Miami Dolphins Partner with 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project to Host FOOTBALL UNITES™ Police and Youth Conference
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May 20, 2019
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#TeamworkAtWork #FootballUnites
Miami Dolphins Partner with 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project to Host FOOTBALL UNITES™ Police and Youth Conference
Miami – The Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ program partnered with the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project for the second consecutive year to host a conference at Hard Rock Stadium designed to promote positive interaction between youth and law enforcement on Monday, May 20, 2019. The conference featured Miami Dolphins representatives, alumni including Donald Brown, Troy Drayton, Nat Moore and Troy Stradford, hundreds of South Florida high school students as well as law enforcement from 28 jurisdictions throughout South Florida.
“We are so grateful to the Miami Dolphins and to the police and law enforcement of this community for being here with hundreds of boys of color and with our police agencies to help break the tension that exists between boys of colors and police officers,” Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson said. “We are here working on this issue, hoping to resolve an understanding so we can lessen the conflicts that occur between boys of color and the police. We know that sports unites the community and the Dolphins have proven that by uniting the community behind this important issue.”
“Through our FOOTBALL UNITES™ program, we are trying to use football to bring people together to create an understanding and to have dialogue,” Miami Dolphins Vice Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer Tom Garfinkel said. “I think in our country right now we need more stability and getting police officers and youth together to create relationships and have meaningful dialogue is half the battle. The Miami Dolphins believe football is something that can unify people and bring people together and we are fortunate to work with Congresswoman Wilson and the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project on these important initiatives.”
As part of the Miami Dolphins “Teamwork at Work” platform to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community, the team tapped 5000 Role Models of Excellence as one of its 2019 community partners and programs for FOOTBALL UNITES™. Through continued preexisting programming in addition to incorporating 5000 Role Models of Excellence into FOOTBALL UNITES™ programming, these social justice initiatives have impacted over 10,000 role model youth.
The team’s social justice initiative of FOOTBALL UNITES™ has a goal 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 faith 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.
Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ Partner with Urban League of Broward County on College Decision Day
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May 18, 2019
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#TeamworkAtWork #FootballUnites #InspireChange
Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ Partner with Urban League of Broward County on College Decision Day
Davie, Fla. – Under the Miami Dolphins’ “Teamwork At Work” initiative, the Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ program partnered with the Urban League of Broward County to host College Decision Day for 53 students — which celebrates and supports local students committed to going to college and other institutions after graduating high school.
Similar to National Signing Day in college football, the Urban League launched College Decision Day to support and encourage Broward County students to aim higher in pursuit of their education and career goals. Many of the 53 participating students came from low-income families who often struggle to afford college for their children.
“We are excited to partner with the Urban League of Broward County on these great programs that promote education and deeply connect with their mission of empowering communities and changing lives,” Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Communications & Community Affairs Jason Jenkins said.
In addition to College Signing Day, the Urban League of Broward County will be fully integrated into FOOTBALL UNITES™ programming, including Cultural Tours and CommUNITY Tailgates. The Dolphins also will host the Urban League Red Gala at Hard Rock Stadium
“We are grateful to the Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ program for everything they are doing in the community, especially this exciting opportunity to get our students energized about heading off to college and pursuing their career dreams,” President & CEO of Urban League of Broward County Germaine Smith-Baugh, Ed.D, said. “Many of our students have been preparing for this moment for years, as they’ve learned about positive decision-making and focused their energies on academic success. We’re so proud of them.”
As part of the Dolphins’ “Teamwork at Work” platform to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community, Dolphins Owner 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 faith 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 Donate Equipment to the Santaluces Community High School Football Team as Part of the Junior Dolphins Donation Program
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May 17, 2019
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#TeamworkAtWork #JuniorDolphins #DolphinsHuddleFor100 #LetsPlayFootball
Miami Dolphins Donate Equipment to the Santaluces Community High School Football Team as Part of the Junior Dolphins Donation Program
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins yesterday surprised the Santaluces Community High School football team with equipment to help create a safer and healthier environment for their programs. The donated equipment included Dolphins branded shirts, medicine balls, cleats, water bottles, step overs, footballs and Gatorade product. The team also had the opportunity to hear from Dolphins alum and Youth Programs Ambassador Twan Russell about being resilient.
