Press Releases

Search Press Releases
MIAMI DOLPHINS AWARDED EKPRE-OLOMU OFF WAIVERS   Download PDF version

April 5, 2016

MIAMI DOLPHINS AWARDED EKPRE-OLOMU OFF WAIVERS

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have been awarded cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu off waivers from the Cleveland Browns.

Ekpre-Olomu was waived by the Browns on April 2, 2016. He was a seventh-round draft selection (241st overall) by Cleveland in the 2015 NFL draft but missed the entire 2015 season due to injury.

Ekpre-Olomu played collegiately at Oregon and was a consensus first-team All-American and one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award as a senior in 2014. He was named first-team All-Pac 12 three times during his collegiate career and helped Oregon reach the inaugural College Football Playoff following the 2014 season.

Dolphins Cancer Challenge Hosts Successful DCC Celebrity Golf Tournament hosted by Turnberry Isle Miami   Download PDF version

April 4, 2016

Dolphins Cancer Challenge Hosts Successful DCC Celebrity Golf Tournament hosted by Turnberry Isle Miami

Miami – The Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) today held its inaugural DCC Celebrity Golf Tournament, hosted by Turnberry Isle Miami with support from FMS Bonds and BMW. More than 120 golfers participated in the sold-out event. One hundred percent of the funds from the tournament, co-chaired by Don Soffer and James Caan, benefit Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami.

“We had a great roster of participants that came out to have fun, play golf and raise money for cancer research thanks to the generosity of Turnberry and the Soffer family,” Dolphins Cancer Challenge CEO Michael Mandich said. “I’m proud that the DCC now has pillar events – our bike ride, 5K run/walk, Fall Family Fests, concert and golf tournament – that allow people all year long to be cancer fighters.”

The participants played with Miami Dolphins alumni and players, including Dick Anderson, Kim Bokamper, Troy Drayton, Mark Duper, Bob Griese, Dan Marino, Nat Moore and Dwight Stephenson as well as S Reshad Jones, LB Koa Misi and C Mike Pouncey. In addition, they were joined by former and current pro athletes Maurkice Pouncey, Shane Battier, Rip Hamilton, Cornelius Bennett and former UM alumni Bennie Blades, Brett Romberg and Gino Torretta. Golfers were treated to exceptional food and beverage at Bourbon Steak and finished the day with a VIP reception at Cosair.

2016 DCC Celebrity Golf Tournament Winners

Scramble – Nat Moore, Carolyn Baumel, Valeria Brannen, Kat Katawczik
Closest to the Pin – Tom Garfinkel
Longest Drive – Mary Rosenberg and Joe Leoni

About Dolphins Cancer Challenge
The Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) was founded in 2010 by the Miami Dolphins organization as the signature initiative of the Foundation’s health pillar. In part inspired by Dolphins alumnus and long-time radio voice Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich’s courageous battle with cancer, the DCC’s mission is to improve people’s lives through financial support for innovative cancer research at South Florida’s only academic-based cancer center – Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami. Since its inception, the DCC has raised more than $11.55 million, donating 100 percent of participant-raised funds to Sylvester. For additional information, call (305) 943-6799 or visit www. DolphinsCancerChallenge.com. DCC can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/RideDCC and on Twitter at @TackleCancer.

 

Miami Dolphins Select Six Participants In Bogota Audition For Cheerleader Finals in Miami   Download PDF version

April 3, 2016

***Photo/Video Credit: Miami Dolphins***

Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6z2d6gbcg4nwr0x/AABo-mI-RE3HESTjiNM18rQua?dl=0
Photo: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6wll6c0tkncp6tw/AADyIRBeuwUUsmNwUTdXvHoNa?dl=0

Miami Dolphins Select Six Participants In Bogota Audition For Cheerleader Finals in Miami

Bogota, Colombia – The Miami Dolphins selected six ladies from the Bogota cheerleader auditions to participate in the Miami Finals. More than 100 registrants came from all over Colombia to participate in the NFL’s first international cheerleader audition. The finalists are Elianis, Laura M., Laura MG., Nidia, Sara and Tania.

These ladies will join other finalists from cheerleader auditions in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Miami to participate in the Finals on May 1.

