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Dade Takes Home Win Over Broward in Dolphins Academy High School All-Star Game Presented by Broward College   Download PDF version

***Image Credit: Miami Dolphins***

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h1useo3ilnt4apf/AADOBG6f8ySA8L9eVmalh1YNa?dl=0

January 13, 2017

Dade Takes Home Win Over Broward in Dolphins Academy High School All-Star Game Presented by Broward College

Miami, FL – Miami Dolphins Youth Programs, in partnership with the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) and the Broward County Athletic Association (BCAA), continued a six-year tradition in hosting the Dade vs. Broward All-Star Football Game presented by Broward College.

Dade took home the victory in a score of 12-6 over Broward, with Kord Jenkins (RB – Miami Central) named as the Offensive MVP and Daniel Crescitelli (LB – Douglas) named as the Defensive MVP.

Stand-out high school seniors from Miami-Dade and Broward County were selected to participate in the event on Friday evening at Nathaniel Traz-Powell Stadium.

Dade Head Coach Tim Neal (Southwest Miami) shared his excitement in being named the 2017 Dade vs. Broward All-Star Champions presented by Broward College. “It feels great! Glad we had the opportunity. We made it a big deal. We haven’t won it in a couple of years and it was nice to have it back in Miami,” Neal said. “We had a good talent of kids and great coaches from the north and the south which made for a really good mix.”

Broward Head Coach Al Lang (Hollywood Hills) expressed his gratitude to the seniors who played hard this evening. “Their last high school game. This is something special that they can remember. They got the jerseys to keep as a souvenir. It meant a lot to them,” he said. “Defense played well. Just three days of practice is really tough, but we played hard. It was an honor. I was glad I was able to finish my career coaching these young men.”

The action continues on Saturday at Nathaniel Traz-Powell Stadium with the Dade vs. Broward Youth All-Star Game presented by Broward College starts at 9 a.m. The top youth football players from Miami-Dade and Broward County that play in AYFL, FYFL, Great Miami Pop Warner, Gold Coast Pop Warner, Miami Xtreme as well as NYFL and YASL in age groups 7U-14U will participate in games throughout the day. Top high school coaches from around the area will lead the youth football all-star teams, creating the opportunity for mentorship and development of the youth coaches. Admission is $10.

The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to emphasize the importance of education, physical fitness, and positive choices for kids in a safe and fun environment. The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ vision is to prepare the next generation of leaders in staying physically active through our Junior Training Camps (JTC), Youth Football Clinics, and Youth Football Camps.

Miami Dolphins Promote Burke   Download PDF version

January 12, 2017

Miami Dolphins Promote Burke

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced that Matt Burke has been promoted to defensive coordinator.

Burke served as the team’s linebackers coach during the 2016 season. Under his guidance, linebacker Kiko Alonso finished ninth in the AFC with 115 tackles (69 solo) and made many big plays that helped the Dolphins late in games. Alonso intercepted a pass and returned it for a 60-yard touchdown with 1:01 remaining to defeat San Diego in Week 10. He also assisted on a stop of 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick at the 2-yard line on the game’s final play to defeat San Francisco in Week 12.

Burke has eight years of NFL experience coaching linebackers, having served as the linebackers coach in Cincinnati (2014-15) and Detroit (2009-13). Previously he spent five seasons with Tennessee, where he served as an administrative assistant (2004-05) and defensive assistant/quality control coach (2006-08). In 2015, he helped the Bengals post the second-best scoring defense (17.4 points per game) in the NFL and force 28 turnovers, tied for sixth in the league. Burke also spent time coaching at Harvard (2003), Boston College (2002-03) and Bridgton Academy (1998-99) in Maine.

 

Miami Dolphins Ajayi and Landry Named to Pro Bowl   Download PDF version

January 11, 2017

Miami Dolphins Ajayi and Landry Named to Pro Bowl

MIAMI – The National Football League today announced that Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi and wide receiver Jarvis Landry have been named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster. They join defensive end Cameron Wake and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who had previously been named to the Pro Bowl on Dec. 20, 2016.

