After Scott and Stanfill answered some questions from Mandich and received their second standing ovation, Mandich turned the microphones back over to Joe Rose and Jimmy Cefalo.
Now it was time to honor the winners of the 2009 Team Awards, beginning with the Nat Moore Community Service Award. Moore himself presented the award to fullback Lousaka Polite, who made his way to the stage to a smattering of "Lou" cheers and a standing ovation. He was given a beautiful trophy with a likeness of Moore and a watch, and then gave a short acceptance speech before exiting the stage.
Next up was the presentation of the Don Shula Leadership Award to safety Yeremiah Bell and outside linebacker Jason Taylor. Shula again appeared via video message and passed the torch to Bob Griese to present the award.
For Taylor it marked the fourth time he received the Don Shula Leadership Award, and the first for Bell, who graciously accepted the word and thanked Taylor for showing him the importance of leadership. Griese took the opportunity to congratulate Scott and Stanfill as well.
Finally, it was time for the Dan Marino Most Valuable Player Award, and Marino himself took the stage to hand the trophy to Williams. But first he told a quick Jake Scott story about when the two played golf together in Colorado when Marino was younger.
Marino then welcomed Williams to the stage after pointing out that he is less than 1,000 yards away from becoming the franchise's all-time leading rusher. Williams thanked his wife, Christine, and then told the story of his first team meeting with Executive Vice President of Football Operations Bill Parcells and his message about not wanting trouble makers on his team and thinking he was on his way out. He then mentioned his one-on-one meeting with Parcells when Parcells told him he believed in him.
Williams made sure to thank his teammates and emphasize how this is a team game and he is a team guy and how excited he is for 2010.
Jimmy Cefalo wrapped up the program by introducing Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano and allowing him to say a few words. He tipped his hat to history and tradition by congratulating Scott and Stanfill and then congratulated his own players -- Williams, Polite and Bell.
Sparano is not comfortable talking about the past, so he ended by looking ahead to the upcoming season and thanking his coaching staff and all of his players before giving a little state of the union. He talked about "the long haul" that starts July 30th with training camp, and echoed Mr. Ross' sentiments about winning a Super Bowl in Dallas come February.
FinsWeekend continuues tomorrow morning with the Miami Dolphins Foundation Golf Tournament Presented by Hublot. Until then, have a great night!
AK
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Quite A Privilege To Go On The Honor Roll
This is quite an honor, not just for me but for our defense. If you look back at the "No-Names" none of us had extended careers. Injuries knocked knocked me out after six years, but what a run we had and what memories I have.
Jake and I have to be setting some kind of record that two college roommates, we roomed together freshman and sophomore year, going into any kind of Hall of Fame at the same time. Nat Moore asked me what kind of roommate was Jake and I said Jake was a helluva roommate and he was a lot better than the one I got to replace him. He asked who was that and I said my ex-wife.
I came in a year before Don Shula became head coach. The game is quite a bit different today. In 1969, being the 11th overall pick in the first round, I had a $20,000 salary. Folks asked me if I would do it all over again today with all the surgeries I've had and with the salaries they are paying today, you bet I would.
- Bill Stanfill
Jake and I have to be setting some kind of record that two college roommates, we roomed together freshman and sophomore year, going into any kind of Hall of Fame at the same time. Nat Moore asked me what kind of roommate was Jake and I said Jake was a helluva roommate and he was a lot better than the one I got to replace him. He asked who was that and I said my ex-wife.
I came in a year before Don Shula became head coach. The game is quite a bit different today. In 1969, being the 11th overall pick in the first round, I had a $20,000 salary. Folks asked me if I would do it all over again today with all the surgeries I've had and with the salaries they are paying today, you bet I would.
- Bill Stanfill
Honor Roll Recognition Is Good for The 1970s Defense
Nat Moore was over at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii and he was scouting us out to see what was going on. It is a real privilege and a real honor and am really looking forward to the night it happens. Bill and I both feel that it is good for our defense of the 1970s. I don't think our defense of the 1970s got the respect it deserved. This really is a team honor and we really appreciate it.
It really is good to be back. Billy Kilmer and I went to a game back in the 1980s. We kept a house down in Seabreeze. He had a buddy with a box and it was when Dan Marino was playing. That is the only time I've been to a Dolphins event since I retired.
