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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.)
Miami Dolphins Announce Week 6 Play Football Award Winners   Download PDF version

October 14, 2019

#JuniorDolphins #PlayFootball

Image Credit: Miami Dolphins

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Miami Dolphins Announce Week 6 Play Football Award Winners

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins announced their Play Football Week 6 award winners in a program designed to celebrate youth football in South Florida. For each home game, the Dolphins will identify a high school coach of the week, high school player of the week, youth player of the week and team mom of the week. The high school coach of the week selection will celebrate those with long-standing tenure in the coaching community, paying tribute to Don Shula’s 50th season with the Miami Dolphins organization.

Award recipients will receive tickets to a Dolphins home game, be presented with a plaque on the field at Hard Rock Stadium and receive acknowledgement of their accomplishment in the game program and through the Dolphins’ social media platforms. The Dolphins also will recognize a team of the week who will be on field during the national anthem.

The program concludes at the Dolphins-Bengals game where the Dolphins will honor yearly award winners in all categories with the exception of the team of the year.

Week 6 Winners:

  • High School Coach of the Week: Gene Chew from John A. Ferguson Senior High School High School. After graduating from Valdosta State University, Chew returned to his hometown and began teaching in Miami-Dade County Public Schools in 1991. He got his first coaching job as an assistant football coach and girls basketball coach in 1993 at Miami Country Day School. From 1994-2000, Chew enjoyed a long tenure at G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School as an assistant football coach and assistant track coach. In 2001, he returned to his alma mater, Southwest Miami Senior High School, where he served two seasons as the offensive coordinator and head track coach. In 2003, he was hired as the first head football coach at the newly opened John A. Ferguson Senior High School. The program began with just a freshmen class and the Falcons played their first varsity season in 2005 in the highest state classification with no seniors on the roster. The hard work paid off in 2009 as Chew and his team earned their first district title. The Falcons enjoyed their most successful season in 2014, earning a 7-3 record and a tie for first place in the district. The Falcon’s 2014 offense was ranked as high as number 2 in the state for total yards and average yards per game. Beginning with his first graduating class in 2007, Chew has consistently sent his seniors on to play college football at all levels. His program also has produced several all-star game participants as well as All-Dade second team, third team, and honorable mention honors.
  • High School Player of the Week: Patrick Payton from Miami Senior High School. Payton recorded nine tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble in the team’s first loss of the season. He is regarded as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2021.
  • Youth Player of the Week: Royce Powell from the Fort Pierce FireHawks 10U of Treasure Coast Pop Warner. Powell is a very dedicated and hardworking athlete both on and off the field. He is one of the top students at his school, where he has earned Principal’s Honor Roll for three consecutive years. Powell is one of the top running backs on his team and one of the hardest hitting safeties. He has a dominating and energetic presence when leading his team, demonstrates the ability to be a positive and passionate leader and always helps other players.
  • Team Mom of the Week: Marjorie Garland from the Royal Palm Beach Wildcats 12U of Treasure Coast Pop Warner. Garland has been perfecting her skills as a team mom since most of the 12U players were 5- and 6-years old. She makes sure all players and parents stay up to date with team information, ensures the players have snacks and are hydrated and serves on the Wildcats’ homecoming and fundraising committee. Garland’s dedication and preparation to her team and association makes the X’s and O’s happen that much easier every Saturday.
  • Team of the Week: Inlet Grove Community High School and Wellington Community High School

The Junior Dolphins program 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.

Miami Dolphins release Bademosi   Download PDF version

October 14, 2019

Miami Dolphins release Bademosi

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have released cornerback Johnson Bademosi.

Bademosi played in four games for the Dolphins this season and totaled four tackles (three solo) and one special teams stop. He was acquired by Miami in a trade with Houston on Sept. 1, 2019. Bademosi played in 114 NFL games with six starts and totaled 80 special teams tackles (57 solo). He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with Cleveland on May 4, 2012.

