Miami Dolphins Announce End of the Year Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
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January 1, 2017
***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***
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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 |
Miami Dolphins Promote Hendy
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December 28, 2016
Miami Dolphins Promote Hendy
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have promoted safety A.J. Hendy off the practice squad to the team’s active roster and placed safety Isa Abdul-Quddus on injured reserve.
Hendy has spent the entire season on Miami’s practice squad. He was originally signed as an undrafted college free agent on May 5, 2016. Hendy lettered four seasons at Maryland (2011-13; 2015) and played in 42 career games with 18 starts. He totaled 142 career tackles (91 solo), four fumble recoveries, two interceptions and nine passes defensed. Hendy started all 12 games a senior.
Abdul-Quddus started 15 games this season for the Dolphins and totaled 77 tackles (49 solo) with one sack, two interceptions and five passes defensed. His 15 starts and 79 tackles were both career highs while his two interceptions ranked No. 2 on the team and tied a career best. Abdul-Quddus joined the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent from Detroit on March 11, 2016. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with New Orleans on July 27, 2011.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| A.J. Hendy |
S |
6-0 |
209 |
4/8/93 |
R |
Maryland ’16 |
Bowie, Md. |
FA, ‘16 |
Miami Dolphins Have 2 Selected For Pro Bowl
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December 20, 2016
Miami Dolphins Have 2 Selected For Pro Bowl
MIAMI – The National Football League today announced that Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and defensive end Cameron Wake have been selected to start for the AFC in the 2017 Pro Bowl.
The Dolphins are one of just two teams (Seattle) with two defensive linemen chosen. The selections mark the first time since 2012 (DT Randy Starks and DE Cameron Wake) that the Dolphins have had two defensive linemen represent them at the Pro Bowl.
The selections mark the first time since 2012 (DT Randy Starks and DE Cameron Wake) that the Dolphins have had two defensive linemen represent them at the Pro Bowl.
It is the first time since 2002 (DT Tim Bowens and DE Jason Taylor) that the Dolphins had two defensive linemen selected on the initial Pro Bowl roster and just the fourth time overall. The others were DE Trace Armstrong and DE Jason Taylor in 2000 and DT Bob Baumhower and DE Doug Betters in 1983.
The selection marks Suh’s fifth trip to the Pro Bowl, after he was previously selected following the 2010 and 2012-14 seasons. Among all interior defensive linemen this season, Suh is third with 62 total tackles (35 solo) and tied for seventh with five sacks. He’s on pace to finish among the top five in total tackles by an interior defensive lineman for the third straight year and is one of just three defensive linemen (Cincinnati’s Domata Peko and Arizona’s Calais Campbell) to start 100 games since 2010, his first NFL season. Suh is the sixth Dolphins interior defensive linemen to earn a Pro Bowl selection, joining Baumhower (1979, 1981-84), Brian Sochia (1988), Bowens (1998, 2002), Paul Soliai (2011) and Randy Starks (2010, 2012).
It is also Wake’s fifth Pro Bowl selection as he also received nods following the 2010 and 2012-14 seasons. After playing just seven games last year prior to suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, Wake has bounced back with one of the finest seasons of his career, totaling 25 tackles (19 solo), 10.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception. His nine forced fumbles since 2015 lead the NFL despite his shortened 2015 campaign, and his 10.5 sacks are fifth in the AFC and tied for eighth in the NFL. Wake is one of just three defensive linemen in the past decade to post double-digit sacks at age 34 or older, joining DE Julius Peppers (2015) and DE John Abraham (2012-13). Since he was inserted into the starting lineup in Week 6, Wake has 9.5 sacks – tied for third in the NFL – and has helped the Dolphins win eight of their past nine games.
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.
Miami Dolphins Host 125 Kids at Holiday Toy Event
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December 19, 2016
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Miami Dolphins Host 125 Kids at Holiday Toy Event
Davie, Fla. – Miami Dolphins players, coaches, cheerleaders, Miami Dolphins Women’s Organization (MDWO) members and mascot T.D. today welcomed 125 preselected kids from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach county partner elementary schools to the Dolphins Holiday Toy Event at Baptist Health Training Facility.