I really wasn't ever that mad at Don Shula. I think he was madder at me than I was at him. It was great to see him recently. It brought back a lot of good memories. and a lot of bad ones, too.
- Jake Scott
It really is good to be back. Billy Kilmer and I went to a game back in the 1980s. We kept a house down in Seabreeze. He had a buddy with a box and it was when Dan Marino was playing. That is the only time I've been to a Dolphins event since I retired.
I really wasn't ever that mad at Don Shula. I think he was madder at me than I was at him. It was great to see him recently. It brought back a lot of good memories. and a lot of bad ones, too.
- Jake Scott
Mad Dog Steps It Up
Without a doubt the higlight of the evening so far is seeing Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich take the stage after dinner and hearing his familiar voice behind the microphone.
After a highlight video of the 2009 season played on the two big video screens while everyone enjoyed their main course, Mandich stepped out from behind the curtain to a standing ovation and resounding round of applause.
Mandich gave a brief update on his health (Mandich was diagnosed with bile duct cancer back in January), revealing that he underwent a 15-hour chemotherapy session yesterday and that it appears the cancer has been maintained.
Then he quickly returned the program to football, introducing his fellow Michigan alum, owner Stephen Ross, and asked him a few questions about his first full year as a majority owner. Ross reiterated his goal of bringing another Vince Lombardi Trophy to South Florida.
After that interview, a trip down memory lane was in store before Ross introduced the 19th and 20th members of the Dolphin Honor Roll -- Jake Scott and Bill Stanfill. irst a video of the 18 other members of the Honor Roll was shown, including the 1972 Undefeated Team.
Bob Griese (1990), Nat Moore (1999), Dwight Stephenson (1994), Dick Anderson (2006), Bob Kuechenberg (1995), Dan Marino (2000) and Mark Duper (2003) all were brought to the stage to welcome the two newest inductees, with Hall-of-Fame Head Coach Don Shula doing the honors via video message. They took the stage to a standing ovation.
AK
After a highlight video of the 2009 season played on the two big video screens while everyone enjoyed their main course, Mandich stepped out from behind the curtain to a standing ovation and resounding round of applause.
Mandich gave a brief update on his health (Mandich was diagnosed with bile duct cancer back in January), revealing that he underwent a 15-hour chemotherapy session yesterday and that it appears the cancer has been maintained.
Then he quickly returned the program to football, introducing his fellow Michigan alum, owner Stephen Ross, and asked him a few questions about his first full year as a majority owner. Ross reiterated his goal of bringing another Vince Lombardi Trophy to South Florida.
After that interview, a trip down memory lane was in store before Ross introduced the 19th and 20th members of the Dolphin Honor Roll -- Jake Scott and Bill Stanfill. irst a video of the 18 other members of the Honor Roll was shown, including the 1972 Undefeated Team.
Bob Griese (1990), Nat Moore (1999), Dwight Stephenson (1994), Dick Anderson (2006), Bob Kuechenberg (1995), Dan Marino (2000) and Mark Duper (2003) all were brought to the stage to welcome the two newest inductees, with Hall-of-Fame Head Coach Don Shula doing the honors via video message. They took the stage to a standing ovation.
AK
The MVP Award Is Nice But I Am Focused On Buffalo Right Now
I really didn't have much of a reaction when I heard I won the MVP award. I am really just so focused on the upcoming season that last year is just an after-thought. I really don't like to think about last year because we didn't make the playoffs. To me, at least, it was a disappointing season and I am very excited about the upcoming season and getting ready for Buffalo.
Twenty years form now when I am looking at my shelf and I see two Dan Marino MVP awards it will mean something to me, but last year is in the past and I am ready for next season. I've won so many awards, I guess I am used to it and numb to them, I just want to win. We had a really good team last year and I believed we had an opportunity to go to the playoffs. I am excited about what the front office has done and I am looking forward to this season being really special.
The last time I won this award was such a long time ago. I am a different person than I was when I won this award in 2002. That was another lifetime. The trophy from 2002 is in my office. It is a nice trophy so I put it up high on the shelf. The Heisman has it's own section in the house.
