Miami Dolphins Social Impact Committee Announces Programmatic Support for 2021 Season
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October 19, 2021
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Miami Dolphins Social Impact Committee Announces Programmatic Support for 2021 Season
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins Social Impact Committee announced it will continue to positively impact civic engagement, education, and economic empowerment in South Florida. The players will continue their support of the Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County Public Schools, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and Florida Memorial University. In total, the committee has raised more than $1.1M to support these programs in partnership with the Miami Dolphins Foundation and NFL Foundation.
“The Miami Dolphins Social Impact Committee exists to give players an outlet for community service,” said cornerback Byron Jones. “Oftentimes guys want to engage in community service but simply do not where to start or they do it alone. The committee allows us to pull our resources together and come up with a game plan to ultimately maximize our impact.”
The committee will make a $300,000 commitment to bridge education equity and assist with wireless technology for underserved students that attend public schools in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
“The opportunity to help bridge the digital & educational divide is something that is a blessing for us to be a part of,” said wide receiver Mack Hollins. “Knowing that the small contribution we are making is making an enormous impact across Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County schools is incredible. It is so important that our children continue to receive every chance to excel and build a better future!”
Broward County Public Schools will use these funds to provide content filtering for new hot spots for student use. Student services have identified at least 1,500 homeless students through the Homeless Education Assistance Resource Team (HEART). The goal is to provide each of the identified students with a hotspot and laptop to use. The donation will ensure that all hotspots are compliant with the Children’s Internet Protections Act (CIPA) by having important content filtering safeguards.
“We are grateful to the Miami Dolphins Social Impact Committee for supporting our work to ensure equity in education,” said Broward County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright. “Through this partnership, our underserved students, particularly those experiencing homelessness, will access appropriate websites that foster safe and supportive online resources.”
Miami-Dade County Public Schools will fund STEAM VEX Robotics curriculum for students in 4th and 5th grade at 34 M-DCPS schools. As part of new initiatives introduced for the 2021-2022 school year, M-DCPS launched VEX-Go STEM Robotics to enhance robotics program offerings for elementary school students, which included VEX-Go robotics kits, teacher training, and access to VEX-Go competitions for students in grades 1-3. This donation will allow M-DCPS to build upon the VEX-Go STEM Robotics program by expanding this initiative for students in grades 4 and 5 at these same schools.
“As Miami-Dade County Public Schools prepares students to be the next generation of inventors, innovators and leaders, we remain committed to providing access to state-of-the-art STEM programs,” said Miami-Dade County Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho. “We thank the Miami Dolphins and its players’ Social Impact Committee for once again partnering with us to ensure children in every zip code in our community can achieve their full potential.”
Palm Beach County Public Schools funds will support the School District of Palm Beach County’s Connecting Kids in the Community through Digital Inclusion program. Services will include equipping families with technical support, providing technology training and navigation of online resources to enhance learning opportunities and academic progress for participating students while increasing familial involvement in education. In addition, the Dolphins donation will help configure 21,000 Wi-Fi Extenders and staff a Digital Literacy Coach / Specialist.
“We have thousands of students in Palm Beach County who have limited access to high speed, quality internet. What the Dolphins are doing by donating and configuring Wi-Fi extenders is helping to level the playing field by helping the District to ensure that all students have equity in access to excellence in education,” said School District of Palm Beach County Board Chair Frank Barbieri. “On behalf of the Palm Beach County School Board I want to thank the organization and the Social Impact Committee, it’s wonderful for us to have this level of support from the Dolphins.”
The committee will also donate $100,000 to the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition Fines and Fees program, which assists returning citizens who have outstanding fees to complete their sentences and become eligible to vote. The donation will impact hundreds of people with past convictions, with a focus on Miami Gardens and the surrounding communities.
“This donation by the Miami Dolphins, as with its previous donation, will have a tremendous impact on the lives of Returning Citizens in South Florida, and it also demonstrates the Dolphins continued commitment to being a great community partner.” said Desmond Meade, Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.