Ajayi totaled 1,272 rushing yards, the third-most in a single season in Dolphins history and fourth-highest in the NFL in 2016. He became the fourth player in NFL history to have at least three 200-yard games in the same season. His three 200-yard games ranked No. 3, No. 5 and No. 6 on Miami’s single-game rushing chart. Ajayi is also the fourth player to ever have back-to-back 200-yard performances. From Week 6 through the end of the season, he led the NFL with 1,155 rushing yards and tied for the lead with 36 runs of 10 yards or more. Ajayi posted a 1,085 yard improvement from the 2015 season, the largest year-over-year gain in the league in 2016.  The selection is the first in Ajayi’s career and he becomes the first Dolphins running back to earn a Pro Bowl bid since Ronnie Brown in 2008.

Landry posted his second consecutive 1,000-yard season with 94 receptions for 1,136 yards (12.1 avg.). His 94 receptions are second in team history behind the team record he set in 2015 of 110 catches. The 1,136 receiving yards are eighth-best in Dolphins history and 10th in the NFL in 2016. He also caught 26 passes on third downs, tied for seventh-most in the league. The Pro Bowl nod is the second of Landry’s career after he was also named to the team following the 2015 season.

It’s just the second time in Dolphins history they’ve had a 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver in the same season.

The selections of Landry and Ajayi mark only the sixth time in team history that a Dolphins wide receiver and running back were both selected to a Pro Bowl in a season. The other times were following the 1970-74 seasons when wide receiver Paul Warfield and running back Larry Csonka were selected each year and were also joined by running back Mercury Morris following the 1971-73 seasons.

Ajayi replaces Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy while Landry replaces Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green, both of whom are unable to participate due to injury.

The 2017 Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017 and simulcast live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Fans may visit NFL.com/ProBowlOnSale to purchase game tickets.

U2: THE JOSHUA TREE TOUR 2017   Download PDF version

U2: THE JOSHUA TREE TOUR 2017

LIMITED RUN OF STADIUM DATES TO CELEBRATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAND’S CLASSIC FIFTH ALBUM  

– Tour Kicks Off In North America On May 12 with European Dates Starting July 8 

U2 Confirmed for Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival—Band’s First Ever U.S. Festival Headline Appearance

– Tickets On Sale Starting January 16 in Europe & January 17 in North America –

 – U2 Subscriber Exclusive Pre-Sale Access Starts January 11 –

WATCH HERE:   https://youtu.be/sssykdiAsVM

“The title befits a record that concerns itself with resilience in the face of utter social and political desolation…The Joshua Tree is an appropriate response to these times, and a picture bleaker than any U2 has ever painted: a vision of blasted hopes, pointless violence and anguish… Music of great sadness but also of unutterable compassion, acceptance and calm.” – Rolling Stone, 1987

Monday, January 9th, 2017 – For Immediate Release.

Live Nation today announced that U2 will return to select stadiums this year with U2: The Joshua Tree Tour 2017, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the band’s classic album. Each show will include a performance of The Joshua Tree in its entirety, with support from one of a number of  special guests including Mumford & Sons, OneRepublic and The Lumineers in North America and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds in Europe.

Released to universal acclaim on March 9th 1987 and featuring hit singles “With Or Without You”,“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and “Where The Streets Have No Name”, The Joshua Tree was U2’s first #1 album in the U.S., topping the charts globally including the U.K. and Ireland, selling in excess of 25 million albums worldwide, and catapulting Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr “… from heroes to superstars” (Rolling Stone). Time Magazine put U2 on its cover in April 1987, proclaiming them “Rock’s Hottest Ticket” in a defining year for the band that saw their arena dates roll into stadium shows to accommodate escalating demand – setting them on course to become one of the greatest live acts in the world today.  The 12 months that followed saw the band create now-iconic moments: the traffic-stopping Grammy Award-winning music video on the roof of a Los Angeles liquor store, winning a BRIT Award and two Grammys – including Album of the Year – their first of 22 received to date, distinguishing U2 as the most awarded rock band in Grammy history.