- Ricky
Twenty years form now when I am looking at my shelf and I see two Dan Marino MVP awards it will mean something to me, but last year is in the past and I am ready for next season. I've won so many awards, I guess I am used to it and numb to them, I just want to win. We had a really good team last year and I believed we had an opportunity to go to the playoffs. I am excited about what the front office has done and I am looking forward to this season being really special.
The last time I won this award was such a long time ago. I am a different person than I was when I won this award in 2002. That was another lifetime. The trophy from 2002 is in my office. It is a nice trophy so I put it up high on the shelf. The Heisman has it's own section in the house.
- Ricky
Shedding Light On The Foundation And More
Dolphins CEO Mike Dee just stepped to the microphone to highlight all of the positive things being done in the community by the team and the Miami Dolphins Foundation as well as the partnership with Sun Life Financial.
He then introduced a special video showing great moments from 2009, including the trip to Haiti last month to deliver tents to those suffering from the earthquake. The video was played to the tune of Supertramp's "Give A Little Bit."
Then Sun Life Financial Senior Vice President and head of U.S. Marketing Priscilla Brown spoke for a few minutes before Dee came back, announced the goal of raising $500,000 this weekend and lightened things up by turning over the mike to Dan Beaver, a golf trick shot artist. He used famed Dolphins wide receiver Mark Duper as a volunteer on stage.
Beaver got the audience fired up befire asking Duper to lay on his back with a board placed on his chest at an incline to simulate a downhill lie. Then he had Duper roll over on his belly, face the crowd and placed the board on his back to simulate an uphill lie. Beaver made sure to not hit Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. There were plenty of laughs.
AK
He then introduced a special video showing great moments from 2009, including the trip to Haiti last month to deliver tents to those suffering from the earthquake. The video was played to the tune of Supertramp's "Give A Little Bit."
Then Sun Life Financial Senior Vice President and head of U.S. Marketing Priscilla Brown spoke for a few minutes before Dee came back, announced the goal of raising $500,000 this weekend and lightened things up by turning over the mike to Dan Beaver, a golf trick shot artist. He used famed Dolphins wide receiver Mark Duper as a volunteer on stage.
Beaver got the audience fired up befire asking Duper to lay on his back with a board placed on his chest at an incline to simulate a downhill lie. Then he had Duper roll over on his belly, face the crowd and placed the board on his back to simulate an uphill lie. Beaver made sure to not hit Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. There were plenty of laughs.
AK
Scott And Stanfill Go Into The Dolphin Honor Roll Together
It was a long time coming, but Miami Dolphins legendary safety Jake Scott is finally going into the Dolphin Honor Roll – and he is being inducted alongside his college roommate at the University of Georgia, defensive end Bill Stanfill.
The two will officially be inducted at halftime of Miami’s Thursday night game against the Chicago Bears on November 18th at Sun Life Stadium as just the third and fourth members of the 1970s No Name Defense. In order to earn the high honor a player has to be chosen by a select committee consisting of Hall-of-Fame Head Coach Don Shula, Hall-o-Fame quarterbacks Bob Griese and Dan Marino, Hall-of-Fame running back Larry Csonka and Vice President/Senior Advisor of Alumni Nat Moore.
For Scott, who was the MVP of Super Bowl VII with two interceptions in Miami’s 14-7 victory that completed The Perfect Season, he got his first inkling that this finally might happen when Moore visited him in Hawaii and asked him how he’d feel about going in.
“It’s a real privilege and a real honor and we’re looking forward to it,” said Scott, who was a five-time Pro Bowl selection from 1971-75). “But the main thing about it Bill and I feel like is that it’s just so good for our defense of the 70s because I don’t thin our defense got the respect it deserved. It’s a team thing and we really appreciate it.”
Stanfill also was a five-time Pro Bowl selection in 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974. After finishing second on the team with 10 sacks in 1972, he recorded a single-season record 19.5 sacks in 1973 as he teamed up with Vern Den Herder and Manny Fernandez in the Dolphins’ famed 5-3 defense to provide a stiff pass rush. The trip freed up Scott and fellow Honor Roll member Dick Anderson as well as Hall-of-Fame middle linebacker Nick Buonoconti.