Total Raised by Dolphins Cancer Challenge Hits $32.5M+ for Cancer Research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center DCC IX raised more than $5.2M   Download PDF version

October 13, 2019

#CancerFighter

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Total Raised by Dolphins Cancer Challenge Hits $32.5M+ for Cancer Research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center DCC IX raised more than $5.2M

Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins announced the Dolphins Cancer Challenge IX (DCC IX) raised $5,237,879 for innovative cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth — the University of Miami Health System, bringing the event’s nine-year total to more than $32.5M.

“The community continues to show tremendous support for the DCC and our friends and family who have survived, continue to battle cancer or have lost a loved one to this disease,” University of Miami Executive Vice President of Business and Finance and Chief Operating Officer Jacqueline Travisano said. “We are so proud of everyone, and we are pleased that the funds we have raised to fight cancer stay right here in our South Florida community.”

The Miami Dolphins and Dolphins Cancer Challenge supported the NFL’s Crucial Catch campaign designed to raise awareness of early detection and risk reduction of cancers at their home game vs. the Washington Redskins. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center served as the presenting sponsor of the Crucial Catch game and all fans who attended the game received cancer awareness arm sleeves upon entry to Hard Rock Stadium.

“The incredible partnership that we have built with the Miami Dolphins is approaching its first decade,” Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D. said. “As we look to the future, we are grateful for all the support we have had from the Dolphins Cancer Challenge and our incredible community. We have been able to grow critically important research programs at Sylvester and lead cancer prevention and treatment efforts that are changing the way cancer is treated in our country, and around the world. We have been able to innovate and contribute to the health of our community, helping cancer patients live longer, with better quality of life. Our success has led the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to honor Sylvester by awarding us NCI-designation, making us the only NCI-designated cancer center in South Florida.  As we start preparing for DCC 10, we are committed to conducting even more cancer research and making more discoveries that save lives.”

To celebrate the $5.2M gift from DCC IX, the Miami Dolphins held a halftime presentation to honor the journey of cancer survivors treated at Sylvester. In addition, all 300 cancer survivors who participated in DCC IX were invited to the game and were celebrated on field as well as the doctors who receive critical funding from the money raised.

DCC funds are used to support truly innovative research, helping recruit and retain some of the world’s best minds in cancer research and care and investing in cutting-edge technologies to bring the latest in discoveries for detection, diagnosis and treatment to cancer patients in South Florida and beyond. In just nine years, more than $32.5 million dollars has gone to fund research that leads to more effective targeted therapies for each patient’s cancer, including:

  • Precision medicine – discovering, developing and delivering the next generation of precision cancer medicine.
  • Immunotherapies – investing in the fast-growing field of cancer immunotherapies that boost the patient’s own immune system to attack and eradicate cancer cells.
  • Clinical trials – offering the latest clinical cancer trials to patients, allowing them to receive some of the most promising new therapies targeting the drivers of their particular cancers.
  • Radiation oncology research – developing new ways to more precisely deliver radiation therapy in a variety of cancers, concentrating the dosage on cancer cells and leaving healthy tissue unaffected.
  • Cancer diagnostics – investing in the newest technologies and best talent to better understand each individual’s cancer and its genetic drivers.

Started in 2010 by the Miami Dolphins as the signature initiative of the Miami Dolphins Foundation’s health impact area, the DCC is dedicated to improving people’s lives through the financial support of innovative cancer at Sylvester, South Florida’s only NCI-designated Cancer Center. With this recent recognition from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Sylvester is now among the top cancer centers in the United States and joins a highly select group as one of only two NCI-designated cancer centers in the state of Florida, and one of just 71 across the nation. Since its inception, the DCC has raised more than $32.5 million, donating 100 percent of participant-raised funds to Sylvester. DCC 10 is scheduled to take place Feb. 29, 2020 and will include five bike routes throughout South Florida, a run/walk 5K and a Finish Line Festival presented by Moss Construction. These initiatives align with the Miami Dolphins Foundation’s commitment towards leveling the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida Community.

For additional information, call (305) 943-6799 or visit www. DolphinsCancerChallenge.com.

Miami Dolphins promote Needham   Download PDF version

October 12, 2019

Miami Dolphins promote Needham

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have promoted cornerback Nik Needham to the active roster and waived safety Doug Middleton.

