Dolphins To Kick Off Preseason On The Road; Visit Atlanta, Tampa Bay; Host Dallas, St. Louis In 2014 Preseason
The Dolphins return to South Florida in Week Three to open the home portion of the 2014 preseason as they welcome the Dallas Cowboys to Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins and Cowboys will meet for the fourth consecutive preseason and the first time in Miami since 2011. The Cowboys hold a 5-2 advantage over the Dolphins in the seven preseason meetings between the two clubs. In the teams' most recent preseason contest, Dallas recorded a 24-20 victory over Miami in the Hall of Fame game played in Canton, Ohio on August 4, 2013.
The preseason concludes for Miami against St. Louis as the Rams pay a visit to South Florida during the preseason for the first time since 2006. The meeting between the two teams will be just the fourth time that the St. Louis and Miami have squared off in the preseason, with the Dolphins currently holding a 2-1 record over the Rams. The Dolphins posted a 29-9 home victory over the Rams during the last preseason match-up on August 31, 2006.
The exact dates of all 2014 preseason games, along with their times, will be announced at a later date.
WFOR-TV, CBS4 will once again be the preseason home of the Dolphins as each of the four preseason contests will be shown on the CBS affiliate in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market. The road contests at Atlanta and at Tampa Bay will be broadcast live. The Dallas and St. Louis home games will be broadcast live if sold out 72 hours in advance of game time; otherwise they will be shown on a delayed basis. An announcement regarding the Dolphinsā television plans throughout the rest of Florida will be made at a later date.
All preseason games will also be heard on WBGG 105.9FM and WINZ 940AM in Miami as well as across the Dolphins Radio Network.
To learn more about the new Dolphins Membership platform that includes all 10 home games and exclusive benefits that fit your lifestyle, please call 1-888-FINS-TIX (1-888-346-7849) or visit Dolphins.com.
Ā MIAMI ā The Miami Dolphins have signed unrestricted free agent running back Knowshon Moreno to an one-year contract, the team announced today.Ā Ā
Ā āI would like to welcome Knowshon Moreno to the Miami Dolphinsā said Dolphins General Manager Dennis Hickey. āKnowshon is an experienced, productive, three-down player and adds another multi-threat to our backfield. He is an accomplished 1,000 yard rusher who also caught 60 passes out of the backfield last season as well. We are excited about the contributions he will make to our offense.ā
Ā Moreno played 26 career games with 19 in a starting role while at the University of Georgia. A two-time All-SEC performer, Moreno completed his collegiate career with 498 carries for 2,734 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also hauled in 53 receptions for 645 yards and two scores. As a sophomore in 2008, his final year with the Bulldogs, Moreno received several All-America honors and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, which is awarded annually to the nationās best running back after totaling an SEC best 1,400 rushing yards on 250 carries with 16 touchdowns. Born July 16, 1987 in in Belford, N.J., Moreno attended Middletown South High School in Middletown, N.J.Ā
MIAMI ā The Miami Dolphins have signed unrestricted free agent Pro Bowl offensive tackle Branden Albert to a five-year contract, the team announced today.
āI am pleased to announce that the Miami Dolphins have signed Pro Bowl tackle Branden Albert,ā said Dolphins General Manager Dennis Hickey. āThe addition of a Pro Bowl player of Brandenās caliber to our offensive line was definitely a focus of our organization heading into the free agency period. The type of talent, skill and ability that Brandon brings will not only strengthen the offense but will be felt throughout the 53-man roster.ā
The 6-5, 316-pound Albert joins Miami after spending the past six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs (2008-13).
In 2013, as he had been throughout his career, Albert was a mainstay at left tackle for Kansas City and helped lead the Chiefs to the postseason for the first time since 2010. In recognition of his performance, Albert earned his first trip to the NFL Pro Bowl. Over the course of his career, the 29-year old has appeared in 85 regular season games with 83 starts, he has also started postseason games for the Chiefs following both the 2010 and 2013 seasons. Originally, Albert was selected with the second of the Chiefs two first-round selections (15th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Albert started all 37 games during his three-year career at Virginia. He earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors as a junior after starting all 13 games for the Cavaliers, 11 of which came at left guard and two at left tackle. Born November 4, 1984 in Rochester, New York, Albert was a two-way prep standout at Glen Burnie High School in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
MIAMI ā The Miami Dolphins have traded offensive tackle Jonathan Martin to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for an undisclosed draft choice.
āWe feel that this move is in the best interests of all parties involved,ā said Miami Dolphins General Manager Dennis Hickey. āWe wish Jonathan well.ā
āI have made clear I want the stadium modernized because itās right for our fans and itās right for Miami-Dade and South Florida. I have decided the best way to get this done is to pay for the project with private funds. All we ask in return is that we are treated the same as all franchises in the state of Florida. A world-class city needs a world-class stadium.
We havenāt won a Super Bowl bid in Miami-Dade in far too long, and we know that with the stadium as an issue, we never will unless it is modernized. The Super Bowl Committee will have to decide if they want to compete for the next two Super Bowls so time is of the essence. It is time to move forward.
This privately funded project will create more than 4,000 local jobs. We can bring back the Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff Championship and world-class soccer matches -- and all the revenue those big events generate for the local community. I am going to make the commitment and provide the resources because Miami deserves the economic benefits of a modernized stadium.