“This is an amazing opportunity to help our community get back on its feet,” said defensive back Jason McCourty. “As formerly incarcerated individuals return to our communities, we want to make sure they regain their right to vote and have the opportunity to feel welcomed by the people that surround them. This is one small step in allowing people a second chance and a pathway to create a new life”
Furthermore, the committee will continue their partnership with the Lennar Foundation to fund Florida Memorial University’s Certificate Program in Construction Trades for the second year. This program, the first of its kind at a Historically Black College in Florida, will play a key role in economic empowerment by providing equitable access for minorities in South Florida through employment in the construction business. Tuition, along with meals and transportation, will be free for all participants in this 12-month certification program. Participants can register for the program at www.fmuniv.edu/trade.
“This partnership is in perfect alignment with FMU’s goal of producing career ready graduates in high demand fields,” said Dr. Jaffus Hardrick, President, Florida Memorial University. “The continued support from the Miami Dolphins and the Lennar Foundation helps provide students from our Certificate Program in Construction Trades with opportunities for quality, higher-salaried jobs as demand in the construction industry continues to grow.”
“After seeing the success of the first class in the program, we’re happy to support this initiative again,” said running back Patrick Laird. “We saw measurable impact where men and women got an opportunity and took advantage of it. They can now provide for themselves, their families and their communities for the rest of their lives.”
“The Lennar Foundation is very pleased with the outcomes of our partnership with the Miami Dolphins Player’s Social Impact Committee for job skills training at Florida Memorial University, said Marshall Ames, Chairman of the Lennar Foundation. “We appreciate the renewal of our partnership and applaud the positive impacts of our joint efforts.”
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
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October 16, 2021
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have activated quarterback Tua Tagovailoa off injured reserve. The team also elevated wide receiver Isaiah Ford and wide receiver Kirk Merritt for Sunday’s game.
Tagovailoa has played in 12 games with 11 starts for the Dolphins over the past two seasons (2020-21). He has completed 203-of-321 passes (63.2 pct.) for 2,029 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s also rushed 40 times for 110 yards (2.8 avg.) and four touchdowns. Tagovailoa was originally placed on injured reserve on Sept. 25. He entered the NFL as a first-round pick (fifth overall) by the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Ford has played in 20 games with one start in four seasons (2018-21) with Miami. He was also elevated last week and caught one pass for three yards against Tampa Bay. Ford has totaled 52 career receptions for 523 yards (10.1 avg.) and one carry for 11 yards. He originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick (237th overall) by Miami in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Merritt has spent each of the past two seasons (2020-21) on Miami’s practice squad. He made his NFL debut on Nov. 8, 2020 at Arizona but did not record any statistics. Merritt originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with Miami on April 29, 2020. He earned back-to-back first-team All-Sun Belt honors at Arkansas State in 2018 and 2019.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Isaiah Ford |
WR |
6-2 |
201 |
2/9/96 |
4 |
Virginia Tech ’17 |
Jacksonville, Fla. |
D7, ‘17 |
| Kirk Merritt |
WR |
6-1 |
214 |
1/5/97 |
2 |
Arkansas State ’20 |
Destrehan, La. |
FA, ‘20 |
| Tua Tagovailoa |
QB |
6-1 |
217 |
3/2/98 |
2 |
Alabama ’20 |
Ewa Beach, Hawaii |
D1a, ‘20 |
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
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October 9, 2021
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have activated defensive tackle Raekwon Davis off injured reserve. The team also elevated wide receiver Isaiah Ford and defensive end Jabaal Sheard for Sunday’s game.