U2’s fifth studio album The Joshua Tree was produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, and featured iconic artwork which cemented the career of photographer and director Anton Corbijn. Recording took place in Dublin at Windmill Lane Studios and Danesmoate, the house which subsequently became bassist Adam Clayton’s home.

 “It seems like we have come full circle from when The Joshua Tree songs were originally written, with global upheaval, extreme right wing politics and some fundamental human rights at risk. To celebrate the album – as the songs seem so relevant and prescient of these times too – we decided to do these shows, it feels right for now. We’re looking forward to it.” The Edge

 “Recently I listened back to The Joshua Tree for the first time in nearly 30 years… it’s quite an opera.  A lot of emotions which feel strangely current, love, loss, broken dreams, seeking oblivion, polarisation… all the greats… I’ve sung some of these songs a lot… but never all of them.  I’m up for it, if our audience is as excited as we are… it’s gonna be a great night.”- Bono

 “We are off to play a few shows with U2! It’s the 30th anniversary of The Joshua Tree – one of the greatest albums ever made, in our opinion, and something well worth a good celebration. It’s a record that did so much for us all when we discovered it individually and if ever a record stands the test of time its that one. So when the lads gave us a call to invite us to play a few gigs opening for them it was our great honour to accept. It’s gonna be such a good few nights… “ – Mumford & Sons

I can remember covering the U2 song “One” in bars back in NYC 10 years ago, with Jer on drums.  A lot has changed since then, but still – I NEVER thought we’d get the chance to open for such a legendary band, on such a legendary album – The Joshua Tree.  Their songs are so timeless and transcendent, it’s impossible to imagine a time when they didn’t exist.  That type of songwriting has always been the mountaintop for us – songs that can transcend generations. – Wesley Schultz, The Lumineers

“The Joshua Tree is the first album I ever heard from U2 because it came out when I had just started my love affair with music as a young kid… it’s the album that made me want to write songs and start a band.  Joining them for this tour will be the experience of a lifetime, leaving the bucket list fully checked.” – Ryan Tedder, OneRepublic

It will be both a pleasure and an honour to play my part in what still remains the greatest show on earth.” – Noel Gallagher

Following the groundbreaking iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour’s arena shows in 2015, U2: The Joshua Tree Tour 2017 will see the band return to the stadium stage for the first time since 2009-2011’s record-shattering U2 360° Tour, the most successful tour in history seen by over 7.3 million fans worldwide.

U2: The Joshua Tree Tour 2017 will kick off in Vancouver on 12th May for a run of dates across North America and Europe, and will include U2’s first ever U.S. festival headline appearance at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival this summer, as well as a hometown show in Dublin’s Croke Park on 22nd July.

Tickets for the U2: The Joshua Tree Tour 2017 are on sale Monday, January 16th in Ireland, the UK and Europe and Tuesday, January 17th in the US and Canada. As usual, there is an exclusive priority presale for U2 Subscribers at U2.com from Wednesday, January 11th (9am) through Friday, January 13th (5pm) local times. Tickets will be general admission on the floor and reserved seating in the stands. There will be a 4 ticket limit for subscriber purchases and a 6 ticket limit commencing with public sales. In North America, all floor tickets will be paperless unless otherwise noted.

U2: The Joshua Tree Tour is produced by Live Nation Global Touring. UPS is the Official Logistics Provider of the tour.

For complete tour and ticket information, visit: www.u2.com & www.livenation.com

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:                                                  SUPPORT:

May 12           Vancouver, BC            BC Place                                 Mumford & Sons

May 14           Seattle, WA                 CenturyLink Field                    Mumford & Sons

May 17            Santa Clara, CA          Levi’s Stadium                         Mumford & Sons

May 20           Los Angeles, CA         Rose Bowl                               The Lumineers

May 24           Houston, TX                NRG Stadium                          The Lumineers

May 26           Dallas, TX                   AT&T Stadium                         The Lumineers

June 3             Chicago, IL                  Soldier Field                            The Lumineers

June 7             Pittsburgh, PA             Heinz Field                              The Lumineers