But for me, this is about something more. I grew up here in Miami-Dade and have been part of this area for most of my life. I want to do this for the community that has done so much for me, and for this storied franchise that means so much to the people of South Florida. With this project, we can secure the future of the Dolphins in Miami-Dade for another 20 years. That is more important to me than anything else.ā
MIAMI ā The Miami Dolphins have signed free agent safety Louis Delmas to a one-year contract, the team announced today.
āI am happy to announce the addition of safety Louis Delmas to the Miami Dolphins and I would like to welcome him back to South Florida,ā said Dolphins General Manager Dennis Hickey. āHe is leader on and off the field and has a proven track record of playmaking that will benefit the entire defensive unit.ā
During the 2013 season Delmas started 15 of 16 games in the Lions secondary and finished the season with 64 tackles, eight passes defensed, three interceptions and two sacks. Over the course of his career he has appeared in 65 games with 64 starts, compiling 331 tackles, six interceptions, five sacks and 24 passes defensed. He was originally selected by Detroit in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Delmas started in 44 of 45 games for the Western Michigan Broncos, 33 of those starts came at free safety while 11 were at cornerback. As a senior in 2008, Delmas earned All-America honors as he recorded a team high 111 tackles and while also intercepting four passes, one of which was returned for a touchdown. He completed his collegiate career tied for eighth on the schools all time tackle list with 310 stops. A South Florida native, Delmas attended North Miami Beach High School, he was born on April 12, 1987 in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Dolphins Punter Brandon Fields to Participate in Middle East USO Tour
PRO BOWL PUNTER AMONG THREE NFL PLAYERS TO PARTICIPATE IN MIDDLE EAST USO TOUR
Three NFL players who excel on the field and in their community are continuing an NFL-USO tradition initiated nearly 50 years ago. These NFL ambassadors are taking part in a week-long tour throughout the Middle East to visit U.S. troops at military bases.
Miami Dolphins kicker BRANDON FIELDS, Washington Redskins wide receiver PIERRE GARĆON and New Orleans Saints tight end JIMMY GRAHAM are the players participating in the tour this year. This trip marks the first NFL-USO tour abroad for all of them.
Since then, NFL icons including TERRY BRADSHAW, LARRY CSONKA, FRANCO HARRIS, HOWIE LONG, DON MEREDITH, LYNN SWANN and JOHNNY UNITAS have visited troops on NFL-USO tours in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, Japan, Korea, Kuwait and Somalia. In 2008 Commissioner ROGER GOODELL became the first sports commissioner to visit the troops overseas as part of a USO trip when he toured Iraq and Afghanistan.
NFL players CHAMP BAILEY, DāQWELL JACKSON, DAVIN JOSEPH, VON MILLER, STEVE SMITH and J.J. WATT took part in last yearās USO tour overseas. During the tour, the group visited military bases in Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan. They dined with service members, greeted military personnel and signed autographs.
Also last year, former NFL players CHRIS DRAFT, DONNIE EDWARDS, and ERIC METCALF along with former Indianapolis Colts President BILL POLIAN, spent the beginning of July in Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan, visiting troops and showing their appreciation to service members.
In the last year, current and former players including PEYTON MANNING, VINCENT JACKSON, AUSTIN COLLIE and MATT LIGHT have participated in USO tours, visiting various locations including Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and Djibouti.
Players participating in this yearās NFL-USO Tour:
ā¢ BRANDON FIELDS, Miami Dolphins:
Brandon Fields has been an integral part of the Dolphins since he was selected by the team in the 2007 NFL Draft. A 2014 NFL Pro Bowl and AP All-Pro second-team selection, he became just the second Miami punter to be named to the Pro Bowl. Fields currently ranks first in Dolphins history in highest gross punting average (46.8) and net punting average (39.3). His career average of 46.8 yards per punt ranks the seven-year veteran third all-time in NFL history. He completed the 2013 season ranked second in both the AFC and the NFL in punting, and first in the AFC and second in the NFL in net punting.
For his tireless work within the community, Fields was named the recipient of the Dolphinsā 2012 Nat Moore Community Service Award and has twice been named the teamās Walter Payton Man of the Year award nominee (2012, 2013). His off-the-field work includes participating in the Dolphins Foundation Fishing and Golf Tournaments as well as the teamās annual turkey giveaway and āLift Up America Food Giveawayā event. He has helped purchase toys and meals for the holidays and helped serve food to the homeless. In addition to participating in teamās events, Fields, and his wife Katie, established the Brandon and Katie Fields Youth Fitness Fund in 2010. With a focus on health, fitness and a positive attitude, the fund promotes physical activity and good health to children in the community.
āIt means a great deal to have the opportunity to go overseas to visit the troops. It is a way for me to show my appreciation, knowing all they are sacrificing fighting for our freedoms and the liberties of other people throughout the world.ā said Fields. āI feel honored to get to spend some time with them and hopefully bring them a little piece of home since they are stationed overseas away from their families for long periods of time.ā
ā¢ PIERRE GARĆON, Washington Redskins:
GarƧon, a tenacious blocker and explosive receiving threat, signed with the Redskins as an unrestricted free agent in 2012. GarƧon became a key component of the Redskinsā offense in 2012, leading the team to a 9-1 record in games in which he played, amassing 633 receiving yards in just 10 games. GarƧon finished the 2012 season having played in 68 regular-season games with 53 starts, totaling 232 receptions for 3,152 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Colts and Redskins. In 2013, GarƧon broke Art Monkās team record for receptions in a season, posting a career high 113 receptions for 1,346 receiving yards and five touchdown grabs. GarƧon has appeared in five postseason games, starting all five and posting 30 career postseason receptions for 413 yards with three touchdowns.
