and enjoy a dinner party with cheerleaders and alumni. Alumnus Twan Russell MC’d the event while cheerleaders Agustina, Britt, Emily, Jamie, Jenny and Whitney danced and spent time with the participants. The students, from Henry D. Perry Center in Broward County, H.L. Watkins Middle School in Palm Beach County and Agenoria S. Paschal/Olinda Elementary School and West Homestead K-8 Center in Miami-Dade County, were selected by their principals to participate in this event.
In all, 16 players – Leonte Carroo, John Denney, Kenyan Drake, Matt Haack, Malcolm Lewis, Kolby Listenbee, Rey Maualuga, Drew Morgan, Cody Parkey, Rashawn Scott, De’Veon Smith, Eric Smith, Kenny Stills, Ryan Tannehill, Gabe Wright and Sam Young – were at Publix to help the kids fill up their shopping carts for the holiday. The Miami Dolphins Special Teams volunteers, members of the Miami Dolphins Women’s Organization, Fort Lauderdale police officers and Dolphins alumni Elmer Bailey, Larry Ball, Bob Brudzinski, Troy Drayton, Roy Foster, Lorenzo Hampton, Anthony Harris, Jim Jensen, Lousaka Polite, Ken Poole, Twan Russell, Bryant Salter, Jed Weaver and Shawn Wooden also aided in the shopping effort.
“We had a great time. The boys I was with didn’t have a list or anything so we just went through every aisle and figured out what they wanted,” Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills said of the event. “This event is special because I get to spend time with the kids and let them make all of the decisions. I love spending time with the kids and having the opportunity to be out here.”
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
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November 11, 2017
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have activated safety T.J. McDonald off the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner list and placed tackle Ja’Wuan James on injured reserve.
McDonald was signed by the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent from the Los Angeles Rams on March 31, 2017. He played the first four seasons of his career (2013-16) for the Rams, where he started 53 games and totaled 281 tackles (216 solo), five sacks and four interceptions. McDonald started all 16 games for the Rams in 2016, recording 62 tackles (49 solo), one sack, two interceptions and six passes defensed. He was originally a third-round pick (71st overall) by the Rams in the 2013 NFL draft.
James had started the past 25 straight games at right tackle for the Dolphins, including all eight this season and the AFC Wildcard playoff game at Pittsburgh last year. He’s started 47 games in his four-year NFL career, all for the Dolphins. James was originally a first-round pick (19th overall) by the Dolphins in the 2014 NFL draft.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| T.J. McDonald |
S |
6-2 |
223 |
1/26/91 |
5 |
USC ’13 |
Fresno, Calif. |
UFA, ’17 (LAR) |
Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 10 Award Winners
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November 8, 2017
***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***
Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bxtva8ulpy7zczt/AACPL2yboruh2BwHfJOe6Irta?dl=0
Miami Dolphins And Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Announce Youth Programs Week 10 Award Winners
Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) today announced their Week 10 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 10 Winners:
- High School Coach of the Week: AJ Scott from Miramar High School. The Patriots (9-1) leap frogged Deerfield Beach and earned a No. 1 seed in this coming week’s 8A State Playoff by taking down three time state champion St. Thomas Aquinas 44-27. The Patriot’s defense forced five turnovers in the game.
- High School Player of the Week: Jatarie Washington from Pahokee High School. Washington rushed 27 times for 201 yards and four touchdowns in a thrilling 33-27 overtime win against Glades Central in the Muck Bowl. The Blue Devils are a No. 1 seed going into the 1A State Playoff next week.
- Youth Player of the Week: Gary Hadley from the Pompano Eagles Mitey Mites of the Gold Coast Pop Warner Football League. Hadley had 134 yards rushing, 64 yards passing and scored three touchdowns in the Eagles victory over the Parkland Rangers. Hadley also is a straight-A student.
- Team Mom of the Week: Tranee Fields from the East Boynton Wildcats 11U of the Florida Youth Football League. Fields has been the team mom for the past three years. As a team mom, she goes above and beyond her duties. Fields makes sure all of the players’ paperwork is signed and submitted in a timely manner and keeps close communication with all the parents, helping bridge the gap between the parents and coaches. At the start of each week, she communicates all game information and on game day before any player gets dressed or takes the field, she makes sure they have their proper equipment. Fields also assigns the water boys, ball boys and she makes sure that all the coaches have their team identification badges on before they take the field. She also has taken on the responsibility of issuing all game uniforms and makes sure that every player returns their uniform immediately after the game. Fields’ passion for her players and coaches is unmatched and she is the reason why her park is so successful.
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 sign Sterup
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November 8, 2017
Miami Dolphins sign Sterup
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed tackle Zach Sterup off Cleveland’s practice squad.
Sterup (pronounced STIR-up) was signed to Cleveland’s practice squad on Sept. 9, 2017 after the team waived him on Sept. 7, 2017. He spent the entire offseason and training camp with the Browns. In 2016, Sterup spent time on Kansas City, the N.Y. Jets and Cleveland’s practice squads. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with Kansas City on May 10, 2016. Sterup was a four-year letterman (2012-15) and two-year starter at Nebraska.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Zach Sterup |
T |
6-9 |
318 |
5/14/92 |
1 |
Nebraska ’15 |
Hastings, Neb. |
FA, ‘17 |
Stephen Ross and Miami Dolphins Players Create Yearly Fund to Advocate for Social Justice Programs
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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
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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
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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.