June 8-11        Manchester, TN          Bonnaroo Festival                   Multi-Artist

June 11           Miami, FL                    Hard Rock Stadium                 OneRepublic

June 14           Tampa, FL                   Raymond James Stadium       OneRepublic

June 18           Philadelphia, PA          Lincoln Financial Field          The Lumineers

June 20           Washington DC           FedExField                              The Lumineers

June 23           Toronto, ON                Rogers Centre                         The Lumineers

June 25           Boston, MA                 Gillette Stadium                       The Lumineers

June 28           East Rutherford, NJ    MetLife Stadium                      The Lumineers

July 1               Cleveland, OH             FirstEnergy Stadium               OneRepublic

EUROPEAN TOUR DATES:                                                               SUPPORT:

July 8               London, UK                 Twickenham                            Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

July 12             Berlin, DE                    Olympic Stadium                     Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

July 15             Rome, IT                     Olympic Stadium                     Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

July 18             Barcelona, ES             Olympic Stadium                     Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

July 22             Dublin, IE                    Croke Park                              Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

July 25             Paris, FR                     Stade de France                     Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

July 29             Amsterdam, NE           Amsterdam Arena                   Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

August 1          Brussels, BE               Stade Roi Baudouin                Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

#          #          #

Press materials available at: www.u2.com/rmpphoto

U2 North American publicity:

Nasty Little Man

Laura Eldeiry

laura@nastylittleman.com

U2 European publicity:

RMP

Régine Moylett / Brídín Murphy Mitchell

bridin@rmplondon.co.uk

+44 20 8 749 7999

Interscope Geffen A&M

Dennis Dennehy

d.dennehy@umusic.com

310 865 7934

For Live Nation, contact:

Carrie Davis

CarrieDavis@LiveNation.com

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of four market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Artist Nation Management and Live Nation Media/Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com

Miami Dolphins Sign 12 To Reserve/Futures Contracts   Download PDF version

January 10, 2017

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed linebacker Lamin Barrow, cornerback Daniel Davie, tackle Jesse Davis, quarterback Brandon Doughty, running back Storm Johnson, linebacker Deon Lacey, defensive end Arthur Miley, tight end Chris Pantale, running back Senorise Perry, tackle Terry Poole, defensive end Julius Warmsley and linebacker Brandon Watts to reserve/futures contracts.

Barrow finished the 2016 season on Miami’s practice squad after he was waived by the Chicago Bears on Dec. 5, 2016. Barrow played in all 16 games with the Bears in 2015 and appeared in all 16 games with the Denver Broncos in 2014. He also played in one playoff game for the Broncos in 2014. He has totaled one career start and one assisted tackle on defense, while collecting 14 special teams tackles (10 solo). He originally entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick (156th overall) by Denver in the 2014 NFL draft.

Davie began his NFL career as an undrafted college free agent with the Indianapolis Colts on May 2, 2016, but was waived on July 26, 2016. The following day he was awarded off waivers to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before he was again waived on Aug. 28, 2016. Davie played collegiately at Nebraska where he was a four-year letterman (2012-15). He started all 13 games as a junior in 2014 and recorded 41 tackles (25 solo), two interceptions and five pass breakups.

Doughty was a seventh-round selection (223rd overall) by the Dolphins in the 2016 NFL draft. In the 2016 preseason, Doughty completed 20-of-28 passes (71.4 pct.) for 185 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions, giving him an 89.1 quarterback rating. Doughty spent Week 1 on the Dolphins’ active roster but was waived on Sept. 14, 2016 and re-signed to the practice squad.

Johnson was signed to Miami’s practice squad on Nov. 8, 2016 after spending the 2016 training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has played in six career games with one start, all for Jacksonville during the 2014 season. He totaled 29 carries for 86 yards (3.0 avg.) and two touchdowns. He originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round selection (222nd overall) by the Jaguars in the 2014 NFL draft.