But the best part of tonight’s announcement for Stanill was knowing he and Scott will become the 19th and 20th members of the Dolphin Honor Roll together.
“Jake and I have got to be setting some sort of record for two college roommates going into any kind of Hall of Fame at the same time,” Stanfill said. “We roomed together our freshman and sophomore years at Georgia and Jake was a helluva roommate. I only wish injuries hadn’t shortened my career and that I could have given more years of productivity to the organization.”
These players will forever be tied to Shula and those great teams of the 1970s, so it was only fitting that Shula weighed in on this selection as well even though he couldn’t be in Aventura in person.
“It’s only fitting that Jake and Bill are going in together – two Georgia teammates and good friends,” Shula said. “They had great careers with the Dolphins and I’m glad they are being honored on the same day by their induction into the team’s Honor Roll. Both Jake and Bill were big play defenders. Jake had a knack of coming up with key interceptions in big games, with none bigger than his two picks in Super Bowl VII, earning him MVP honors in that contest and helping us finish our “Perfect Season” undefeated. Bill became the leading sacker in Dolphin history, and did so despite the fact that many times we only rushed with three linemen. With two more members of the “No-Name Defense” added to the Honor Roll, it gives more recognition to a defense that certainly deserves it.”
AK
The two will officially be inducted at halftime of Miami’s Thursday night game against the Chicago Bears on November 18th at Sun Life Stadium as just the third and fourth members of the 1970s No Name Defense. In order to earn the high honor a player has to be chosen by a select committee consisting of Hall-of-Fame Head Coach Don Shula, Hall-o-Fame quarterbacks Bob Griese and Dan Marino, Hall-of-Fame running back Larry Csonka and Vice President/Senior Advisor of Alumni Nat Moore.
For Scott, who was the MVP of Super Bowl VII with two interceptions in Miami’s 14-7 victory that completed The Perfect Season, he got his first inkling that this finally might happen when Moore visited him in Hawaii and asked him how he’d feel about going in.
“It’s a real privilege and a real honor and we’re looking forward to it,” said Scott, who was a five-time Pro Bowl selection from 1971-75). “But the main thing about it Bill and I feel like is that it’s just so good for our defense of the 70s because I don’t thin our defense got the respect it deserved. It’s a team thing and we really appreciate it.”
Stanfill also was a five-time Pro Bowl selection in 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974. After finishing second on the team with 10 sacks in 1972, he recorded a single-season record 19.5 sacks in 1973 as he teamed up with Vern Den Herder and Manny Fernandez in the Dolphins’ famed 5-3 defense to provide a stiff pass rush. The trip freed up Scott and fellow Honor Roll member Dick Anderson as well as Hall-of-Fame middle linebacker Nick Buonoconti.
But the best part of tonight’s announcement for Stanill was knowing he and Scott will become the 19th and 20th members of the Dolphin Honor Roll together.
“Jake and I have got to be setting some sort of record for two college roommates going into any kind of Hall of Fame at the same time,” Stanfill said. “We roomed together our freshman and sophomore years at Georgia and Jake was a helluva roommate. I only wish injuries hadn’t shortened my career and that I could have given more years of productivity to the organization.”
These players will forever be tied to Shula and those great teams of the 1970s, so it was only fitting that Shula weighed in on this selection as well even though he couldn’t be in Aventura in person.
“It’s only fitting that Jake and Bill are going in together – two Georgia teammates and good friends,” Shula said. “They had great careers with the Dolphins and I’m glad they are being honored on the same day by their induction into the team’s Honor Roll. Both Jake and Bill were big play defenders. Jake had a knack of coming up with key interceptions in big games, with none bigger than his two picks in Super Bowl VII, earning him MVP honors in that contest and helping us finish our “Perfect Season” undefeated. Bill became the leading sacker in Dolphin history, and did so despite the fact that many times we only rushed with three linemen. With two more members of the “No-Name Defense” added to the Honor Roll, it gives more recognition to a defense that certainly deserves it.”
AK
What A Great Surprise To Win The Nat Moore Community Service Award
I am more surprised than anything else because any one of my teammates could have won this award. They are all very involved and the Dolphins do a great job of getting us involved. They make it so easy for us to get to where we need to be and help those that need to be helped.