Auditions will continue next in Miami on Saturday, April 23 at Doctors Hospital Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. The following are the dates and locations for auditions:

Date Venue Location
March 3 JW Marriott Copacabana Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
March 6 Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel y Centro de Convenciones Buenos Aires, Argentina
March 12 Universidad la Salle Mexico City, Mexico
April 2 Four Points by Sheraton Bogota, Colombia
April 23 Doctors Hospital Training Facility South Florida

For further information or to register for auditions, please visit DolphinsCheerleaders.com

 

Additional Content
Rio Photos/Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4h14xfnofvq7fzl/AACkCl8P_p3WHxwgnveFWAA6a?dl=0
Buenos Aires Photos/Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/86b4554cmb5dwju/AAAXpKcSO0EUKHptC_52oiONa?dl=0
Mexico City Photos/Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mvn57f9cxvu6ykn/AAAFOTLMqvTPLJLM7spMGof2a?dl=0
Bogota Photos/Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/44dhuym0cppprd2/AACRqMr_zWE2ZuZZuxArdOSua?dl=0

 

Miami Dolphins Expand Digital Content to Include Behind the Scenes Access, More Programming   Download PDF version

April 1, 2016

Miami Dolphins Expand Digital Content to Include Behind the Scenes Access, More Programming

Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins announced that in conjunction with the start of the offseason program on Monday, April 11, fans will be able to receive expanded digital content on Dolphins.com, the Dolphins mobile app, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and YouTube. These platforms will feature behind the scenes stories, rich video content; weekly chats; podcasts and film breakdowns through the team’s extensive video library. In addition, the team will share select Dolphins content with current media partners WFOR and ESPN Deportes and its English-language radio partner once a deal is finalized.

Fans across the globe will be able to view and hear Dolphins information through a wide variety of programming, including “Dolphins Daily,” “The Audible” and “Dolphins Live.” “Dolphins Daily” is a quick recap of the day’s news and events featuring a rotating set of hosts. Along with “Dolphins Daily,” content will be aggressively pushed throughout the day, including interviews with players, coaches, media and noted personalities throughout sports; weekly chats, mic’d up features with players; and film breakdowns. “The Audible” will start on the first day of the NFL draft, Thursday, April 28 and be streamed on Dolphins.com, the Dolphins mobile app, Facebook Live and Periscope. The show also will be posted on YouTube and live in the form of an audio podcast. “The Audible” will feature unique perspectives on the team with long-form conversations, interviews and social media interaction where fans will have the ability to ask questions and take part in the discussion. “Dolphins Live” will feature real-time updates whenever news breaks.

With the focus on providing fans of the team up-to-date and real-time access, press conferences now will be streamed on Dolphins.com, Facebook Live and Periscope. During practices, the team will host “Open Locker Room Live.” The behind-the-scenes look will feature recaps from the open locker room period and exclusive one-on-one interviews with players and media that will be live-streamed on Dolphins.com, the Dolphins mobile app, Facebook Live and Periscope. Furthermore, “Open Locker Room Live” will be posted on YouTube with additional behind-the-scenes content on Snapchat.

In addition to more video, digital and live content, the Dolphins have elevated their relationship with the team’s fan sites. Along with celebrating these groups during the annual “Web Weekend” event, the team will work with select sites to share interviews with coaches, players, alumni and front office staff. Shared content will be featured on PhinManiacs, Fins Radio, and NFL Female.

 

MIAMI DOLPHINS MAKE ROSTER MOVES   Download PDF version

March 31, 2016

MIAMI DOLPHINS MAKE ROSTER MOVES

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have re-signed linebacker Spencer Paysinger. The team has also signed tight end MarQueis Gray and running backs Isaiah Pead and Daniel Thomas.

Paysinger played 14 games for the Dolphins in 2015, missing two contests due to injury. He recorded 10 tackles (eight solo) and 15 special teams stops (seven solo) in his first season with the team. Paysinger originally joined Miami as an unrestricted free agent from the New York Giants, where he spent the first four seasons (2011-14) of his career. He posted career highs in games started (10) and total tackles (66) in 2013. Paysinger made two special teams stops in Super Bowl XLVI following the 2011 season. He has played in 76 career games with 14 starts and 105 tackles (86 solo).

Gray has played 29 career games and made seven starts. He has totaled 12 receptions for 144 yards (12.0 avg.) as a member of the Cleveland Browns (2013), Minnesota Vikings (2014) and Buffalo Bills (2014-15). In 2015, Gray played four games for the Bills and caught one pass for two yards before being placed on injured reserve. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with the San Francisco 49ers on May 7, 2013 following his collegiate career at Minnesota, where he primarily played quarterback.