“It’s great to be out here. It’s a priceless moment to see the smiles and joy on their faces getting out here with us and having fun. I don’t know who’s having more fun: me or them,” Grant said. “Being with these kids means a lot to me. It feels great to give back to the community. It feels great to be out here with them. It’s a priceless moment.”
Players included Donald Butler, Leonte Carroo, John Denney, Kenyan Drake, Thomas Duarte, Jakeem Grant, MarQueis Gray, A.J. Hendy, Mike Hull, Dominique Jones, Jason Jones, Tony Lippett, Spencer Paysinger, Senorise Perry Jr., Lafayette Pitts, Terry Poole, Kenny Stills, Kraig Urbik, Julius Warmsley and Sam Young.
“The best part was taking a picture with the cheerleaders. I want to cheer for the Dolphins one day,” 11-year-old Tequila Parish said. She attends fourth grade at Goulds Elementary and received Monopoly, Sorry and a Galaxy Samsung Tablet. “I want to say thanks to Santa and the Miami Dolphins!”
Students from Broadmoor Elementary, Coconut Creek Elementary, Goulds Elementary, Lake Park Elementary and Winston Park Elementary enjoyed an evening that included fun with games, crafts and concluded with opening presents. Dinner was provided by Papa John’s Pizza. Each kid provided a toy wish list with items they would like for the holidays. Players and coaches collaborated together to fund and provide the toys that will be given.
Miami Dolphins Sign Reilly
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December 19, 2016
Miami Dolphins Sign Reilly
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed linebacker Trevor Reilly off New England’s practice squad and waived linebacker Zach Vigil.
Reilly has played in 29 career games, all with the New York Jets (2014-15). He has career totals of 11 tackles (five solo), one sack, one quarterback hit and one forced fumble. Reilly also has 20 special teams stops (14 solo). He spent the past nine weeks on New England’s practice squad. Reilly played collegiately at Utah and was originally a seventh-round pick (233rd overall) by the Jets in the 2014 NFL draft.
Vigil played in 23 career games with two starts for the Dolphins (2015-16), including seven games this season. He totaled 11 career tackles (eight solo) and one tackle for loss, along with nine solo special teams stops. Vigil originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with the Dolphins on May 8, 2015 after his collegiate career at Utah State.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Trevor Reilly |
LB |
6-5 |
245 |
1/17/88 |
3 |
Utah ’14 |
San Diego, Calif. |
FA, ‘16 |
Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Hosts Dolphins Championship Series: Cheer Competition
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December 18, 2016
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Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Hosts Dolphins Championship Series: Cheer Competition
Davie, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs on Sunday, Dec. 18 hosted more than 1,000 kids ages 4-15 years old from Mid Florida, Gold Coast Pop Warner, American Youth Football League, Florida Youth Football League, Miami Xtreme & National Youth Football League for championship cheer competitions at the Don Taft University Center Arena at Nova Southeastern University.
“We’re very excited to be here,” said Cheer Director of Miami Xtreme Football and Cheer Ayana Harris, whose league brought 20 teams from its local competition that placed first and second in their division to compete in the event. “We’re grateful to the Dolphins for having this competition because there really hasn’t been another platform in the community for all of the kids from so many different leagues to come together on this scale. The Dolphins have given these teams the opportunity to come together and compete in this fashion and on this scale. We’re very grateful to the Dolphins and happy to be here.”
“This event is new to our youth programs line up, but we’ve had a tremendous response,” Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Coordinator Cassy Congemi said. “We have more than 60 teams here, and the spirit level is high. The Dolphins cheerleaders are here, escorting groups through the rotations and taking photos. That brings an extra element for these young girls looking up to the Dolphins cheerleaders.”
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.