Lacey played the past three seasons (2014-16) for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. He totaled 114 tackles, seven sacks, three interceptions and four forced fumbles and played in all 54 games. He also totaled 68 special teams tackles. Lacey originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with the Dallas Cowboys on May 10, 2013 and spent the 2013 training camp with Dallas before he joined the Eskimos. Lacey played collegiately at West Alabama, where he was named the Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2011.

Miley originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent on May 4, 2015 with the Carolina Panthers but spent the entire 2015 season on injured reserve. He participated in offseason activities and training camp with the Panthers in 2016 and recorded nine tackles (two solo) and one quarterback hit in three preseason games before he was waived on Sept. 3, 2016. Miley played collegiately at Southern University, where he participated in 47 games with 36 starts and earned first team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference honors as a senior in 2014.

Pantale began his NFL career as an undrafted college free agent with the New York Jets on May 10, 2013. He spent the entire 2013 season with the Jets with stints on both the practice squad and active roster but did not appear in a game until 2014, when he played in five contests and returned one kickoff for 24 yards. Pantale was with the Chicago Bears for the 2015 offseason and training camp before he was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad on Sept. 21, 2015. He went to training camp with the Eagles in 2016 before he was waived on Sept. 3, 2016.

Perry was signed to Miami’s practice squad on Oct. 12, 2016 after he spent the first two seasons of his career and the 2016 training camp with the Chicago Bears. Perry played in all 16 games with the Bears in 2014 and totaled one reception for -1 yard. He also had four kickoff returns for 88 yards (22.0 avg.) and 10 special teams tackles (eight solo). Perry was on injured reserve and missed the entire 2015 season. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with the Bears on May 19, 2014.

Poole spent the final 11 weeks of the regular season on Miami’s practice squad after the Dolphins signed him on Oct. 11, 2016. He was released off injured reserve by the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 3, 2016. Poole has yet to appear in an NFL game, but spent most of the 2015 season on Seattle’s practice squad. He originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round selection (130th overall) by the Seahawks in the 2015 NFL draft.

Warmsley played in five games for the Dolphins in 2016, totaling eight tackles (four solo) and one quarterback hit before he was waived on Oct. 26, 2016. He was later added to the team’s practice squad on Oct. 31, 2016 and spent the remainder of the season there. Warmsley spent portions of the 2014 and 2015 seasons on Seattle’s practice squad. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with the Houston Texans on May 19, 2014.

Watts joined Miami’s practice squad on Sept. 6, 2016 after he was waived by the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 3, 2016. Watts had spent the past two seasons (2014-15) with Minnesota, playing in nine games and totaling four tackles (three solo) and one forced fumble. He also added four solo special teams tackles. Watts originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round selection (223rd overall) by the Vikings in the 2014 NFL draft.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
Lamin Barrow LB 6-1 237 11/29/90 3 LSU ’14 Marrero, La. FA, ‘17
Daniel Davie CB 6-1 190 8/4/93 R Nebraska ’16 Beatrice, Neb. FA, ‘17
Jesse Davis T 6-6 309 9/15/91 1 Idaho ’15 Asotin, Wash. FA, ‘17
Brandon Doughty QB 6-3 217 10/6/91 R W. Kentucky ’16 Davie, Fla. D7a, ‘16
Storm Johnson RB 6-0 216 7/10/92 2 UCF ’14 Loganville, Ga. FA, ‘17
Deon Lacey LB 6-1 225 7/18/90 1 W. Alabama ’13 Brighton, Ala. FA, ‘17
Arthur Miley DE 6-6 270 3/3/93 1 Southern ’15 Mangham, La. FA, ‘17
Chris Pantale TE 6-5 254 3/22/90 1 Boston College ’13 Wayne, N.J. FA, ‘17
Senorise Perry RB 6-0 211 9/19/91 3 Louisville ’14 Summerville, Ga. FA, ‘17
Terry Poole T 6-5 300 2/27/92 1 San Diego State ’15 Seaside, Calif. FA, ‘17
Julius Warmsley DE 6-2 294 5/16/90 1 Tulane ’14 Baton Rouge, La. FA, ‘16
Brandon Watts LB 6-2 231 1/21/91 3 Georgia Tech ’14 Tennille, Ga. FA, ‘17
Miami Dolphins Waive Jones   Download PDF version

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced the team has waived defensive end Jason Jones.