GarƧonās work off the field includes founding the Pierre GarƧon Helping Hands Foundation, which provides resources for Haitians affected by the 2010 earthquake. He has flown to Haiti on several mission trips and worked with other charitable organizations to assist the region. In 2013, he hosted a charity event that raised more than $30,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.
"Itās an honor to go over and visit the troops in their environment, not only to see how theyāre doing but also to appreciate what theyāre doing to keep us safe back in America,ā said GarƧon . āI'm so proud to be a part of this event and to be able to thank the real heroes in person."
ā¢ JIMMY GRAHAM, New Orleans Saints:
Graham was a third-round draft choice of the Saints in 2010. In just four seasons, he has become one of QB Drew Breesā favorite targets. In only 62 games with 36 starts, he has 301 catches for 3,863 yards with 41 touchdowns and has already shattered the clubās all-time receiving record for a tight end. Graham, who played four years of basketball and one year of football at the University of Miami (Fla.), has recorded 270 receptions for 3,507 yards with 36 touchdowns the past three seasons, ranking him fourth in the NFL in receiving, first at his position. In 2013, he led the Saints in receiving for the third consecutive season with 86 grabs for 1,215 yards with a club-record and NFL-best 16 touchdowns, leading NFL tight ends in all major statistical categories. Graham was voted all pro this year and selected to play in the 2014 Pro Bowl.
Graham was featured in a recent USA Network television program called āNFL Characters Unite,ā about his mentorship of a New Orleans teenager. He has hosted a youth football camp at Tulane University and is an avid supporter of Boys Town Louisiana. Graham also supports the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans, the Toys for Tots program, and the Volunteers of America Foster Kids Programs.
MIAMI ā The Miami Dolphins have re-signed Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes to a four-year contract, the team announced today.
āI am thrilled that we have been able to reach an agreement with Brent to keep him as a member of the Miami Dolphins,ā said Dolphins General Manager Dennis Hickey. āBrent is a two time Pro Bowler who has been a valuable piece to our organization as a player on the field, a leader in the locker room as well off the field in the South Florida community.ā
During the 2013 season Grimes started all 16 games as a member of the Miami secondary en route to being selected to his second career Pro Bowl. He finished his first season with the Dolphins with 60 tackles, 17 passes defensed, four interceptions which included one he returned 94 yards for a touchdown on October 31st against the Cincinnati Bengals. Over the course of his seven year career he has appeared in 75 games with 59 starts, compiling 265 tackles, 17 interceptions and 73 passes defensed. He was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Atlanta Falcons on May 16, 2006. Grimes was also a 2010 Pro Bowl selection.
Grimes played in 43 games for the Shippensburg Red Raiders and amassed 140 tackles in addition to setting school records with 38 career passes defensed and 27 interceptions, which was also a conference record. Grimes earned first-team All-America honors as a junior and senior in addition to being named to the second-team as a sophomore. Born July 19, 1983 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Grimes attended Northeast High School.
JOE PHILBIN PROMOTES BENTON AND ADDS BICKNELL TO COACHING STAFF
John Benton promoted to offensive line coach and Jack Bicknell Jr. added as assistant offensive line coach
MIAMI ā Miami Dolphins Head Coach Joe Philbin has announced that John Benton has been promoted to offensive line coach and Jack Bicknell Jr. has been named the teamās assistant offensive line coach.
Benton originally joined the Dolphins as assistant offensive line coach, a position he was named to on January 29, 2014. He brings 27 years of coaching experience, which includes 17 years in the college ranks and 10 seasons as an NFL assistant, including the last eight seasons as the Houston Texans offensive line coach. While with the Texans, Bentonās offensive line was instrumental in establishing one of the NFLās top ranked offensive attacks, setting franchise marks rushing yards (2,448) in 2011 and passing yards (4,654) and total offense (6,129 yards) in 2009. Behind All-Pro left tackle Duane Brown and All-Pro center Chris Meyers, Houstonās offensive line paved the way for the emergence of All-Pro running back Arian Foster, who became the 13th fastest player in NFL history to reach 5,000 career rushing yards. En route to 5,000 yards, Foster registered three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (2010-12), a franchise record 25 career 100-yard regular season rushing games and he currently leads the AFC at 90.7 rushing yards per game since 2010.
Prior to joining the Texans in 2006, Benton spent two seasons (2004-05) with the St. Louis Rams, coaching an offensive line which was anchored by All-Pro left tackle Orlando Pace. In 2005, the Rams offensive line helped All-Pro running back Stephen Jackson rush for 1,046, the first 1,000 rushing season of his career.
Benton began his coaching career at Colorado State as a graduate assistant (1987-90) prior to accepting the position of offensive line coach at California University (Pa.) while also serving as the schoolās recruiting coordinator (1990-94). Benton returned to Colorado State as the offensive line coach in 1995, a position he held until 2000, when he was named the schoolās co-offensive coordinator from 2000-03.