Giving back is just the way I was raised. When I was nine years old playing pee wee football the community was very involved and any parent could discipline you, feed you, babysit you, so giving back to the community is something I have always been involved with.
I am always able to get more back than I give. It is the understanding and realization that you are doing for someone else and to see how much they appreciate it is an award for me. To see their faces when I am able to give them a meal or clothing, things that we take for granted sometimes, is a special feeling.
We do have busy schedules during the season and since the free time I have is very valuable, I feel that is the best thing I can give. Anybody can write a check and money is good to give. But when people see you give your time, it really means a lot to them. That goes a long way and that is especially important for the kids.
-LP
Giving back is just the way I was raised. When I was nine years old playing pee wee football the community was very involved and any parent could discipline you, feed you, babysit you, so giving back to the community is something I have always been involved with.
I am always able to get more back than I give. It is the understanding and realization that you are doing for someone else and to see how much they appreciate it is an award for me. To see their faces when I am able to give them a meal or clothing, things that we take for granted sometimes, is a special feeling.
We do have busy schedules during the season and since the free time I have is very valuable, I feel that is the best thing I can give. Anybody can write a check and money is good to give. But when people see you give your time, it really means a lot to them. That goes a long way and that is especially important for the kids.
-LP
Festive Atmosphere Kicks Off FinsWeekend
It's a packed house inside The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club for ther FinsWeekend Kickoff Pairings Party and Team Awards Ceremony Presented by Sun Life Financial.
Before the National Anthem was sung by the Dolphin Voices, the entire 2010 Miami Dolphins team was introduced on the stage after the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders got things started.
Now Joe Rose and Jimmy Cefalo are getting the show started for real as emcees. There are items up for bid on each table to raise money for the Miami Dolphins Foundation.
Soon they will present the team awards, but Williams, Bell and Polite already received a loud ovation as they were introduced.
Stay tuned.
AK
Before the National Anthem was sung by the Dolphin Voices, the entire 2010 Miami Dolphins team was introduced on the stage after the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders got things started.
Now Joe Rose and Jimmy Cefalo are getting the show started for real as emcees. There are items up for bid on each table to raise money for the Miami Dolphins Foundation.
Soon they will present the team awards, but Williams, Bell and Polite already received a loud ovation as they were introduced.
Stay tuned.
AK
It's An Honor To Win The Don Shula Leadership Award
This is a great way to kickoff this weekend - to get the good award and get to celebrate it with the whole organization and my teammates. To me, leadership is getting guys to believe in a common goal and to make extraordinary things happen. I just want to be an extension of the coach out there and get his message across.
I feel very privileged and it's an honor to win an award like this. With leadership comes respect and I guess I've earned some respect along the way. I like to think I do things the right way. I have been here a long time and I can say that I have learned from some good guys when I came into the league. The Jason Taylors. The Zach Thomases. I am ready to embrace the role. It makes me feel good to share this award with JT. Coming into the league, JT always did it the right way. He set the blueprint, not only for me, but for a lot of guys in that locker room. Just to be along-side him for this award is very special.
I've been through my ups and downs in this league and I am very fortunate just to be here. I thank God everyday that he brought me through all the things that he did and I just want to continue to make strides. I love the game and I enjoy playing it. I love my teammates. I love my coaches. I just thank the Dolphins organization for sticking behind me.
- YBell
I feel very privileged and it's an honor to win an award like this. With leadership comes respect and I guess I've earned some respect along the way. I like to think I do things the right way. I have been here a long time and I can say that I have learned from some good guys when I came into the league. The Jason Taylors. The Zach Thomases. I am ready to embrace the role. It makes me feel good to share this award with JT. Coming into the league, JT always did it the right way. He set the blueprint, not only for me, but for a lot of guys in that locker room. Just to be along-side him for this award is very special.
I've been through my ups and downs in this league and I am very fortunate just to be here. I thank God everyday that he brought me through all the things that he did and I just want to continue to make strides. I love the game and I enjoy playing it. I love my teammates. I love my coaches. I just thank the Dolphins organization for sticking behind me.