Jones played in 14 games with five starts this season, his lone season in Miami. He recorded 36 tackles (22 solo), 3.5 sacks, two passes defensed and one fumble recovery. A nine-year NFL veteran, Jones signed with the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent on May 16, 2016 from Detroit, where he played from 2013-15. Jones also spent one season in Seattle (2012) and played four years with Tennessee (2008-11). In his career, Jones has totaled 109 games played, 70 starts, 211 tackles (155 solo) and 31.5 sacks.

Miami Dolphins Announce Team Award Winners   Download PDF version

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced its team award winners for the 2016 season. Running back Jay Ajayi was named the Dan Marino Most Valuable Player, defensive end Cameron Wake earned the Don Shula Leadership Award and also was named the team’s Ed Block Courage Award winner and wide receiver Kenny Stills earned the Nat Moore Community Service Award.

Ajayi is a first-time winner of the Dan Marino Most Valuable Player award after he totaled 1,272 rushing yards, the third-most in a single season in Dolphins history. Ricky Williams is the only Dolphins player to ever rush for more yards in a season, when he totaled 1,853 in 2002 and 1,372 in 2003. Ajayi rushed for 200-plus yards three different times in 2016, posting three of the team’s top six single-game rushing totals in this season alone. He is one of just four NFL players to rush for 200 yards in at least three games in a season, joining Earl Campbell (1980, four times), O.J. Simpson (1973, three times) and Tiki Barber (2005, three times). He posted back-to-back 200-yard rushing games vs. Pittsburgh (Oct. 16) and Buffalo (Oct. 23) and is just the fourth NFL player to do that, joining O.J. Simpson (1973 and 1976), Earl Campbell (1980) and Williams (2002). Ajayi is just the third running back to win the award since 1982, joining Williams (2002, 2009) and Keith Byars (1993). This award is voted on by South Florida media and the organization and was re-named the Dan Marino Most Valuable Player Award in 2000 to reflect the achievements of Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino.

Wake earned the Don Shula Leadership Award for the third time in his career. He also earned the honor in 2013 and 2014. Wake is just the third player in Dolphins history to win the award at least three times, joining linebacker Zach Thomas (1998-99, 2005) and defensive end Jason Taylor (2002, 2006-07, 2009). Wake also was named the recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award and is just the second Dolphins defensive end to win the award (David Bowens, 2004). He joins Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino (1995) as the only Dolphins to ever win the Don Shula Leadership Award and Ed Block Courage Award in the same season. The Don Shula Leadership Award is voted on by the players and is given to the player who exhibits leadership on and off the field. It was re-named the Don Shula Leadership Award in 2005 to reflect the accomplishments of Hall of Fame Head Coach Don Shula. Each year, players from all 32 teams select a teammate to receive the Ed Block Courage Award. The recipient symbolizes professionalism, great strength and dedication. The honoree also is a community role model.

Wake suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the seventh game of the 2015 season, one that required a long and grueling rehabilitation process to return to the field. At the age of 34, Wake not only returned to the field in time for the first regular season game but put together one of the most dominant seasons of his illustrious career. The eighth-year pro finished third in the AFC and tied for sixth in the NFL with 11.5 sacks, the third double-digit sack season of his career. Wake was inserted into the starting lineup in Week 6 and recorded 10.5 sacks from that point through the end of the regular season, the second-most in the NFL over that time span, and helped the Dolphins finish the season 9-2 and earn their first playoff spot since 2008. He is one of just three NFL players in the past decade to have 10-plus sacks at age 34 or older, joining Julius Peppers (2015) and John Abraham (2012-13). Wake is tied for second in the AFC and tied for third in the NFL with five forced fumbles this season. Miami won every game in which he recorded at least a half-sack and he is expected to play in the first playoff game of his career on Sunday, Jan. 8 at Pittsburgh.