WINNERS
| Level One |
|
Level Two |
|
Level Three |
|
| 4, 5, 6 Small |
Doral Lady Broncos |
6, 7, 8 Small |
South Miami Grey Ghosts |
6, 7, 8 Large |
West Kendall Dolphins |
| 4, 5, 6 Medium |
Plantation Peewees |
8, 9, 10 Small |
Weston Warriors Jr. Prep |
8, 9, 10 Medium |
Miami Gardens Chiefs |
| 6, 7, 8 Small |
PPO Bengals Youth Prep |
8, 9, 10 Medium |
Coral Springs Chargers Youth |
8, 9, 10 Large |
Northeast Rattlers |
| 6, 7, 8 Medium |
Coral Springs Chargers |
10, 11, 12 Small/Medium |
Kendall Boys & Girls Club |
10, 11, 12 Small/Medium |
Plantation Juniors |
| 6, 7, 8 Large |
Coral Springs Chargers |
11, 12, 13 Small |
Weston Warriors Jr. |
11, 12, 13 Small |
Hialeah Youth Athletic Club |
| 8, 9, 10 Small |
Coconut Creek Eagles |
11, 12, 13 Large |
Doral Lady Broncos |
11, 12, 13 Medium |
Coral Springs Chargers |
| 8, 9, 10 Medium |
Doral Lady Broncos |
13, 14, 15 Small/Medium |
Pompano Eagles Varsity |
11, 12, 13 Large |
Kendall Hammocks Warriors |
| 10, 11, 12 Medium |
Sunil and Sundevils |
|
|
13, 14, 15 Small |
Central Florida Saints |
| 13, 14, 15 Small |
Miami Jr. Rockets |
|
|
13, 14, 15 Medium |
West Kendall Dolphins |
|
|
|
|
13, 14, 15 Large |
Coral Springs Chargers Sr. |
Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves
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December 13, 2016
Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed quarterback T.J. Yates and placed center Mike Pouncey on injured reserve.
Yates has played in 18 games with seven starts in his five-year NFL career after he spent four seasons with the Houston Texans (2011-13, 2015) and one season with the Atlanta Falcons (2014). His best season came as a rookie in 2011, when he started five regular season games and completed 82-of-134 passes (61.2 pct.) for 949 yards, three touchdowns and an 80.7 quarterback rating. That season he started two playoff games, including a 31-10 victory over Cincinnati in the AFC Wild Card round. He originally entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick (152nd overall) by Houston in the 2011 NFL draft.
Pouncey started five games for the Dolphins this season, helping the team to a 4-1 record in his five starts. In three of those games, Pouncey helped block for a 100-yard rusher and in two contests, running back Jay Ajayi rushed for 200-plus yards. In games Pouncey played, the Dolphins averaged 154.4 rushing yards, which would rank No. 2 in the NFL this season. He was penalized just once and did not allow a sack. Pouncey was Miami’s first-round pick (15th overall) in the 2011 NFL draft.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| T.J. Yates |
QB |
6-4 |
217 |
5/28/87 |
6 |
North Carolina ’11 |
Marietta, Ga. |
FA, ‘16 |
Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Hosted Dolphins Championship Series
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December 12, 2016
***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***
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Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Hosted Dolphins Championship Series
Miramar – Miami Dolphins Youth Programs hosted the league champions of six South Florida youth football organizations as part of the Dolphins Championship Series (DCS). Kids ages 5-15 years old from the American Youth Football League, Gold Coast Pop Warner, Greater Miami Pop Warner, Miami Xtreme, National Youth Football League and Youth Academic Sports League participated in the competition. The first DCS games were played on Saturday, December 3 at the Miramar Asin Center and championship play continued on Saturday, December 10.
“It’s an honor for the Miami Dolphins to celebrate youth football in South Florida by hosting the Dolphins Championship Series,” Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Youth Programs Twan Russell said. “The DCS games provide another opportunity for student-athletes to compete and showcase their skills after another remarkable season of play.”
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 of the event is to promote Youth Football in the South Florida community.
2016 Dolphins Championship Series Winners
1st Place 7U Weighted: Liberty City Warriors
1st Place 7U Unlimited: Miami Youth Junior Rockets
1st Place 7U Weighted: West Miramar Patriots
1st Place 8U Weighted: Pembroke Pines Optimist
1st Place 8U Weighted: Pompano Eagles
1st Place 9U Unlimited: Miami Junior Rockets
1st Place 9U Weighted: Miramar Wolverines
1st Place 9U Weighted: Pompano Cowboys Mitey Mites
1st Place 10U Weighted: Pembroke Pines Optimist
1st Place 11U Unlimited: East Miramar Dolphins
1st Place 11U Weighted: Plantation Wildcats
1st Place 12U Weighted: Miramar Wolverines
1st Place 13U Weighted: Plantation Wildcats
