Miami Dolphins Announce Week Two Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
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Sept. 14, 2016
Miami Dolphins Announce Week Two 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) recognize the week two youth football players, coaches and parent who have demonstrated their commitment to being leaders on and off the field:
- High School Player of the Week: Renaldo Flowers Jr. is a senior DT at Miami Jackson High School. He was instrumental in his team’s 12-9 victory over Miami Booker T. Washington HS who ranks as the #2 team in the country. Flowers Jr. recorded nine tackles, two fumble recoveries and had two QB hurries. One of the hurries influenced the game-winning interception that helped seal his team’s victory.
- High School Coach of the Week: Lakatriona Brunson is the head coach at Miami Jackson High School. She was hired as first female head coach in Florida high school football. Last weekend Brunson lead her team to a 12-9 victory over Miami Booker T. Washington High School.
- Youth Player of the Week: Taron “Tyger” Dickens from the American Youth Football League. He plays QB for the Miramar Wolverines 12U. The Wolverines beat the West Pines Pembroke Pines Panthers with Dickens 10 of 17 for 184 yards and two touchdowns. He threw for two touchdowns in last Saturday’s 12-7 victory over the Panthers. Dickens has thrown for 16 touchdowns prior to Saturday’s game. Dickens’ Wolverines 12U championship team defeated Team No Huddle 37-14 in this year’s Miami Dolphins Youth 7on 7.
- Team Mom of the Week: Gina Brooks from the Greater Miami South Florida Pop Warner. Brooks is the team mom for the Miami Youth Hurricanes Peewees. She is a wife and mother of three children and the engine that helps her team run smoothly. The one thing that stands out about Brooks is how she continues to emphasis education, obedience, respect and the importance of family (team). She is most proud that her team does not have any academic waivers. Simply put – she has a team full of good students with good grades and school attendance.
Each award recipient will be presented with a plaque on the field during the Sept. 25 Dolphins home game at Hard Rock Stadium against the Cleveland Browns, and receive acknowledgement of their accomplishment in the game program and through the Dolphins’ and RISE’s social media platforms. They also will receive a pair of tickets to a Miami Dolphins home game and a Dolphins/RISE T-shirt.
As a newly added component of the program and part of the Dolphins/RISE partnership, winners will be empowered to make a difference by participating in a RISE training program where they will learn how to use the unifying power of sport to promote the importance and benefits of unity, equality and inclusiveness as well as address racial tensions their teams, schools and communities might experience.
Awardees also will be encouraged to take a pledge, committing to stand up to racial inequality and share how they plan to affect change by creating a “How I RISE” video message, which will be posted on RISEtoWIN.org.
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 sport 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 sport 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 Jones
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September 14, 2016
Miami Dolphins Sign Jones
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have re-signed defensive tackle Chris Jones and waived quarterback Brandon Doughty.
Jones was originally acquired off waivers from New England by the Dolphins on April 18, 2016 before Miami waived him on Sept. 3, 2016. He played two seasons for the New England Patriots (2013-14), appearing in 28 games with 23 starts. He totaled 79 tackles (40 solo) and nine sacks in those two seasons before missing 2015 due to injury. Jones originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round selection (198th overall) by New England in the 2013 NFL draft.
Doughty was the first of Miami’s two seventh round selections (223rd overall) in the 2016 NFL draft. He was inactive in Week 1 at Seattle but played in all four preseason games and completed 20 of 28 passes (71.4 pct.) for 185 yards. He set 17 school records during his collegiate career at Western Kentucky and graduated as the program’s leading passer with 12,855 career passing yards.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Chris Jones |
DT |
6-1 |
293 |
7/12/90 |
4 |
Bowling Green ’13 |
Brownsburg, Ind. |
FA, ‘16 |
Miami Dolphins Sign Butler
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September 13, 2016
Miami Dolphins Sign Butler
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed linebacker Donald Butler The team has placed defensive tackle Earl Mitchell on injured reserve.
Butler is a five-year NFL veteran who has played in 71 games and made 62 starts with the San Diego Chargers (2011-15). During his career, Butler has totaled 370 tackles (267 solo), seven sacks, three interceptions, 12 passes defensed, five forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. He also started two playoff games for the Chargers in 2013 and recorded 17 tackles (13 solo), one interception and one pass defensed. Butler spent the 2016 training camp with the Arizona Cardinals but was released on Sept. 2, 2016. He originally entered the NFL as a third-round selection (79th overall) by San Diego in the 2010 NFL draft.