Stills is the second wide receiver to win with Nat Moore Community Service Award (Wes Welker, 2005). Stills, along with teammates Arian Foster, Jelani Jenkins and Michael Thomas, hosted a town hall meeting with community leaders, law enforcement and coaches, funded a community tailgate with tickets and refreshments for each home game and took part in a ride-a-long with the Broward Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with RISE, The Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality. Founded in 2015 by Stephen Ross, RISE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sports to improve race relations and drive social progress. Stills also was the team’s most active player in community Tuesdays. This year alone Stills visited three schools, two hospitals, participated in a back-to-school backpack distribution, handed out toys for the holidays and assisted in Make-A-Wish visits to the team. The Nat Moore Community Service Award is given each year to a Miami Dolphins player recognized for his involvement in the South Florida community. The winner of this award is chosen by the Miami Dolphins Foundation and named after Moore to highlight the commitment the former wide receiver had in the South Florida community. Moore spent 13 seasons in a Dolphins uniform, culminating by his placement on the Dolphins Honor Roll in 1999.

Miami Dolphins Announce End of the Year Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)   Download PDF version

January 1, 2017

***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/oty4k5ke3r3puqd/AABGgwB9KjI5MzimGUYO_pUaa?dl=0

Miami Dolphins Announce End of the Year Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)

Miami – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) today recognize the winners of the end of the year youth programs awards, including the high school coach of the year, Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County and Southwest Florida coaches of the year as well as the high school player of the year and team mom of the year. The award recipients have demonstrated their commitment to being leaders both on and off the field this season.

Aubrey Hill of Miami Carol City Senior High School has been named High School Coach of the Year & Dade County High School Coach of the Year for his commitment to being a leader on and off the field. Hill recently led his alma mater to an 11-3 record and a Class 6A State Championship title after a 14-6 decision over Lake Gibson (Lakeland). In addition to leading the Chief’s success on the field, Hill strives to support his team members in all phases of their lives, focusing on the physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being of his athletes.

Hill is now a nominee for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award, will be announced during the third quarter of the 2017 Pro Bowl, airing Sunday, Jan. 29 at 8 PM ET on ESPN, and will receive an additional $10,000 from the NFL Foundation, $5,000 of which will go to his high school’s football program. The winner will be recognized at a press conference on Friday, Feb. 3 during Super Bowl week in Houston and walk the red carpet at NFL Honors, a two-hour primetime awards special airing nationally on FOX on Feb. 4, the night before Super Bowl LI.

The Miami Dolphins and RISE also announced the High School Coach of the Year for Broward County, Palm Beach County and Southwest Florida:

  • Broward High School Coach of the Year: Pat Surtain from American Heritage High School. Coach Surtain – a standout cornerback for the Dolphins from 1998-2004 – led his team to the Class 5A State championship, defeating Ponte Verde 35-33. Surtain also received the Week 14 High School Coach of the Week award.
  • Palm Beach High School Coach of the Year: TJ Jackson from Atlantic Community High School. Jackson became Atlantic’s head coach in 2013 and in just 3 years, he was able to build a program that earned an undefeated regular season, Division Championship title, Coach of the Year and Team of the Year recognitions. This season, the Eagles clinched the district runner up title and a spot in the playoffs for the third straight year. This is the second consecutive year that Jackson has been named the Miami Dolphins Coach of the Year for Palm Beach County.
  • Southwest Florida High School Coach of the Year: Interim Head Coach Matthew Holderfied from South Fort Myers High School. Holderfield, with 20 years of coaching experience in both Florida and Alabama, has been the defensive coordinator for South Fort Myers for the last 3 years.

He has been on the Wolfpack coaching staff since moving to Florida from Alabama in 2012. In August of 2016, just two days before the start of the 2016 football season, Holderfield was promoted to interim head coach following an unforeseen removal of the Wolfpack’s head coach. Holderfield took over a team in disarray and guided them to a 9-1 regular season record. During the season, the Wolfpack became the first Lee County school since 2010 to defeat Collier County powerhouse Naples High School, defeating the Golden Eagles 42-35 at Naples.