- YBell
On With The Show
After Scott and Stanfill answered some questions from Mandich and received their second standing ovation, Mandich turned the microphones back over to Joe Rose and Jimmy Cefalo.
Now it was time to honor the winners of the 2009 Team Awards, beginning with the Nat Moore Community Service Award. Moore himself presented the award to fullback Lousaka Polite, who made his way to the stage to a smattering of "Lou" cheers and a standing ovation. He was given a beautiful trophy with a likeness of Moore and a watch, and then gave a short acceptance speech before exiting the stage.
Next up was the presentation of the Don Shula Leadership Award to safety Yeremiah Bell and outside linebacker Jason Taylor. Shula again appeared via video message and passed the torch to Bob Griese to present the award.
For Taylor it marked the fourth time he received the Don Shula Leadership Award, and the first for Bell, who graciously accepted the word and thanked Taylor for showing him the importance of leadership. Griese took the opportunity to congratulate Scott and Stanfill as well.
Finally, it was time for the Dan Marino Most Valuable Player Award, and Marino himself took the stage to hand the trophy to Williams. But first he told a quick Jake Scott story about when the two played golf together in Colorado when Marino was younger.
Marino then welcomed Williams to the stage after pointing out that he is less than 1,000 yards away from becoming the franchise's all-time leading rusher. Williams thanked his wife, Christine, and then told the story of his first team meeting with Executive Vice President of Football Operations Bill Parcells and his message about not wanting trouble makers on his team and thinking he was on his way out. He then mentioned his one-on-one meeting with Parcells when Parcells told him he believed in him.
Williams made sure to thank his teammates and emphasize how this is a team game and he is a team guy and how excited he is for 2010.
Jimmy Cefalo wrapped up the program by introducing Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano and allowing him to say a few words. He tipped his hat to history and tradition by congratulating Scott and Stanfill and then congratulated his own players -- Williams, Polite and Bell.
Sparano is not comfortable talking about the past, so he ended by looking ahead to the upcoming season and thanking his coaching staff and all of his players before giving a little state of the union. He talked about "the long haul" that starts July 30th with training camp, and echoed Mr. Ross' sentiments about winning a Super Bowl in Dallas come February.
FinsWeekend continuues tomorrow morning with the Miami Dolphins Foundation Golf Tournament Presented by Hublot.
Until then,
AK
Now it was time to honor the winners of the 2009 Team Awards, beginning with the Nat Moore Community Service Award. Moore himself presented the award to fullback Lousaka Polite, who made his way to the stage to a smattering of "Lou" cheers and a standing ovation. He was given a beautiful trophy with a likeness of Moore and a watch, and then gave a short acceptance speech before exiting the stage.
Next up was the presentation of the Don Shula Leadership Award to safety Yeremiah Bell and outside linebacker Jason Taylor. Shula again appeared via video message and passed the torch to Bob Griese to present the award.
For Taylor it marked the fourth time he received the Don Shula Leadership Award, and the first for Bell, who graciously accepted the word and thanked Taylor for showing him the importance of leadership. Griese took the opportunity to congratulate Scott and Stanfill as well.
Finally, it was time for the Dan Marino Most Valuable Player Award, and Marino himself took the stage to hand the trophy to Williams. But first he told a quick Jake Scott story about when the two played golf together in Colorado when Marino was younger.
Marino then welcomed Williams to the stage after pointing out that he is less than 1,000 yards away from becoming the franchise's all-time leading rusher. Williams thanked his wife, Christine, and then told the story of his first team meeting with Executive Vice President of Football Operations Bill Parcells and his message about not wanting trouble makers on his team and thinking he was on his way out. He then mentioned his one-on-one meeting with Parcells when Parcells told him he believed in him.
Williams made sure to thank his teammates and emphasize how this is a team game and he is a team guy and how excited he is for 2010.
Jimmy Cefalo wrapped up the program by introducing Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano and allowing him to say a few words. He tipped his hat to history and tradition by congratulating Scott and Stanfill and then congratulated his own players -- Williams, Polite and Bell.
Sparano is not comfortable talking about the past, so he ended by looking ahead to the upcoming season and thanking his coaching staff and all of his players before giving a little state of the union. He talked about "the long haul" that starts July 30th with training camp, and echoed Mr. Ross' sentiments about winning a Super Bowl in Dallas come February.