Benton was a four-year starter as an offensive lineman at Colorado State (1983-86), and earned honorable mention All-WAC honors during his junior and senior seasons. He was named to the WACās All-Academic team as a senior in 1986. A native of Durango, Colorado, he and his wife, Nicole, have two daughters, Gabrielle and Paige.
Bicknell comes to Miami after spending the 2013 season as the offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. While in Pittsburgh, Bicknellās unit paved the way for running back LeāVeon Bell, who amassed 1,259 yards from scrimmage, the most by a Steelers rookie surpassing Franco Harris (1,235) and became just the third Pittsburgh rookie to amass over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Bell also became the first Steelers rookie to rush for more than 100 yards in a regular season game since the 2004 season when he compiled 124 yards on 26 carries and one touchdown in a Week 16 victory at Green Bay.
Prior to joining the Steelers, Bicknell served as the offensive line coach for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012 where he directed a unit that was instrumental in helping running back Jamaal Charles return to All-Pro form after a ACL injury cut short his 2011 season. Charles returned in 2012 and set career highs in carries (285) and rushing yards (1,509) en route to his second Pro Bowl selection at the conclusion of the season.
Bicknell began his NFL coaching career with the New York Giants in 2009 and was a member of a coaching staff that helped lead the franchise to its fourth Super Bowl title with a 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots on February 5, 2012. During the 2011 season, the Giantsā line anchored an offense that finished fifth in the NFL in passing while only allowing 28 sacks. During his tenure as the Giants offensive line coach, guards Chris Snee and Shaun OāHara were selected to three straight Pro Bowls each (2009-11). Following his first season with New York, three offensive linemen (Snee, OāHara and tackle David Diehl) were selected to the 2010 Pro Bowl, marking the first time since 1962 that three Giants from the same position group were selected to the Pro Bowl.
Before entering the NFL coaching ranks, Bicknell spent 24 seasons (1985-2008) coaching on the collegiate level, of which eight seasons were spent as the head coach at Louisiana Tech (1999-2006), where his 43 victories are still the third-most in school history. Following the 2001 season, he was named WAC Coach of the Year after leading the Bulldogs to a conference championship in its first year of membership. Bicknell also served as the Bulldogsā offensive line coach from 1997-98.
Bicknell began his coaching career at his alma mater, Boston College, as a graduate assistant from 1985-86. Following his two seasons with the Eagles, Bicknell joined the staff at the University of New Hampshire in 1987 and spent 10 seasons with the Wildcats coaching the defensive line (1987-92) before moving to the offensive line (1993-96). Bicknell returned to Boston College in 2007 as the Eaglesā assistant head coach/offensive line coach for two seasons (2007-08) before joining the Giants in the NFL.
A three-year letter winner as an offensive lineman, Bicknell played collegiately for his father at Boston College from 1981-85 where he was the center for 1984 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Doug Flutie. It was Bicknell who snapped the ball to Flutie on the final play of the Boston College/Miami game which led to one of the most memorable conclusions to a game in college football history. The Flutie āHail Maryā game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Gerald Phelan propelled the Eagles over the Miami Hurricanes in the Orange Bowl in 1984. In Bicknellās final season at Boston College, he was honored with the Scanlon Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a Boston College football player, the Scarminach Award for athletic and academic excellence and the Deanās Award in the school of education.
Bicknell comes from a family of coaches. His father, Jack, was the head coach at Boston College (1981-90) prior to becoming the head coach of the Barcelona Dragons (1991-03) of NFL Europe. His brother, Bob, has been an assistant coach at the collegiate and professional level since 1993 and in the NFL since 2007 where he been with three different teams including, Kansas City (2007-09), Buffalo (2010-12) and currently is the wide receiver coach in Philadelphia (2013-). Born in North Plainfield, New Jersey, Bicknell attended Orono (Maine) High School. He and his wife, Helen, have three children, John, Katelyn and Alyse.
Dolphins Cycling Challenge Announces Date for DCC V and Elects Future Chairs
Event has raised almost $7 million for cancer research; moves to February 7-8, 2015
Ft. Lauderdale/Miami/Palm Beach FL ā The Dolphins Cycling Challenge Board of Directors announced today that the fifth annual Dolphins Cycling Challenge (DCC) will be held on February 7-8, 2015. Previously held in November each year, DCC V will be moved permanently to the weekend after the Super Bowl. The Dolphins Cycling Challenge is a two-day, tri-county cycling event dedicated to raising funds for lifesaving cancer research. This major community initiative is a collaborative effort between the Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, with 100% of the rider-raised funds going directly to fund critical cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Since its launch in 2010, the Dolphins Cycling Challenge has raised almost $7 million.
In addition, the Executive Committee elected Richard Berkowitz, CEO of Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants, chairman of DCC V. Miami Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel was elected chair-elect for DCC VI.
āI am extremely passionate about fighting and winning the battle against the plague of our generation, cancer. Every dollar raised by DCC riders funds research to fight cancer in our South Florida community,ā said newly elected Chairman, Richard Berkowitz. āI am honored to work with the Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami to raise funds to pay South Florida doctors and researchers to develop protocols and methodologies to help cure cancer.ā
Berkowitz is a founding Dolphins Cycling Challenge board member who has participated in the event since its inception in 2010. Berkowitz has raised over $600,000 as a 25 year rider in the Pan Mass Challenge which has raised over $420 million for the Dana Farber Cancer Center in Boston.
