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Miami Dolphins Celebrate Fantennial Weekend   Download PDF version

October 29, 2019

Image Credit: Miami Dolphins

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Miami Dolphins Celebrate Fantennial Weekend 

MIAMI GARDENS, FL. – In celebration of the NFL’s 100th season, join the Miami Dolphins as they will host Fantennial Weekend, with activities to honor the proud tradition of the league and franchise.

On Friday, Nov. 1, the Dolphins will participate in the Edison vs. Northwestern High School Football game at Traz Powell Stadium. Earlier this year, the Dolphins, along with Baptist Health South Florida, donated new equipment to Miami Edison after a field house fire damaged essential items. Dolphins cheer and mascot T.D. will be in attendance to sign autographs and take photos. This is a continuation of the Junior Dolphins program, which encourages youth players and coaches to teach, learn and play football in a fun and safe environment. The Junior Dolphins program is designed to give kids access to learn the fundamentals of football using the NFL’s top resources. To grow the game, the Junior Dolphins program will work to educate coaches, parents and youth on the health and safety of football with a strong emphasis on character development. Junior Dolphins is building the next generation of Dolphins Fans.

On Saturday, November 2nd fans will gather at Hard Rock Stadium from 12-4 p.m. for the Fantennial Celebration presented by Pepsi. The event is free and open to all fans and will include the opportunity to take photos with the authentic Hall of Fame busts of all 10 Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame inductees, alumni autographs, cheerleader performances, kids activities, food trucks, a garage sale benefitting the Miami Dolphins Foundation and an open call audition for National Anthem Performers.

Fans at the Fantennial Celebration presented by Pepsi also will have the opportunity to participate in a #DolphinsHuddleFor100 service project. The NFL has invited fans, players, clubs and employees to join Huddle for 100, an effort to inspire 1 million people to volunteer 100 minutes of their time to make meaningful contributions to their communities. These activities connect to the Dolphins initiative to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community. For more information on the NFL Huddle and to see volunteer opportunities with the Dolphins, visit https://www.miamidolphins.com/community/specialteams.

Later on Saturday evening, the Dolphins will participate in the “Muck Bowl” featuring Pahokee High School vs. Glades Central Community High School as part of “The Audible: Football Fridays.” The Dolphins will incorporate an on-site live pre-game show with alumni and giveaways.

The weekend culminates on Sunday with the Jets vs. Dolphins game presented by Hard Rock Hotel. During the game, the Dolphins will unveil the Dolphins Greatest Moment as voted on by fans.

For more details, please visit www.dolphins.com/NFL100

Miami Dolphins activate Nkemdiche   Download PDF version

October 28, 2019

Miami Dolphins activate Nkemdiche

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have activated defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche off the physically unable to perform list.

Nkemdiche joined the Dolphins on Aug. 8, 2019 after playing 27 games with six starts for Arizona over the past three seasons (2016-18). He has 44 career tackles (26 solo), 4.5 sacks, two passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Nkemdiche originally entered the NFL as a first-round pick (29th overall) by Arizona in the 2016 NFL draft.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
Robert Nkemdiche DT 6-4 296 9/19/94 4 Mississippi ’16 Loganville, Ga. FA, ‘19
Miami Dolphins make trade with Cardinals   Download PDF version

October 28, 2019

Miami Dolphins make trade with Cardinals

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have acquired a conditional 2020 draft pick from Arizona in exchange for running back Kenyan Drake.

Drake was a third-round pick (73rd overall) by Miami in the 2016 NFL draft. During his three-plus seasons with the Dolphins, Drake played in 54 games with 16 starts and totaled 333 carries for 1,532 yards (4.6 avg.) and nine touchdowns. He also had 116 receptions for 936 yards (8.1 avg.) and six touchdowns.

Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ hosts Special Olympics Florida’s South Florida Youth Summit at Hard Rock Stadium   Download PDF version

October 26, 2019

#FootballUnites

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Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ hosts Special Olympics Florida’s South Florida Youth Summit at Hard Rock Stadium

MIAMI GARDENS – The Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ program hosted over 100 students and faculty at Hard Rock Stadium for Special Olympics Florida’s South Florida Youth Summit presented by Wells Fargo.

The Youth Summit is a full day inclusive leadership development conference that introduces student leaders, both with and without intellectual disabilities, to Special Olympics Unified Champion School program inspiring them to become agents of change on their school campuses.  The leadership training was provided by University of Miami Medical School’s Mailman Center for Child Development.

Guest speakers included Jason Jenkins, Miami Dolphins Senior VP of Communications and Community Affairs; Shirelle Jackson, University of Miami’s Senior Associate Athletic Director; Patrick Morris, Wells Fargo Community Affairs Officer and Haley Moss, Attorney, Author, Artist and Autism Advocate.

“It is critical to recognize the power of our future leaders to help shape attitudes about acceptance and inclusion,” said Special Olympics Florida CEO and President Sherry Wheelock. “Today’s summit was a testament to the shared desire to continue building communities that embrace all abilities. We are beyond grateful to our students, athletes, the Miami Dolphins, Wells Fargo and the University of Miami for their support to elevate these important and necessary conversations.”

Special Olympics Florida now boasts 222 Unified Champion Schools throughout the state.  Southridge Senior High School in Miami-Dade County was recognized this year by ESPN as a top five Unified Champion School in the nation.

These efforts and initiatives align with the Miami Dolphins’ goal to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community. Dolphins Chairman of the Board & Managing General Partner Stephen Ross and Dolphins players created the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program as a way to bring positive social change. The Miami Dolphins organization believes it is important to be inclusive of the diversity and aware of the intersections that make up South Florida, uniting groups of different races, genders, sexual orientations, identities, abilities and faiths around the power of football.  Information on the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program can be found here. To learn more about RISE, visit here.

About Unified Champion Schools

Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change. With sports as the foundation, the three component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions.

This is accomplished by implementing inclusive sports, inclusive youth leadership opportunities, and whole school engagement. The program is designed to be woven into the fabric of the school, enhancing current efforts and providing rich opportunities that lead to meaningful change in creating a socially inclusive school that supports and engages all learners. What a Unified Champion School “looks like” can vary greatly from school to school, based on the needs, goals, schedules and other factors unique to each school; but the basic building blocks remain the same.

About Special Olympics Florida

Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition, and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected, and contributing members of their

communities. To learn more, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.

Miami Dolphins Take Elementary School Students to Halloween Shop with A Fin Presented by Dade County Federal Credit Union   Download PDF version

October 23, 2019

#DolphinsHuddlefor100 @NFL

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Miami Dolphins Take Elementary School Students to Halloween Shop with A Fin Presented by Dade County Federal Credit Union

AVENTURA, FL – Miami Dolphins players Chandler Cox, Andrew Van Ginkel, Davon Godchaux, Jonathan Ledbetter, Chris Myarick, Nik Needham and Isaiah Prince, cheerleaders, T.D. and staff in partnership with Dade County Federal Credit Union took students from Coral Cove Elementary in Broward County and North Miami Elementary from Miami Dade County costume shopping at Spirit Halloween in Aventura on Wednesday afternoon.

“We want to make financial literacy as synonymous with the fall as football and Halloween,” Dade County Federal Credit Union Vice President of Marketing and Information technology Mauricio Morales said. “We are pleased to work with the Dolphins to make this event both fun and educational for the kids.”

“When you walk in here and the kids are coming off the bus and they see us in these jerseys, we don’t think it but it’s a big deal,” Miami Dolphins DE Jonathan Ledbetter said. “When you see kids that are that young, you have an impression on them. We are at a position where we impact people no matter what we do. We are a symbol and the Miami Dolphins, the NFL and us as individuals with our brands; it’s important and leaves an everlasting impression on these kids connecting and having an impact on them just by being here.”