FinsWeekend continuues tomorrow morning with the Miami Dolphins Foundation Golf Tournament Presented by Hublot.
Until then,
AK
Williams, Bell, Polite And Taylor Take Home 2009 Team Awards
One player earned his first career Pro Bowl berth after anchoring a young and untested secondary; another was as automatic as they come in short yardage situations and more importantly when it came to answering the call out in the community; the third returned after a one-year stint in the NFC East to make his presence known and the fourth is closing in some hallowed Miami Dolphins records while seemingly getting younger with age.
Strong safety Yeremiah Bell, fullback Lousaka Polite and running back Ricky Williams carried home the impressive hardware for the Don Shula Leadership Award, Nat Moore Community Service Award and Dan Marino Most Valuable Player Award at tonight’s FinsWeekend Kickoff Pairings Party and Team Awards Ceremony Presented by Sun Life Financial. Bell was a co-winner along with outside linebacker Jason Taylor.
Williams surpassed 1,000 yards for the first time since 2003 (1,121 yards), breaking the NFL record for the longest span between 1,000-yard seasons. This is the second time Williams has won the MVP (2002) as he filled in admirably as the starting running back after Ronnie Brown went down with a season-ending foot injury against Tampa Bay in the middle of November. His 11 rushing touchdowns were the second highest of his career behind the 16 he compiled in 2002.
Bell worked with two rookie cornerbacks for most of the 2009 season after veteran Will Allen suffered a season-ending knee injury against New Orleans in Week 5 and helped further the development of Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. At the same time he maintained his status as the best tackling safety by leading the team with 113 tackles and finished second in interceptions with three. He also added 1.5 sacks; nine passes defensed and led the team in tackles 10 times during the 16-game regular season.
There was a strong push for Polite to make the Pro Bowl near the end of the season as he was a perfect 16-for-16 on 3rd-and-1 and 4th-and-1 situations. His quiet, workman-like demeanor made him a popular player inside the locker room and he carried that demeanor out into the community by showing up for just about every team function. Polite has been polite that way since joining the team in 2008, having participated in last year’s Miami Dolphins Foundation, the Kids and Fins Publix Shopping Spree and the team’s Thanksgiving meal giveaway. He also bought holiday toys for a family serviced through the Cooperative Feeding Program, planted trees for the NFL Environmental Program and participated in the team’s blood drive, reading and Haiti collection relief programs.
Taylor, who is the active sack leader in the NFL, tied for second on the team with seven last year and added 42 tackles. He signed with the New York Jets as a free agent during the offseason.
AK
Strong safety Yeremiah Bell, fullback Lousaka Polite and running back Ricky Williams carried home the impressive hardware for the Don Shula Leadership Award, Nat Moore Community Service Award and Dan Marino Most Valuable Player Award at tonight’s FinsWeekend Kickoff Pairings Party and Team Awards Ceremony Presented by Sun Life Financial. Bell was a co-winner along with outside linebacker Jason Taylor.
Williams surpassed 1,000 yards for the first time since 2003 (1,121 yards), breaking the NFL record for the longest span between 1,000-yard seasons. This is the second time Williams has won the MVP (2002) as he filled in admirably as the starting running back after Ronnie Brown went down with a season-ending foot injury against Tampa Bay in the middle of November. His 11 rushing touchdowns were the second highest of his career behind the 16 he compiled in 2002.
Bell worked with two rookie cornerbacks for most of the 2009 season after veteran Will Allen suffered a season-ending knee injury against New Orleans in Week 5 and helped further the development of Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. At the same time he maintained his status as the best tackling safety by leading the team with 113 tackles and finished second in interceptions with three. He also added 1.5 sacks; nine passes defensed and led the team in tackles 10 times during the 16-game regular season.
There was a strong push for Polite to make the Pro Bowl near the end of the season as he was a perfect 16-for-16 on 3rd-and-1 and 4th-and-1 situations. His quiet, workman-like demeanor made him a popular player inside the locker room and he carried that demeanor out into the community by showing up for just about every team function. Polite has been polite that way since joining the team in 2008, having participated in last year’s Miami Dolphins Foundation, the Kids and Fins Publix Shopping Spree and the team’s Thanksgiving meal giveaway. He also bought holiday toys for a family serviced through the Cooperative Feeding Program, planted trees for the NFL Environmental Program and participated in the team’s blood drive, reading and Haiti collection relief programs.