He is the founder and CEO of one of the largest advisory and accounting firms in South Florida and one of the 100 largest firms in the country. He also serves as chairman of the board of Provenance Wealth Advisors. Among his many community endeavors, Berkowitz is past chair of the state board of Take Stock in Children, past chair of the Community Foundation of Broward and is involved with the University of Miami, Fisher Island Finance Committee, Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Tom Garfinkel is President and CEO of the Miami Dolphins and Sun Life Stadium, a position he accepted in September 2013. He rode both days of this past yearās Dolphins Cycling Challenge and has maintained the organizationās commitment to this important community event. Garfinkel previously held executive positions with the San Diego Padres, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chip Ganassi Racing Team. He has also held corporate positions with Texaco and Miller Brewing Company.
Registration for DCC V will open on May 1, 2014. For more information, visit www.RideDCC.com.
Miami Dolphins General Manager Dennis Hickey - 2.20.14
(Opening statement) ā āIf I counted correctly, this is my 19th (NFL) Combine. Iām very excited. This is my first time as a GM. Iāve very excited to be the GM of the Miami Dolphins. Iāve been there a short time my three weeks, but itās been a great experience getting to know the people, the organization, the players. It really is an exciting time. This is the next part of the process in teambuilding. Obviously the process and building a 53-man roster starting from the previous year at the end of May as the evaluation of these draft prospects begins and then leads on into the season, the bowl games, all-star games, and the combine is the next part of the process. Itās an exciting time. You get 350 of the best college football players in the same setting where you get to evaluate them from an athletic standpoint, get verified measurables on them as well as getting to know the player themselves as well as getting detailed medical information. Itās an exciting time for the Miami Dolphins, and Iāll open it up for questions.ā
(On having to potentially rebuild the offensive line) ā āEvery day that I wake up I think about how can I get the Miami Dolphins to the best 53 man roster. That encompasses all positions. I believe that it all starts up front, on both sides of the ball but everyday weāre constantly looking. Meeting with our scouts and talking with Coach Philbin, watching film together and trying to detail whatās the best plan. Weāre putting together that strategic plan and weāre going forward with that.ā
(On if they will know about any potential league discipline prior to the start of free agency and the draft) ā āAny questions about that, weāre working in concert with the Commissionerās office and thatās where that stands.ā
(On what he anticipates happening with cornerback Brent Grimes) ā āIām not going to get into specifics with our strategic plan from a competitive standpoint. With our current plans, future plans with our players, Iām not going to get into specifics there.ā
(On the balance of mixing his philosophy with Coach Philbin) ā āThrough the interview process, that was one of the draws to the Dolphins. As I sat down and just laid out my plan and my philosophy and the things I believed in and laid it out there before Coach Philbin, there was a commonality and shared vision of who we wanted to be. We wanted to be a tough, smart, disciplined football team and that means bringing in tough, smart, physical football players in. From that standpoint we had similar philosophies going in and in addition to all the other commonalities that we had, so that part was easy.ā
(On if the team will continue to use zone blocking schemes on the offensive line) - āWith that we are going to do a lot of different things under Bill Lazor. We are excited to have him on board. They are still working through all of that, and weāll go from there.ā
(On how much film heās watched of quarterback Ryan Tannehill) - āObviously I have a college scouting background, so most of the guys always start off with that. We like Ryan (Tannehill) coming out. He was a guy who had 18 starts, but you saw the athletic ability, you saw the accuracy, you saw the arm strength and you saw a really smart kid. Obviously I like the progression that heās made in his first year developing into his second year, and I expect him to continue in that development into his third year.ā
(On the report of Matt Moore potentially pushing Ryan Tannehill during training camp) - āI canāt respond to speculation. Iām not about that, but I believe in Ryan Tannehill.ā
(On how the process of working with Joe Philbin has gone so far) - āWeāve been very intentional in our communication and our time together just because we are starting fresh and we are right in the middle of things. We spent a lot of time (together). Every morning we get together whether it is draft preparation, free agency preparation or even just watching our own players, getting together and talking, watching film and just kind of continuing to build that relationship, and just communicating. Thatās just one of the things that we are about, and we want to continue to foster that not only in our relationship between he and I but also throughout the organization.ā
(On how much he is on the same page with Joe Philbin) - āYeah, we are on the same page of who we want our organization to be founded on trust, integrity, respect, communication, all of those things are common. With individual player evaluations, as always there are different opinions as we go through there, and we just work through those things. Itās been a great experience as we continue to get to know each other better and as we go through each process leading toward preparing for the season opener.ā
(On if he can afford to keep the defensive line intact) - āWith specific plans, I donāt want to get into that regarding specific players. I do know that it starts up-front on both sides of the ball, and we will act appropriately.ā
(On if he feels he has a starting running back on the team) - āWe like the running backs on our team, but again we are trying to build the best 53-man roster. At every point thatās part of this in preparing for the draft, trying to get the best players that we can get on there to develop competitive environments to push our team to greatness.ā
(On how important it is to have a running back take pressure off of Ryan Tannehill) - āI think everything works in concert. Itās not just one position, the running game or the passing game. There are 11 guys working together to accomplish that goal. Rarely itās just on one person or one position on that.ā