Pead has played 27 career games – all for the St. Louis Rams – and totaled 19 carries for 78 yards (4.1 avg. since entering the league as a second-round draft pick (50th overall) of St. Louis in 2012. He also has added 14 receptions for 94 yards (6.7 avg.) and returned 18 kickoffs for 413 yards (22.9 avg.). Most recently, Pead spent three weeks with the Pittsburgh Steelers before he was released on Nov. 27, 2015.

Thomas re-joins the Dolphins after he played for Miami from 2011-14. In his career, Thomas has played in 52 games for the Dolphins and started three, totaling 409 carries for 1,480 yards (3.6 avg.) and 10 touchdowns. The Kansas State product also caught 55 passes for 412 yards (7.5 avg.) and three touchdowns during his four seasons with the team. Originally a second-round selection (62nd overall) by Miami in the 2011 NFL draft, Thomas was most recently in training camp with the Chicago Bears before being released on Aug. 30, 2015.

MIAMI DOLPHINS SIGN URBIK   Download PDF version

March 22, 2016

MIAMI DOLPHINS SIGN URBIK

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed center/guard Kraig Urbik to a free agent contract.

Urbik has played in 84 career games and made 57 starts over the past six seasons with the Buffalo Bills (2010-15). The Bills originally signed Urbik off waivers on Sept. 5, 2010 before releasing him on March 1, 2016. Urbik has played in 57 consecutive games dating back to the 2012 season. In 2015, he started four contests.

A native of Hudson, Wis., Urbik entered the NFL as a third-round selection (79th overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2009 NFL draft. He played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin, where he was a first-team All-American and All-Big Ten honoree.

MIAMI DOLPHINS ADD WASHBURN TO STAFF   Download PDF version

March 18, 2016

MIAMI DOLPHINS ADD WASHBURN TO STAFF

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced that Jim Washburn has been named senior defensive assistant/pass rush specialist.

Washburn joins the Dolphins with 17 years of NFL coaching experience, including the past three with the Detroit Lions, where he assisted with the defensive line. He has coached six defensive linemen to Pro Bowl seasons, including Jason Babin, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Kevin Carter, Albert Haynesworth, Jevon Kearse and the Dolphins’ Ndamukong Suh when Washburn coached him in Detroit.

The Lions defensive line was among the league’s best at forcing opponents into negative plays in 2014. Under Washburn’s guidance, the unit ranked fifth in sacks by defensive line (34.0), tied for third in tackles for loss on rushing plays by defensive line (26) and second in total negative plays by defensive line with 60. The Lions also tied an NFL record for the most games (14) holding opponents to less than 100 rushing yards in a season.

Prior to Detroit, Washburn spent two seasons as the defensive line coach with the Philadelphia Eagles (2011-12) and 12 seasons as the defensive line coach with the Tennessee Titans (1999-2010). Washburn also spent time on the staffs of the University of Houston (1998), Arkansas (1994-97), Charlotte Rage (1993), London Monarchs (1991-92), Charlotte Barons (1990), South Carolina (1983-88), New Mexico (1980-82), Livingston (1979), Lees-McRae (1977-78) and Southern Methodist (1976).

A native of Shelby, N.C., Washburn was a four-year letterman at Gardner-Webb, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He later earned his master’s degree at North Carolina A&T.

Washburn and his wife, Sandy, have three children, Jessica, Brady and Jeremiah. Jeremiah is currently the assistant offensive line coach for the Dolphins.

MIAMI DOLPHINS SIGN WHALEN   Download PDF version

March 18, 2016

MIAMI DOLPHINS SIGN WHALEN

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed wide receiver Griff Whalen to a free agent contract.

Whalen has spent the past three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts where he played 33 games and started three from 2013-15. Whalen totaled 45 receptions for 487 yards (10.8 avg.) and three touchdowns and added 46 punt returns for 376 yards (8.2 avg.) and 25 kickoff returns for 645 yards (25.8 avg.). He originally signed with Indianapolis as an undrafted college free agent on April 30, 2012 but was placed on injured reserve prior to the 2012 season.

In 2015, Whalen played a career-high 14 games for Indianapolis and caught 19 passes for 205 yards (10.8 avg.) and one touchdown. He also recorded 12 punt returns for 85 yards (7.1 avg.) and nine kickoff returns for 244 yards (27.1 avg.). Whalen was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 21, 2015 and the Colts waived him on Jan. 1, 2016.