“The fact that an organization takes time to give back to the community in a real sense where normal, every day people can be affected by it – high school kids – I think that’s awesome,” said Santaluces Community High School Head Football Coach Brian Coe. “Footballs are very expensive and to get a bag of footballs, that’s awesome. We got some weight room equipment we desperately needed, so that’s going to help out a lot.”
“I’m thankful and I know the whole team is thankful,” said Santaluces Community High School junior Valdemar Carnegie.
In 2018, Coe was the recipient of the Miami Dolphins Play Football Week 6 Coach of the Week award. He received tickets to a Dolphins home game, was presented with a plaque on the field at Hard Rock Stadium and received acknowledgement of his accomplishment in the game program and through the Dolphins’ social media platforms.
This is the sixth Junior Dolphins Equipment Donation this year. The Dolphins also made a donation to Pahokee High School, Felix Varela Senior High School, Stranahan High School and Ronald W. Reagan Doral High School in April and South Broward High School in May. In 2018, the Dolphins made donations to Miramar High School in May, Pompano Beach High School in July, Booker T Washington in August, Spanish River High School, Key West High School, Marathon High School and Coral Shores High School in September and Glades Central Community High School in November.
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.
This event is one 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 connect to the Miami Dolphins “Teamwork at Work” 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 Rookies Participate in First #DolphinsHuddlefor100 with FOOTBALL UNITES™ at Feeding South Florida
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May 16, 2019
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#TeamworkAtWork #FootballUnites #DolphinsHuddlefor100 @NFL
Miami Dolphins Rookies Participate in First #DolphinsHuddlefor100 with FOOTBALL UNITES™ at Feeding South Florida
PEMBROKE PARK – The Miami Dolphins rookie class participated in their first #DolphinsHuddlefor100 with FOOTBALL UNITES™ community partners and the youth of 5000 Role Models of Excellence, Anti-Defamation League, City of Miami Explorers, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement, North Miami Beach PAL and the Urban League of Broward County, along with Special Teams volunteers and Dolphins’ staff at Feeding South Florida on Wednesday, May 15. In collaboration with Feeding South Florida, the participants worked to inspect, sort and pack food for those in need in the South Florida community.
“With FOOTBALL UNITES™ and Feeding South Florida, we are inspecting food that we can give back out into the community and do just that — feed South Florida,” Miami Dolphins Rookie Christian Wilkins said. “I’m excited to get into the community, my new community, my new home and start to give back. Giving back is something I am very passionate about and serving others is right there in the forefront of my heart. That’s what I feel like my purpose is here on earth, especially with our platform and the influence we have as athletes, it’s important to give back. It’s great to be here with my teammates, this is another time to do something together, a little bit of teambuilding and get to know each other outside of football.”
“I’m most excited to meet the people in the community and help people that need the help. It’s also about meeting the people that took the time to come out and do the work. Those are the people that you want to spend quality time with, learn from them, talk to them and build relationships,” added Miami Dolphins Rookie Michael Deiter.
This marks the first community service event the 2019 Miami Dolphins rookies have been involved in during their tenure on the team. The entire rookie class participated in the event.
“The Miami Dolphins organization is committed to making South Florida a more inclusive community through efforts that emphasize diversity, unity and inclusivity,” Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Communications & Community Affairs Jason Jenkins said. “What better way to introduce our newest members of the Dolphins’ rookie class to South Florida then to immerse them in community projects that serve the community they now live in.”
“We’re grateful the Miami Dolphins continue their commitment to Feeding South Florida and ending hunger in our community. It’s exciting to introduce a new group of talented young players to the issue and more importantly, how they can be part of the solution,” Executive Vice President of Feeding South Florida Sari M. Vatske added.