Mitchell was injured in Sunday’s game at Seattle after recording one assisted tackle. He has played in 29 games with 16 starts since joining Miami as an unrestricted free agent on March 12, 2014. Throughout his seven-year NFL career, Mitchell has played in 92 games with 33 starts and recorded 190 tackles (116 solo) and 5.5 sacks. He was originally drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round (81st overall) of the 2010 NFL draft and spent his first four NFL seasons (2010-14) there.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Donald Butler |
LB |
6-1 |
242 |
10/17/88 |
6 |
Washington ’10 |
Sacramento, Calif. |
FA, ‘16 |
Miami Dolphins Host Back to School Backpack Event
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September 13, 2016
***Photo/Video Credit: Miami Dolphins***
Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ocq6azacpxb6nhq/AABZNqw7wu2av8iU2xsFLu-Ga?dl=0
Miami Dolphins Host Back to School Backpack Event
Hollywood, Fla. – Miami Dolphins players including punter Matt Darr and his wife, Lauren, long snapper John Denney, tight end MarQueis Gray and his wife, Alison, defensive end Dion Jordan, wide receiver Kenny Stills and defensive tackle Julius Warmsley, along with cheerleaders and mascot T.D., distributed backpacks to students from Title I schools in Broward and Miami-Dade County schools who were selected by their principals.
“Our players, cheerleaders and staff had a great time interacting with students in the community and always look forward to this annual event,” Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Communications & Community Affairs Jason Jenkins said. “One of our main pillars is education and we hope that these much-needed supplies will push these kids to a successful school year.”
One hundred students from Sterling Elementary, Glades Middle School, Phillis Wheatley Elementary and Gertrude K. Edelman/Sabal Palm Elementary School enjoyed dinner, received a Dolphins T-shirt and had a chance to play games alongside the Dolphins players.
“The fact that the organization would take time out during football season to spend time with our students and give us the opportunity to engage in activity is incredible,” Phillis Wheatley Elementary Principal Cathy Williams said. “To go away with supplies and a book bag with an emblem of the Dolphins so they can remember forever is just an experience for them.”
Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves
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September 4, 2016
Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have been awarded wide receiver Justin Hunter off waivers from the Tennessee Titans and have released wide receiver Griff Whalen.
Hunter is entering his fourth NFL season after playing three years with the Titans (2013-15). He has played in 35 career games with 13 starts and totaled 68 receptions for 1,116 yards (16.4 avg.) and eight touchdowns. He posted career highs in receptions (28) and receiving yards (498) in 2014 when he played 12 games and started eight. Hunter originally entered the NFL as a second-round selection (34th overall) by Tennessee in 2013.
Whalen joined the Dolphins as a free agent on March 18, 2016 after playing his first three NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts (2013-15). He played in 33 games and made three starts for the Colts, totaling 45 receptions for 487 yards (10.8 avg.) and three touchdowns.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Justin Hunter |
WR |
6-4 |
203 |
5/20/91 |
4 |
Tennessee ’13 |
Virginia Beach, Va. |
Wai. ’16 (Ten.) |
The Dolphins have also signed the following players to their practice squad:
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
| James Burgess |
LB |
6-0 |
233 |
3/9/94 |
R |
Louisville ‘16 |
| Jamil Douglas |
G |
6-4 |
308 |
2/28/92 |
2 |
Arizona State ‘15 |
| Thomas Duarte |
TE |
6-2 |
241 |
3/30/95 |
R |
UCLA ‘16 |
| A.J. Hendy |
S |
6-0 |
209 |
4/8/93 |
R |
Maryland ‘16 |
| Ulrick John |