(On his thoughts on Mike Gillislee and his development) - āObviously he was just a rookie last year, but Iām not going to get into specific description of players, but obviously we want to see him. Itās a great opportunity this offseason to work and to develop just like all of our players. We want to continue to see them progress. We have an excellent coaching staff. We have a committed owner who is allocating resources to be the best that we can be. We just continue to want each player to make that next step, to be where we want to be. Thatās about competing and winning championships. Every player, thatās our expectation in the offseason.ā
(On impressions of the 2014 draft class) - āI think it is very strong, and itās strong at all kinds of different levels at each position. Every draft is kind of a different animal with different strengths, whether it is early, mid or late, with that. Iām excited about this draft class, and Iām anxious to get to know these guys better just as we go through the process that is the combine.ā
(On if it will be difficult to attract free agents to the Dolphins) - āNo, I think a free agent will be attracted to who we are. We have an excellent coaching staff. We live in Miami, that is pretty strong. We have a committed owner to allocate the resources necessary. We have an environment, a collective, strong environment. Look, in my three weeks, my interactions have been nothing but positive with all the people. When you get into the building and you get to know all the people, you really get a sense for what the organization is about. Going into it I felt strongly about that, and at every step that has been confirmed through this.ā
(On tangible ways will he fix the environment) - āJoe (Philbin) and I are working together on this. Leading up to this, we met with each department and laid out, restated and reinforced our vision of who we want to be, a culture of respect, communication and laying out that foundation and being intentional about communication throughout the building. Those are some of the steps that we have taken and will continue to take. We take this serious in our culture and who we want to be, and we want to set the standard around the league.ā
(On is there an ideal way to rebuild the offensive line in balancing the draft and free agency) - āI donāt look at it that way. I think you just look at all the different methods to acquire talent. There are so many different ways to do it in the league. Obviously with free agency coming up right now there are players who are not under contract with anyone, they are on the street, and there are also as the season gets started there are all kinds of different methods. Thatās the way we will approach this in always trying to get the best 53-man roster and never being content with the roster. We are always going to push the envelope whether itās using innovative ways or different ways to get to our ultimate goal, which is to win a championship.ā
(On his feeling of spending a lot of money in free agency) - āI think it is more about placing a value on a player. Thatās what we are doing. Thatās what we are doing in our meetings. Thatās what we will do in our draft meetings. Thatās what we will do in our free agent meetings. We place what we call a Dolphin value for the player, and that directs our steps on how we approach things.ā
(On if he feels rushed coming to Miami in late in the scouting calendar) - āWith the people that we have on board, I donāt feel rushed because I have complete confidence in our scouting staff and our coaches. I believe in Coach Philbin, weāre all in this working together. I have confidence in them so Iām not rushed. Thereās different angles obviously in my new positions but Iām confident that weāll get it done.ā
(Opening statement) ā āI remember the first day I interviewed for the Miami Dolphins head coaching job with Steve Ross, and we talked a lot about the type of program I wanted to run in Miami. One of the things I told Steve was itās important to me that any player we have or any staff member we have, I wanted to create an atmosphere where their experience as a Miami Dolphin, whether it was for three weeks, three months, three years, 10 years, was the best professional experience they ever had. And if they left Miami and went to another organization or left and went to work for General Electric, Goldman Sachs or whatever great company in America, they would look back on their time as a Miami Dolphin and say, āThat organization was committed to helping me reach my full potential. They committed the resources, the time and invested in the individuals to make us a great football team,ā so they can look back and say they had a tremendous experience. Any time that isnāt accomplished, anytime one of our players and staff members has an experience contrary to that, it requires my attention, it needs to be corrected, it needs to be looked at (and) it needs to be fixed. I want everyone to know, Iām the one responsible for the workplace environment at the Miami Dolphins facility. Iām the one who sets the schedule. Iām the one who decides when the practices are. I decide what time the players eat, how they meet, how they lift, everything that they do in the facility. When they leave the facility, we have kind of a message board, TV board, and it says on it 24/7/365 every day. I walk out there every day, they walk out there every day, as a reminder that we all represent one another. Everything that I do impacts everybody I work with at the Miami Dolphins on a daily basis, and everything that they do impacts me. So I think you could imagine when I read the report that you have, and I got the report the same minute you got it, some of the facts, the behavior, the language that was outlined in the report is inappropriate and is unacceptable, and Iām the one as I mentioned earlier that is in charge of the workplace. I can tell you, I can tell our fans, I can tell you sitting here, I can tell our players, we are going to do things about it. We are going to make it better. We are going to look at every avenue. We are going to uncover every stone, and we are going to have a better workplace. I promise you that. Iām going to make sure that happens. So Iāll take any questions you have.ā
(On what he can personally do to make sure that his message of promoting integrity and accountability throughout the organization gets through) - āLike I said, I have to do a better job. Iām going to look at every way, the way we educate, the way we communicate, the way we talk to one another. Iām going to look at every avenue. We have a lot of dedicated, committed people in our organization, in our building, that make a lot of sacrifices every single day when they go to work. I have to make sure that we create a better atmosphere and a better environment.ā
(On if part of his job is to know what is going on in the locker room) - āLook, Iām the head football coach. The team, the performance of the team, the record, the 8-8 record, that falls on my shoulders. Iām going to be more vigilant, Iām going to be more diligent, Iām going to be more visible and Iām going to have a better pulse.ā