This event is the second 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 connect to the Miami Dolphins “Teamwork at Work” initiative to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community.
“I think it’s just amazing how the Miami Dolphins through the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program bring and unite different organizations together. To see the difference in what our children have experienced with giving back to the community has just been phenomenal,” Executive Director of North Miami Beach Police Athletic League Lynda Roberts said. “All these kids talked about on their way over here was who they are going to see, the new players that are here, what they are going to be doing, what conversations they are going to have with them and working with them along side by side while doing something for the 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 make roster moves
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May 16, 2019
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed center Tony Adams, guard Kyle Fuller and linebacker Nate Orchard. The team has also waived/injured guard Isaac Asiata, waived center Kirk Barron and placed wide receiver Ricardo Louis on injured reserve.
Adams spent five games on New England’s practice squad in 2018, including three playoff contests. He was originally signed by Jacksonville as an undrafted college free agent on July 24, 2018 and spent training camp with the Jaguars. Adams was a four-year starter (2014-17) at North Carolina State, where he finished his career as the school’s record-holder for most snaps with an offensive lineman (3,358). He played in 50 games with 47 starts and earned second-team All-ACC honors as a senior in 2017.
Fuller has played in 11 games with two starts over his two-year NFL career. He appeared in two contests for Washington in 2018 and played nine games with two starts for Houston in 2017. Fuller originally entered the league as a seventh-round pick (243rd overall) by Houston in the 2017 NFL draft. He was a three-year starter (2014-16) at Baylor, where he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors as a senior in 2016.
Orchard has played in 38 NFL games with 13 starts and recorded career totals of 69 tackles (42 solo), five sacks, one interception, five passes defensed and two forced fumbles. He played three seasons (2015-17) in Cleveland and spent time with Buffalo and Kansas City in 2018. Most recently, Orchard was with Seattle. He originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick (51st overall) by Cleveland in the 2015 NFL draft. Orchard played collegiately at Utah, where he set the school’s single-season sacks record with 18.5 in 2014.
Asiata played in two games for the Dolphins over the past two seasons, appearing in one contest in 2017 and one in 2018. He spent the majority of the 2018 season on Miami’s practice squad. Asiata originally entered the league as a fifth-round pick (164th overall) by the Dolphins in the 2017 NFL draft.
Barron was originally signed by the Dolphins on May 12, 2019. He finished his collegiate career with 39 consecutive starts at Purdue. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors as a senior in 2018. Barron was a co-recipient of the team’s 2018 Leonard Wilson Award, given annually to the player who best exemplifies unselfish dedication.
Louis joined the Dolphins as a free-agent signing on April 8, 2019 after spending the first three years (2016-18) of his career with Cleveland. He has played in 32 career games with 12 starts, totaling 45 receptions for 562 yards (12.5 avg.). Louis originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick (114th overall) by Cleveland in the 2016 NFL draft.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Tony Adams |
C |
6-2 |
315 |
12/28/95 |
1 |
North Carolina St. ’18 |
Charlotte, N.C. |
FA, ‘19 |
| Kyle Fuller |
G |
6-5 |
307 |
3/4/94 |
2 |
Baylor ’17 |
Wylie, Texas |
FA, ‘19 |
| Nate Orchard |
LB |
6-4 |
255 |
1/5/93 |
5 |
Utah ’15 |
Salt Lake City, Utah |
FA, ‘19 |
Miami Dolphins Host Coconut Creek High School at OTA Practice
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May 15, 2019
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#TeamWorkAtWork #JuniorDolphins #DolphinsHuddleFor100 #LetsPlayFootball
Miami Dolphins Host Coconut Creek High School at OTA Practice
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins yesterday hosted the Coconut Creek High School football team at their Organized Team Activity (OTA) practice. The team had the opportunity to watch the Dolphins practice and meet with current players on the field and heard from Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Ambassador and alum Twan Russell about the importance of teamwork.