Selected by their school principal, the 50 participating students ages 5-8 years old also received a lesson on financial literacy from Dade County Federal Credit Union to learn the importance of financial responsibility prior to the event.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for my students that is both educational and fun!  I am extremely grateful for this partnership,” North Miami Elementary School Principal Dr. Deborah Darbonne said.

“I am thrilled our students experienced such a unique opportunity. Thank you to everyone who makes this partnership possible, and for making a difference in the lives of our students at Coral Cove Elementary School,” Coral Cove Elementary School Principal Stephanie A. Saban said.

This event is part of an ongoing series of the #DolphinsHuddlefor100 service projects as part of the NFL’s 100th celebration. The NFL has invited fans, players, clubs and employees to join Huddle for 100, an effort to inspire 1 million people to volunteer 100 minutes of their time to make meaningful contributions to their communities. These activities are in connection with the Miami Dolphins’ initiative to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community. For more information on the NFL Huddle and to see volunteer opportunities with the Dolphins, visit https://www.miamidolphins.com/community/specialteams.

Miami Dolphins Host FOOTBALL UNITES™ Allapattah and Wynwood Cultural Tour Presented by Baptist Health   Download PDF version

October 15, 2019

#DolphinsHuddlefor100 @NFL #FootballUnites #InspireChange

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Miami Dolphins Host FOOTBALL UNITES™ Allapattah and Wynwood Cultural Tour Presented by Baptist Health

MIAMI – Miami Dolphins players Myles Gaskin, Durval Queiroz Neto and Christian Wilkins, cheerleaders and staff spent the day exploring Allapattah and Wynwood alongside local youth, community leaders and law enforcement at the Dolphins’ second FOOTBALL UNITES™ Cultural Tour Presented by Baptist Health of the season to experience the richness and diversity of South Florida on Tuesday, October 15.

“When I was a little kid I really wanted to meet an NFL player; I think that was really huge for me and being able to do that for these guys here I think that means a lot just being friendly and having regular conversations with them,” Miami Dolphins Running Back Myles Gaskin said.  “I learned how much history Florida has. Coming from across the country, you don’t hear much about it and being out here learning about these churches, restaurants and Wynwood, I think that is the biggest part. On my day off I might work out a little but you obviously want to see something new and that was big for me today, I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next one.”

On arrival, the group participated in a #DolphinsHuddleFor100 service project packing hygiene kits as part of a Hurricane Dorian relief effort to experience working together in a teamwork setting.

The tour, in partnership with History Miami, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, started with a guided exploration through La Merced Church. Participants received a history lesson of the colonial site and its significance on the heritage of Miami. The team then visited Club Tipico Dominicano Restaurant, the oldest Dominican restaurant in Allapattah, to enjoy traditional Dominican dishes and experience Merengue dancing. The day concluded with a visit to Wynwood Wall to explore the colorful street murals from artists around the globe.

“My favorite part has been coming to the restaurant. We are experiencing stuff and they are telling us about the Dominican cultures, what’s going on and how long it’s been here,” student participant Stephanie Pineda said. “It’s good because they (Miami Dolphins) are interested in it, and they actually talk about it. Most people don’t worry about it but I appreciate how they actually do.”

“This is a legacy that we, here, would like to leave. This is very important for all kinds of people and coming to visit such a place is like going to the past so this is very important cultural wise,” Colonial Heritage of Florida Project Director Ray Zamora said.

These initiatives align with the organization’s goal to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community. Dolphins Chairman of the Board & Managing General Partner Stephen Ross and Dolphins players created the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program as a way to bring positive social change. The Miami Dolphins organization believes it is important to be inclusive of the diversity and aware of the intersections that make up South Florida, uniting groups of different races, genders, sexual orientations, identities, abilities and faiths around the power of football.