Davis has played in 17 games with 13 starts for the Dolphins over the past two seasons (2020-21). He has totaled 40 tackles (19 solo) during his career. Davis was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 14, 2021. He originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick (56th overall) by Miami in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Ford has played in 19 games with one start in three seasons (2018-20) with Miami. He’s totaled 51 career receptions for 520 yards (10.2 avg.) and one carry for 11 yards. Ford played in 10 games with one start for the Dolphins in 2020, catching 28 passes for 276 yards (9.9 avg.). He originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick (237th overall) by Miami in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Sheard has appeared in 144 career games with 106 starts, spending time with Cleveland (2011-14), New England (2015-16), Indianapolis (2017-19), Jacksonville (2020) and the N.Y. Giants (2020). He’s totaled 406 tackles (274 solo), 53 sacks, 28 passes defensed, 14 forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in his career. Sheard has also played in seven playoff games with two starts and has 1.5 sacks in the postseason. He originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick (37th overall) by Cleveland in the 2011 NFL Draft.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Raekwon Davis |
DT |
6-7 |
330 |
6/10/97 |
2 |
Alabama ’20 |
Meridian, Miss. |
D2b, ‘20 |
| Isaiah Ford |
WR |
6-2 |
201 |
2/9/96 |
4 |
Virginia Tech ’17 |
Jacksonville, Fla. |
D7, ‘17 |
| Jabaal Sheard |
DE |
6-3 |
268 |
5/10/89 |
11 |
Pittsburgh ’11 |
Hollywood, Fla. |
FA, ‘21 |
Miami Dolphins Celebrate Dolphins Alumni Weekend presented by Baptist Health
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October 5, 2021
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Miami Dolphins Celebrate Dolphins Alumni Weekend presented by Baptist Health
Miami Gardens, Fla – The Miami Dolphins celebrated Alumni Weekend presented by Baptist Health to recognize and unite members of the team throughout the years as part of the strong tradition of the organization from October 2-4, 2021. An annual tradition with longstanding support from Baptist Health, Alumni Weekend is the Dolphins largest celebration of former coaches and players.
“Dolphins Alumni Weekend presented by Baptist Health is about celebrating the history, tradition and camaraderie of the Miami Dolphins organization and those who have dedicated their time on the field,” Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Special Projects & Alumni Relations Nat Moore said. “Through the wonderful support and partnership of Baptist Health, we hosted yet another successful event that honored the legacy of Coach Shula and our alumni. This was an amazing opportunity that brought people together and allowed us to share memories and make new ones.”
“Baptist Health is proud to be the presenting partner of Alumni Weekend,” Baptist Health’s Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute and Doctors Hospital CEO Javier Hernandez-Lichtl said. “In addition to providing exclusive world-class medical care to the Dolphins players and staff, Baptist Health takes pride in participating in events like Alumni Weekend, which further enhances our great partnership and allows us to engage with the community and the Dolphins rich history alike, celebrating many aspects of life and sport together.”
Alumni Weekend presented by Baptist Health concluded with the annual Alumni Weekend Golf Tournament presented by Waste Management on Monday, Oct. 4.
2021 Alumni Weekend Golf presented by Waste Management Tournament Winners
First Place Team – (Truist Bank) Adam Hawkins, Matt Fink, Carlos Doreste and Dolphins Alumnus Jerris McPhail
Closest to the Pin Seniors – Pat O’Hara
Closest to the Pin Dolphins Alumni – Troy Drayton
Longest Drive Seniors – Rick Volk
Longest Drive Dolphins Alumni – Anthony Fasano
Miami Dolphins place Fuller on IR
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October 6, 2021
Miami Dolphins place Fuller on IR
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have placed wide receiver William Fuller V on injured reserve.
Fuller joined the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent on March 20, 2021 and has played in two games for the team this year, totaling four receptions for 26 yards (6.5 avg.). He caught a game-tying 2-point conversion with two seconds remaining in regulation of the game at Las Vegas in Week 3. Fuller has totaled 213 receptions for 3,136 yards (14.7 avg.) and 24 touchdowns in his career, playing five seasons (2016-20) in Houston. He originally entered the NFL as a first-round pick (21st overall) by the Texans in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
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October 5, 2021
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have traded wide receiver Jakeem Grant to Chicago in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick. The team also signed center Austin Reiter off New Orleans’ practice squad.
Grant played in 70 games with eight starts over six seasons (2016-21) with the Dolphins. He totaled 91 receptions for 1,001 yards (11.0 avg.) and five touchdowns in addition to 12 carries for 43 yards (3.6 avg.) and a touchdown. On special teams, he had 89 kickoff returns for 2,206 yards (24.8 avg.) and two touchdowns and 101 punt returns for 978 yards (9.7 avg.) and three touchdowns. Grant originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick (186th overall) by the Dolphins in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Reiter has played in 59 career games with 33 starts over five seasons – two with Cleveland (2016-17) and three with Kansas City (2018-20). He started all 19 games (including three in the postseason) for Kansas City during the Super Bowl championship season in 2019. Reiter originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick (222nd) by Washington in the 2015 NFL Draft.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Austin Reiter |
C |
6-3 |
300 |
11/27/91 |
6 |
South Florida ’15 |
Bradenton, Fla. |
FA, ‘21 |