“To come out here and have the opportunity to interact with pros was really special, especially for me getting a chance to meet Brian Flores,” Coconut Creek High School Head Football Coach Gerald Cox said. “Tempo is the main thing we’re preaching now and it’s the same thing Coach Flores is preaching. To have the kids see that, I think that’s a big sticking point in their heads.”
“It’s cool to see how big you have to get and how much you have to develop yourself in order to play at the next level,” Coconut Creek High School junior defensive end Christopher Jones said. “From the d-line I learned to always keep your hands extended, always be aggressive and keep your hands moving, eyes up and that first step is really important and crucial.”
As part of the Miami Dolphins’ commitment to the development of high school and youth football, the team will host high school teams from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties at the team’s offseason practices. The team visits are a targeted effort to recognize, inspire and increase football participation through personal connections centered on the positive character building aspects of playing the game.
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.
This event is one 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 connect to the Miami Dolphins “Teamwork at Work” 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 sign Howard to contract extension
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May 13, 2019
Miami Dolphins sign Howard to contract extension
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed cornerback Xavien Howard to a contract extension through the 2024 season.
Howard earned his first Pro Bowl selection following the 2018 season after he tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions. His efforts earned him the Dan Marino Team MVP Award. Howard’s three multi-interception games in 2018 set a Dolphins single-season record. He’s the only player in team history to have multiple interceptions in back-to-back games and he did so twice – once in 2017 and again in 2018. Howard has played in 35 career games with 34 starts. He’s totaled 123 tackles (96 solo), one sack, 11 interceptions, 31 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Miami selected him in the second-round (38th overall) in the 2016 NFL draft.
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
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May 12, 2019
Miami Dolphins make roster moves
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed the following tryout players: center Kirk Barron, cornerback Jamar Summers and running back Mark Walton. The team has waived/injured center Connor Hilland and safety Rob Rolle.
Barron finished his collegiate career with 39 consecutive starts at Purdue. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors as a senior in 2018. Barron was a co-recipient of the team’s 2018 Leonard Wilson Award, given annually to the player who best exemplifies unselfish dedication.
Summers originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with Pittsburgh on May 8, 2018, spending the 2018 offseason and training camp with the Steelers. He posted seven tackles (four solo) and two passes defensed in four preseason games. Summers played collegiately at Connecticut, earning first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors as a sophomore in 2015.
Walton is entering his second NFL season after he played for Cincinnati in 2018. He played in 14 games, totaling 14 carries for 34 yards (2.4 avg.) and five receptions for 41 yards (8.2 avg.). Walton also posted four special teams tackles (three solo). He originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick (112th overall) by Cincinnati in the 2018 NFL draft. A Miami native, Walton played collegiately at the University of Miami and attended Booker T. Washington High School.
Hilland spent the 2018 season on Miami’s practice squad after he was signed as an undrafted college free agent on May 10, 2018. He was a four-year starter (2014-17) at William & Mary, where he started 39 career games at left guard and earned first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association honors as a senior in 2017.
Rolle was signed by Miami as an undrafted college free agent on May 9, 2019. He was a five-year letterman (2014-18) and three-year starter at Villanova, where he played in 50 career games with 27 starts. He earned first-team All-CAA honors as a junior in 2016.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Kirk Barron |
C |
6-2 |
300 |
6/3/95 |
R |
Purdue ’19 |
Mishawaka, Ind. |
FA, ‘19 |
| Jamar Summers |
CB |
6-0 |
190 |
6/14/95 |
1 |
Connecticut ’18 |
Orange, N.J. |
FA, ‘19 |
| Mark Walton |
RB |
5-9 |
205 |
3/29/97 |
2 |
Miami (FL) ’18 |
Miami, Fla. |
FA, ‘19 |