These programs connect to the NFL’s Inspire Change platform, showcasing the collaborative efforts of players, owners and the league to create positive change in communities across the country and work with RISE – the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality – to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. Information on the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program can be found here. To learn more about RISE, visit here. Fans can join the

conversation with the NFL’S Inspire Change program by clicking here.

Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ Collaborate with Breakthrough Miami to Host Breakthroughs and Bridges Workshop   Download PDF version

October 16, 2019

#FootballUnites #InspireChange

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Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ Collaborate with Breakthrough Miami to Host Breakthroughs and Bridges Workshop

MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. – The Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ program and Breakthrough Miami jointed to host Breakthroughs and Bridges, bringing together 50 students from diverse backgrounds across the tri-county area to engage in thought-provoking conversations and activities designed to address diversity and inclusivity, Tuesday, October 15 at the National Young Arts Foundation.

With an emphasis on listening, learning and understanding of others, Breakthroughs and Bridges included a networking opportunity, gallery walk, icebreaker, group breakout sessions and concluded with a moment of sharing and reflection. The event sought to engage students in facilitated dialogue and activities that addresses issues of agency, identity and inclusion, and offer solutions-oriented joint learning experiences across the diverse communities of students.

“We are excited to partner with Breakthrough Miami to use our platform through FOOTBALL UNITES™ to highlight opportunities that educate, promote diversity and bring our youth together,” Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs Jason Jenkins said. “Breakthrough and Bridges is an amazing program that connects youth to level the playing field and build impactful and meaningful relationships.”

“It is a genuine pleasure to partner with the Miami Dolphin’s FOOTBALL UNITES™, as it is an initiative that closely mirrors our values and aligns with our vision for a future that includes diversity and dialogue,” CEO of Breakthrough Miami Lori-Ann Cox said. “We began Breakthrough and Bridges to enable our youth to have real conversions, real relationships, and real opportunities, leveraging their diverse experiences and backgrounds. And it is through partnerships like these that we are able to strengthen and develop that reality.”

Breakthroughs and Bridges was developed by Breakthrough Miami in an effort to foster the next generation of leaders that embrace difference as an asset and have the skills to establish and nurture real relationships, empowering them in their personal and professional lives. For nearly 30 years, Breakthrough Miami has served as a bridge connecting communities across our city to close the opportunity gap, generate social mobility and nurture self-actualization. As divides across diverse communities deepen nationally, Breakthrough Miami seeks to leverage its unique positioning as a bridge and facilitator to address these challenges at a local level.

These initiatives align with the Miami Dolphins goal to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community. Dolphins Chairman of the Board & Managing General Partner Stephen Ross and Dolphins players created the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program as a way to bring positive social change. The Dolphins organization believes it is important to be inclusive of the diversity and aware of the intersections that make up South Florida, uniting groups of different races, genders, sexual orientations, identities, abilities and faiths around the power of football.

These programs connect to the NFL’s Inspire Change platform, showcasing the collaborative efforts of players, owners and the league to create positive change in communities across the country and work with RISE – the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality – to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. Information on the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program can be found here. To learn more about RISE, visit here. Fans can join the conversation with the NFL’S Inspire Change program by clicking here.

Miami Dolphins awarded Lewis off waivers   Download PDF version

October 15, 2019

Miami Dolphins awarded Lewis off waivers

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they were awarded cornerback Ryan Lewis off waivers from Philadelphia.

Lewis was promoted to the Eagles’ active roster on Oct. 2, 2019 before being waived on Oct. 14, 2019. He played in seven games with three starts for Buffalo in 2018, contributing 13 tackles (11 solo), two forced fumbles and three passes defensed. Lewis also spent time with Indianapolis (2019), New England (2017-18) and Arizona (2017). He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with Arizona on May 12, 2017.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
Ryan Lewis CB 6-0 185 4/15/94 2 Pittsburgh ’17 Seattle, Wash. Wai., ’19 (Phi.)