Needham originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with the Dolphins on May 9, 2019 and has spent the entire season on the team’s practice squad. Needham was a four-year letterman (2015-18) and three-year starter at UTEP, where he set a school record with 36 career passes defensed.

Middleton joined the Dolphins on Sept. 18, 2019 and played in one game. Prior to that, Middleton was with the N.Y. Jets, appearing in 11 games with four starts during three seasons (2016-18) there. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with the Jets on May 6, 2016.

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown Acq.
Nik Needham CB 6-0 193 11/4/96 R UTEP ’19 Buena Park, Calif. FA, ‘19 
Miami Dolphins Continue Hurricane Relief Efforts with Travel to Bahamas During Bye Week    Download PDF version

October 7, 2019

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Miami Dolphins Continue Hurricane Relief Efforts with Travel to Bahamas During Bye Week 

MIAMI GARDENS, FLA — In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, Stephen Ross and the Miami Dolphins announced a series of immediate and long-term rebuilding efforts for the Bahamas. The organization on Friday and Saturday during the bye week traveled to Nassau and Freeport, Bahamas to assist in relief efforts to the devastated areas and residents. These initiatives are part of a series of events designed to give long-term support to the region.

“The support of the Dolphins comes from the top. With Stephen Ross’ backing, and the organization dedicated to our efforts – a group of staff and our dedicated alumni were able to take our platform and serve this community that has supported our team for decades,” Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Alumni Relations Nat Moore said. “We have a community mission to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire. But the resilience of Bahamian people continues to inspire us. This is a long journey ahead for the islands, but their spirit and the support of the community will help in this long-term rebuilding effort.”

On Friday, Oct. 4, Dolphins alumni Mark Duper, Moore, Louis Oliver, Troy Drayton and Shawn Wooden, as well as Dolphins staff traveled to Nassau. During the visit, the group visited the Children’s Emergency Hostel to deliver supplies, serve food and interact with the youth in residence. The group visited a shelter and worked closely with World Central Kitchen to pack meals for those impacted in Abaco.

“We were thrilled to have the help of the Miami Dolphins team in the Bahamas. Thanks to incredible volunteers like them, we have been able to serve 30,000 meals a day — bringing hot, nutritious meals to those in need out of three kitchens across the islands,” shared Tim Kilcoyne, Director of Chef Operations for World Central Kitchen.

On Saturday, Oct. 5, alumni Duper, Jim Jensen, Moore, Oliver and Wooden along with mascot TD and Dolphins staff traveled to Freeport, Bahamas. The team traveled with Mission Resolve Foundation and The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to distribute fresh water and relief supplies. The group distributed generators, water and care packages to families in the community and visited with local children.

“On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Government and people of The Bahamas, we are grateful to both the Miami Dolphins organization and the Mission Resolve Foundation for their generous contributions of time and resources in our time of need,” said Senator Katherine Smith, NEMA Grand Bahama coordinator. “There is a large and loyal Dolphins fan base on Grand Bahama, so to have Dolphin legends on the island to help out is a boost to morale. Furthermore, I want to also acknowledge the selfless dedication and support from the many volunteers on Grand Bahama who have made this incredible operation possible, as well as the other community relief events across the island.”

The Dolphins also connected with World Central Kitchen to assist in meal prep and distribution. In addition, the team made a financial donation to assist Mission Resolve in these ongoing relief efforts.

“We can’t thank the Miami Dolphin’s enough for the extraordinary support and leadership they have brought to our Bahama relief efforts over past several weeks. The alumni and staff’s deep and genuine compassion for all of the children and families they have profoundly touched through these relief efforts has truly shown the world class and huge hearted champions the beloved Miami Dolphins represent,” Mission Resolve Co-Founder Patxi Pastor said. “The Dolphins have made an extraordinary impact in the Bahamian community and have brought so much joy and hope. We thank the Dolphins from the bottom of our hearts and are truly honored to collaborate with this amazing team.”

These efforts are in addition to collection drives that took place at Hard Rock Stadium during the month of September around Dolphins home games and the Brazil vs. Colombia soccer match.