Additionally, a High School Player of the Year and Team Mom of the Year received recognition for their outstanding achievements this season:

  • High School Player of the Year: Nayquan 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.
  • Team Mom of the Year: Marisella Readon from the Boca Braves of the Gold Coast Pop Warner League, 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.

Each award recipient will be presented with a plaque on the field during the Jan. 1 Dolphins home game at Hard Rock Stadium against the New England Patriots, and receive acknowledgement of their accomplishment in the game program and through the Dolphins’ and RISE’s social media platforms. They also received four tickets to the Miami Dolphins home game and a Dolphins/RISE T-shirt.

About Miami Dolphins Youth Programs

The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to emphasize the importance of education, physical fitness and positive choices for kids in a safe and fun environment. The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ vision is to prepare the next generation of leaders in staying physically active through our Junior Training Camps (JTC), Youth Football Clinics and Youth Football Camps. The goal is to promote Youth Football in the South Florida community.

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 nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sports to advance race relations and drive social progress. Supported by an unprecedented alliance of sports leagues, organizations, educators, media networks, sports professionals and athletes, 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.

2016 Weekly Winners

HS Player of the Week HS Coach of the Week Youth Player of the Week Team Mom of the Week
Week 1 Jaquan Beaver

Booker T. Washington HS

Tim “Ice” Harris

Booker T. Washington HS

Nick Vattiato

Ft. Lauderdale Hurricanes 13U

Marchelle Greene

Ft. Lauderdale Hurricanes 12U

Week 2 Renaldo Flowers Jr.

Miami Jackson HS

Lakatriona Brown

Miami Jackson HS

Taron “Tyger” Dickens

Miramar Wolverines 12U

Gina Brooks

Miami Youth Hurricanes Peewees

Week 3 Hansky Paillant

McArthur HS

Matt DuBuc

Cardinal Gibbons HS

Yulkeith Brown Jr.

Liberty City Warriors

Beth Voss

Kendall Boys & Girls Club

Week 4 Malcom Vigille

Miami Edison Sr. HS

Roland Smith

Miami Carol City Sr. HS

Carson Haggard

Suniland Sundevil 12U team

Laura Pita

Cooper City Cowboys

Week 5 Nayquan Wright

Miami Carol City HS

Roger Pollard

Coral Gables Sr. HS

Akin Liverpol

Overtown Tornadoes 14U

Nzinga Glover

Washington Park Buccaneers

Week 6 Derohn King

Piper Sr. HS

Max Edwards

Miami Northwestern Sr. HS

Jarvis Johnson

North Miami Redskins

Karen Davis

Plantation Wildcats

Week 7 Kai Henry

Miami Northwestern Sr. HS

LaRon Culpepper

McArthur HS

Deiontavius Glinton

Boca Brave Varsity (180s)

Fonda Ware

Lauderhill Broncos

Week 8 Anthony Wynds Jr.

Palm Beach Central HS

Brendan Kent

Oxbridge Academy

Ryan Mack

Miami Gardens Ravens 10U

Tererika Green

Miami Junior Rockets 7U

Week 9 Kevin Oliver

Western HS

Adam Ratkevich

Western HS

Zamarion Lawson

Palmetto Bay Junior Bandits (75 lbs.)

Cassandra Figueroa

Dick Conley (DC) Steelers 7U

Week 10 Todd Centeio

Dwyer High School

Orson Walkes

Pahokee High School

Tenard Summerall

Overtown Tornadoes 14U

Marisella Readon

Boca Braves

Week 11 Shaun Shivers

Chaminade-Madonna

Jamari Watson

PPO Bengals 10U

Joana Duce

East Miramar Dolphins 8U

Week 12 Yasir Abdullah

Miami Carol City Sr. HS

Dameon Jones

Chaminade-Madonna

Matthew O’Dowd

Lauderhill Broncos Varsity

Shaketta Simmonds

Kendall Kolts 9U

Week 14 Mike Epstein

St. Thomas Aquinas HS

Patrick Surtain

American Heritage HS

Brody Palhegyi

Plantation Wildcats 13U

Andrea Reid

Boca Braves