(On why he didnāt follow up with Jonathan Martin after he briefly left the team in the offseason) - āWell when I was made aware of his condition, I immediately connected him with medical treatment. I had subsequent discussions, nothing at great length. Out of respect for Jonathan (Martin) Iām not going to get into the details of those discussions. I think that he should be the one that speaks about his health status.ā
(On if he feels he should have followed up with Jonathan Martin more after he left the team) - āAgain, I connected him with medical care immediately when I knew that he needed some. Again, Iām not going to comment any further about those discussions about his health.ā
(On if he has been in contact with the league regarding possible penalties against players, and if he sees any scenario where one of the players implicated in the report doesnāt return to the team) - āWe are in concert with the NFL and the commissionerās office in regard to potential discipline of any player. We are communicating with them on that. We havenāt made any decisions on anybodyās future in terms of the 2014 Miami Dolphins.ā
(On if Kevin OāNeill made the trip to Indianapolis before he was relieved of his duties) - āAs I mentioned to you before, I was interviewed I believe on November 18th by Ted Wells and the investigative team. We received the report exactly the same day, same time that you did. That was a time-span of 89 days, I believe. As an organization, when you are talking about the careers and future of people who are dedicated professionals, we felt we needed to deliberate. We needed to discuss. We didnāt feel that five days was an exurbanite amount of time when you consider the implications of those decisions. That being said, Kevin OāNeill is a dedicated person, professional. He gave 18 years of service. I donāt know if there is ever really a good time to relieve someone of their duties. Would it have been better maybe if he was not here (in Indianapolis)? When we made a decision as an organization, we felt it was fair to communicate that decision as soon as possible, and thatās what we did.ā
(On what he told everyone in the organization before they met with the investigators) - āTo tell the truth, tell the truth. Itās always good advice.ā
(On if this has been an embarrassing six months for the franchise) - āItās been tough on a lot of people. Itās been tough on our ownership, itās been tough on our fan-base (and) itās been tough on everyone in the locker room. Itās touched a lot of people in the country. Itās been difficult, but I know I speak for our owner, Steve Ross, we are resolute in our dedication to getting this right and correcting any problems that existed. We are going to do it.ā
(On if Jonathan Martin would be able to return this season) ā āWell our owner Steve Ross has reached out to Jonathan, I believe at some point in the near future they plan on getting together, so for me to make any comments prior to that meeting I think would be inappropriate.ā
(On if he thinks the players could handle having him back in the locker room) ā āAgain, until that meeting occurs, Iām not going to make any comments.ā
(On if he wanted to release Richie Incognito after the golf incident) ā āWell, when I was made aware of that situation that youāre referencing I took immediate action in the form of player discipline. Obviously there are many options that we discussed as an organization what the best course would be and thatās what we came up with. Iām not going to pass the buck to anybody else, I was a part of it, that was the decision that we made.ā
(On if he regrets not cutting ties with Richie Incognito at that point) ā āAgain, that was the decision that we made at that point in time so I stand by it and thatās what we did.ā
(On how Richie was made a leader on the football team after the incident at the golf course) ā āI didnāt necessary name him a leader. Thereās a leadership council that we have in place, the process is that the players elect the players that they want to be on the leadership council. Out of respect to the process thatās how the votes came in and he was on the leadership council.ā
(On if he knew about the issues while they were happening) ā āI did not know about it when it was going on, no. The majority of things I did not know about when it was going on, no.ā
(On how he became aware of the issues before his interview) ā āThings became quite public around November 1st, so some things seeped in and leaked in and then I heard the same voice message that youāve probably heard and the country has probably heard. Those are things that as I started, those are things I heard. I believe that phone call was maybe in March, or certainly I had never heard that text message, so as different things occurred over the period of time I became more aware of the situation.ā
(On knowing what he knows now, how would he have handled the situation) ā āI donāt have the benefit to look back. Certainly I would have hoped that I would have noticed some of these things, I can tell you that I had never turned my back. If I had heard this type of language or these type of acts being done I would have intervened immediately. Thereās a common decency that people need to have toward one another and when that gets violated thatās an issue. I certainly wish I had seen some of it, and I could have intervened quicker and perhaps would not have grown to this proportion that itās grown to. Itās easy to look back, thatās how it unfolded so now I have to focus on the future and how weāre going to correct the problems.ā
(On if he feels fortune that he still has a job) ā āAgain, Steve Ross is the one that does the hiring of the Miami Dolphins, thatās a question you should ask him.ā
(On if it will affect the Miami Dolphins brand, where players would not want to play for the Dolphins etc.) ā āI believe in the players. Iāve stated I believe when we first became aware of some of these allegations that I have faith in our locker room, faith in the players that we have. I think we have an outstanding coaching staff. I know we have work to do like every other football team here thatās why weāre here. Weāre here to work, weāre here to evaluate these prospects and improve our football team. Iām confident in the direction, Iām confident weāre going to make the changes necessary to improve the workplace at the Miami dolphins and improve our football team.ā
Statement from Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross on Findings of Ted Wells Report
āToday, I received the final report from NFL independent counsel Ted Wells and have now reviewed it. I want to first thank Commissioner Roger Goodell for granting our request to have an independent review on this matter. I also want to thank Ted Wells and his team, who conducted a thorough, professional and objective review.