T |
6-5 |
307 |
5/20/92 |
3 |
Georgia State ‘14 |
| Cleyon Laing |
DE |
6-4 |
299 |
11/21/90 |
1 |
Iowa State ‘13 |
| Lafayette Pitts |
CB |
5-11 |
196 |
9/24/92 |
R |
Pittsburgh ‘16 |
| Rashawn Scott |
WR |
6-2 |
204 |
1/29/92 |
1 |
Miami (Fla.) ‘16 |
| Jordan Williams |
DE |
6-4 |
276 |
3/23/93 |
1 |
Tennessee ‘15 |
Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves
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September 3, 2016
Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have waived the following players:
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
| James Burgess |
LB |
6-0 |
233 |
3/9/94 |
R |
Louisville ‘16 |
| Deandre Coleman |
DT |
6-5 |
341 |
1/27/91 |
1 |
California ‘14 |
| Jamil Douglas |
G |
6-4 |
308 |
2/28/92 |
2 |
Arizona State ‘15 |
| Thomas Duarte |
TE |
6-2 |
241 |
3/30/95 |
R |
UCLA ‘16 |
| Zac Dysert |
QB |
6-3 |
223 |
2/8/90 |
2 |
Miami (Ohio) ‘13 |
| Shamiel Gary |
S |
6-0 |
217 |
5/31/90 |
2 |
Oklahoma State ‘14 |
| Tyler Gray |
LB |
6-4 |
236 |
2/17/93 |
R |
Boise State ‘16 |
| A.J. Hendy |
S |
6-0 |
209 |
4/8/93 |
R |
Maryland ‘16 |
| Ulrick John |
T |
6-5 |
307 |
5/20/92 |
3 |
Georgia State ‘14 |
| Chris Jones |
DT |
6-1 |
293 |
7/12/90 |
4 |
Bowling Green ‘13 |
| Cleyon Laing |
DE |
6-4 |
299 |
11/21/90 |
1 |
Iowa State ‘13 |
| Rashaan Melvin |
CB |
6-2 |
193 |
10/2/89 |
3 |
Northern Illinois ‘13 |
| Lafayette Pitts |
CB |
5-11 |
196 |
9/24/92 |
R |
Pittsburgh ‘16 |
| Cedric Reed |
DE |
6-5 |
269 |
10/9/92 |
1 |
Texas ’15 |
| Rashawn Scott |
WR |
6-2 |
204 |
1/29/92 |
1 |
Miami (Fla.) ‘16 |
| Jordan Williams |
DE |
6-4 |
276 |
3/23/93 |
1 |
Tennessee ‘15 |
The Dolphins have released the following players:
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
| Chimdi Chekwa |
CB |
6-0 |
196 |
1/7/88 |
4 |
Ohio State ‘11 |
| James-Michael Johnson |
LB |
6-1 |
238 |
8/20/89 |
5 |
Nevada ‘12 |
| Dominique Jones |
TE |
6-3 |
275 |
8/15/87 |
3 |
Shepherd ‘11 |
| Daniel Thomas |
RB |
6-1 |
235 |
10/29/87 |
5 |
Kansas State ‘11 |
| Sam Young |
T |
6-8 |
315 |
6/24/87 |
7 |
Notre Dame ‘10 |
The Dolphins have also played the following player on reserve/physically unable to perform:
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
| Chris Culliver |
CB |
6-0 |
199 |
8/17/88 |
6 |
South Carolina ‘11 |
Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves
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August 30, 2016
Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have placed defensive end Dion Jordan and linebacker Zach Vigil on the reserve/non-football injury list.
Jordan played in 26 games with one start for the Dolphins from 2013 to 2014 and recorded 37 tackles (31 solo) and three sacks. He was suspended for the entire 2015 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Jordan was conditionally reinstated to the NFL on July 29, 2016 and was placed on the active/non-football injury list on July 31, 2016. He originally joined the Dolphins as a first-round selection (third overall) in the 2013 NFL draft.
Vigil played in all 16 games with two starts for the Dolphins in 2015 – his first NFL season. He recorded 11 tackles (eight solo) on defense and added seven solo stops and a blocked punt on special teams. He joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent from Utah State on May 8, 2015 and was placed on the active/non-football injury list on July 29, 2016.
Miami Dolphins Make Trade With Saints
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August 29, 2016
Miami Dolphins Make Trade With Saints
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have traded defensive end Chris McCain to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick.
McCain played in 19 games over the past two seasons (2014-15) with the Dolphins. He recorded six solo tackles, two sacks and also recorded a fumble. He originally joined the Dolphins as an undrafted college free agent on May 19, 2014 and was a three-year letterman (2011-13) at California.