Miami Dolphins Announce Week 4 Play Football Award Winners   Download PDF version

October 1, 2019

#JuniorDolphins #PlayFootball

Image Credit: Miami Dolphins

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Miami Dolphins Announce Week 4 Play Football Award Winners

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins announced their Play Football Week 4 award winners in a program designed to celebrate youth football in South Florida. For each home game, the Dolphins will identify a high school coach of the week, high school player of the week, youth player of the week and team mom of the week. The high school coach of the week selection will celebrate those with long-standing tenure in the coaching community, paying tribute to Don Shula’s 50th season with the Miami Dolphins organization.

Award recipients will receive tickets to a Dolphins home game, be presented with a plaque on the field at Hard Rock Stadium and receive acknowledgement of their accomplishment in the game program and through the Dolphins’ social media platforms. The Dolphins also will recognize a team of the week who will be on field during the national anthem.

The program concludes at the Dolphins-Bengals game where the Dolphins will honor yearly award winners in all categories with the exception of the team of the year.

Week 4 Winners:

  • High School Coach of the Week: Byron Walker from Archbishop McCarthy High School. Walker’s head coaching career began 43 years ago at Glades Day School in Belle Glade, Florida, where he coached from 1977-1991. Walker won three football state championships and eight consecutive trips to the state finals. His success lead him to American Heritage in Plantation where he served as the athletic director and head coach from 1992-2010 and led the Patriots to 14 state playoffs and one state championship appearance. In 2011, Walker became the head coach at Archbishop McCarthy, where he has led the Mavericks to two playoff appearances in nine years. In 2018, Walker was inducted into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Florida Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2003.
  • High School Player of the Week: Brian Smith from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Smith rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning catch on the final play in a 30-26 win over rival Monarch High School.
  • Youth Player of the Week: Ja’vion Florence from the Cannonball Youth Club Wolverines 6U of the Miami Xtreme Youth Football League. Florence had three carries and three touchdowns in a win over the Kendall Hammock Warriors.
  • Team Mom of the Week: Tara Gochin from the Parkland Rangers 10U of Gold Coast Pop Warner. This is Gochin’s second season as a team mom and she has proved herself extremely instrumental in the day-to-day activities of the team. She is available at every practice making sure the players are hydrated and taken care of. On game day, Gochin makes sure that all of the players are properly dressed and ready to play. On top of that, she also keeps the parents in the know as far as game schedules and timing of activities for the day.
  • Team of the Week: Belen Jesuit Preparatory School.

The Junior Dolphins program 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.

Miami Dolphins Celebrate Dolphins Alumni Weekend presented by Baptist Health   Download PDF version

September 30, 2019

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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 from Sept. 27 – Sept. 29, 2019, to recognize the individuals throughout the years in association with the strong tradition of the organization.

“This weekend is a celebration of the comradery, tradition and history of the Miami Dolphins alumni,” Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Special Projects & Alumni Relations Nat Moore said. “We want to honor those who have dedicated their time on the field for the Dolphins’ organization, and what better way than to have them come together for Alumni Weekend presented by Baptist Health so that they can share memories with one another and make new ones together.”

Alumni Weekend presented by Baptist Health kicked off with the annual Alumni Weekend Golf Tournament presented by Waste Management on Friday, Sept. 27 followed by the Alumni Weekend Party presented by the Hard Rock Hotel on Saturday, Sept. 28.

2019 Alumni Weekend Golf Tournament Winners

Scramble – Rodney Barreto, Ben Eisenberg, Scott Harris and Lawrence Taylor

Closest to the Pin – Jeff Weaver

Women’s Longest Drive – Valeria Brannen

Men’s Longest Drive – Adam Roush

As part of the weekend, the Dolphins extended the opportunity for all alumni to participate in a private pregame tailgate with their families as well as a halftime presentation at Hard Rock Stadium at the Sunday, Sept. 29 Chargers vs. Dolphins home game powered by South Florida Ford.

These initiatives are in part of the NFL’s 100th celebration and align with the Miami Dolphins Foundation’s commitment toward leveling the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida Community.