āI now have had a chance to read the report and obviously, the language that was used and the behavior as described is deeply disturbing. Although the report commended Joe Philbinās commitment to promoting integrity and accountability throughout the Dolphins organization, I told Ted Wells personally during my visit with him that we are committed to addressing the issues outlined in this report. We must work together towards a culture of civility and mutual respect for one another. It is important to me, important to Coach Philbin and important to the entire Dolphins organization.
āWe are committed to a positive workplace environment where everyone treats each other with respect. We have reviewed our Code of Conduct and workplace policies and are making enhancements to the areas of sports psychology, human resources and player engagement functions which serve as safe outlets for any player or employee.
āWhen these allegations first came to light, I wanted to know what happened so we could make our organization better. I also began a deliberative and comprehensive process of determining what I could do to elevate conduct in sports, regardless of the then-unknown conclusions of Ted Wellsā report.
āThree months ago, I announced the creation of a committee comprised of Coach Philbin, our CEO Tom Garfinkel, and respected former players and coaches, who would review Ted Wellsā report and our current Code of Conduct and make any further recommendations. Now that the report has been made available to us, the committee can move forward and begin discussions.
āAfter the situation came to light, I approached the New York University School of Law and the New York University Center for Sports and Society led by Arthur Miller, as well as the Jackie Robinson Foundation on ideas to address my concerns about conduct in sports. I wanted to tackle these challenging issues head on and be a driving force for change not only with the Dolphins, but in all levels of athletics. In working with their research team and lawyers, and with the cooperation of New York University Dean of Law and former White House associate counsel Trevor Morrison in particular, we have researched, debated and consulted dozens of experts and have created a series of initiatives that we will release next week, along with a policy paper examining this issue.
āWe seek to create a curriculum which emphasizes accountability and which educates athletes on a standard code of conduct, appropriate use of language, and the elimination of disrespectful and unacceptable behavior in sports, including discrimination or harassment because of race, gender or sexual orientation. We are also exploring possible legislation and a conduct pledge that would be instituted in all organized sports throughout the country to elevate the core value of respect.
āI have made it clear to everyone within our organization that this situation must never happen again. We are committed to address this issue forcefully and to take a leadership role in establishing a standard that will be a benchmark in all of sports.ā
Statement from Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross on Ted Wells Report
āWe have just received the report from Ted Wells and will review it in detail before responding relative to the findings. When we asked the NFL to conduct this independent review, we felt it was important to take a step back and thoroughly research these serious allegations. As an organization, we are committed to a culture of team-first accountability and respect for one another.ā
Stephen Ross Names Dennis Hickey as Miami Dolphins General Manager
Miami, FL ā Miami Dolphins Chairman of the Board and Managing General Partner Stephen Ross announced today that Dennis Hickey has been named the teamās General Manager. Hickey brings 18 years of scouting and personnel experience to his new role with the Dolphins. He will oversee all aspects of football operations, reporting directly to Mr. Ross. Head Coach Joe Philbin will continue to oversee his coaching staff and report directly to Mr. Ross as well.
āI am excited that Dennis Hickey is our new General Manager,ā Ross said. āWhen we started the search, I outlined qualities that I was looking for in this position. These included a collaborative team-first person who can work with Joe, demonstrated player evaluation expertise, and someone who is open-minded and creative. Dennis fit all of these criteria and I'm looking forward to having him get started.ā
āMiami is a great franchise with a historic tradition and passionate fans. The opportunity to work with Stephen Ross, Joe Philbin and the entire Dolphins organization to build a team that wins on a consistent basis is exciting, ā Hickey added. āThe Dolphins certainly have talented players and I am eager to hit the ground running with our personnel and coaching staffs. We will all work together to construct a team that will make our organization and fans proud. I would like want to thank the Buccaneers organization and Glazer family for the past 18 years. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from a number of quality coaches, personnel staffs and General Managers during my time in Tampa Bay and I thankful for the opportunities and experiences that they provided for me and my family.ā
Hickey joins the Dolphins from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he spent the past 18 seasons with the team in a wide variety of personnel roles. Hickey served as the Director of Pro Personnel for the past three seasons (2011-13). Previously, Hickey served as the Buccaneersā Director of College Scouting (2005-10) and Midwest Scout (1998-04). During that time, he was a part of the Buccaneers organization that claimed the franchiseās first Super Bowl championship in 2002. Hickey originally joined the Buccaneers as Pro Personnel Assistant in Tampa Bayās scouting department (1996-97).
Prior to joining the Buccaneers, Hickey spent two years (1994-95) as an assistant coach at Blinn Junior College in Brenham, Texas. At Blinn, he coached the defensive backs and was responsible for recruiting in the state of Texas. Hickey played collegiately at Coffeyville Community College where he was an Academic All-American and team captain. He also was a three-year starter at the University of Tulsa where he received his bachelorās degree in 1994.
He and his wife, Stephanie, have one daughter, Breanna, and one son, Barrett. They live in Tampa.
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