Taylor, who is the active sack leader in the NFL, tied for second on the team with seven last year and added 42 tackles. He signed with the New York Jets as a free agent during the offseason.
AK
FinsWeekend Kicks Off Tonight In Aventura
One last look back at the 2009 season for the Miami Dolphins will take place tonight at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club in Aventura.
The FinsWeekend Kickoff Pairings Party and Team Awards Ceremony Presented by Sun Life Financial marks the beginning of three days of fun and sun, all for the good causes supported by the Miami Dolphins Foundation. It's a chance to honor three players from last season, and the orgnaization also will make a special alumni announcement.
All three awards bear the names of legendary Miami Dolphins, starting with the Don Shula Leadership Award, which will be presented to the player who best exemplified all of the leadership qualities necessary to succeed on the field and in the locker room.
The Dan Marino Most Valuable Player Award, which was shared last year by quarterback Chad Pennington and linebacker Joey Porter after the 2008 season, is rather self-explanatory.
Finally, there is the Nat Moore Community Service Award, which goes to the player or players that contributed the most to the team's community relations efforts during the season and throughout the offseason.
The other part of tonight's program deals with the pairings for tomorrow's Miami Dolphins Foundation Golf Tournament Presented by Hublot, which will tee off early in the morning at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club.
After the conclusion of the golf tournament, the action shifts down to the Miami Beach Marina for the Miami Dolphins Foundation Hook & Tackle Captain's Party inside a tent set up near Monty's Restaurant. A silent auction designed to raise more money for the foundation also will take place inside the tent tomorrow night.
Finally, the weekend concludes Saturday with the Miami Dolphins Foundation Fishing Tournament Presented by eDiets.com, also at the Miami Beach Marina. More than 40 Miami Dolphins players, coaches and alumni are scheduled to join other participants for a day of offshore fishing, with lines going in the water bright and early, and then they will return to the marina for the official weigh-in to see which boat did the best.
Keep your computers logged in to MiamiDolphins.com for comprehensive coverage over all three days, and I will be live blogging from tonight's dinner and awards ceremony capturing the reactions of the award winners.
AK
The FinsWeekend Kickoff Pairings Party and Team Awards Ceremony Presented by Sun Life Financial marks the beginning of three days of fun and sun, all for the good causes supported by the Miami Dolphins Foundation. It's a chance to honor three players from last season, and the orgnaization also will make a special alumni announcement.
All three awards bear the names of legendary Miami Dolphins, starting with the Don Shula Leadership Award, which will be presented to the player who best exemplified all of the leadership qualities necessary to succeed on the field and in the locker room.
The Dan Marino Most Valuable Player Award, which was shared last year by quarterback Chad Pennington and linebacker Joey Porter after the 2008 season, is rather self-explanatory.
Finally, there is the Nat Moore Community Service Award, which goes to the player or players that contributed the most to the team's community relations efforts during the season and throughout the offseason.
The other part of tonight's program deals with the pairings for tomorrow's Miami Dolphins Foundation Golf Tournament Presented by Hublot, which will tee off early in the morning at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club.
After the conclusion of the golf tournament, the action shifts down to the Miami Beach Marina for the Miami Dolphins Foundation Hook & Tackle Captain's Party inside a tent set up near Monty's Restaurant. A silent auction designed to raise more money for the foundation also will take place inside the tent tomorrow night.
Finally, the weekend concludes Saturday with the Miami Dolphins Foundation Fishing Tournament Presented by eDiets.com, also at the Miami Beach Marina. More than 40 Miami Dolphins players, coaches and alumni are scheduled to join other participants for a day of offshore fishing, with lines going in the water bright and early, and then they will return to the marina for the official weigh-in to see which boat did the best.
Keep your computers logged in to MiamiDolphins.com for comprehensive coverage over all three days, and I will be live blogging from tonight's dinner and awards ceremony capturing the reactions of the award winners.
AK
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