Latest news with #DolphinsCancerChallenge
Miami Herald
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
‘He's the guy.' With Armstead's retirement, the Patrick Paul era is officially here
Well, the cat's out of the bag. Five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead will not return to the Miami Dolphins as he has elected to retire. That means the Patrick Paul era is officially here, something Armstead himself is looking forward to. 'He's the guy,' Armstead said of Paul at his retirement party Saturday. 'It's his time. He knows it. He'll be ready. He's a worker. He's talented. Put those two together and you'll have success.' Luckily, Paul has spent the offseason as if he will start in 2025. 'I'm working towards being a starter and that's all I have focused on — just being the best version of myself,' Paul said Feb. 22 at the Dolphins Cancer Challenge. A 2024 second-round pick, Paul played sparingly as a rookie. His only action came mainly in relief of Armstead as he started just three games and played 337 snaps. The results were middling to say the least: out of 81 qualifying tackles, Paul ranked 79th, according to Pro Football Focus. Still, coaches such as offensive coordinator Frank Smith praised his development. 'You can see with him the growth,' Smith said Dec. 19 after the Dolphins' 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans. 'It's coming. Things that he's learning from, putting himself in better position, the physicality. So really excited for him this week especially from a lot of the things we saw positive from the Houston game.' Paul is far from a finished product. He's raw — but still the guy who allowed just two sacks in 1,053 pass-block snaps during his junior and senior season at Houston. That hasn't quite translated to the NFL as he gave up up three sacks in his three starts, according to PFF. For comparison purposes, Armstead gave up three sacks in his 15 games. 'He's also got some opportunities in games, and you can get yourself up to the speed because it's a different ball game from college to the pros,' Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Dec. 13. 'So I think that not only just the actual reps, but the aid that guys like Terron [Armstead] and Kendall Lamm can give him are monumental for him to attack game day the way he wants to. So it's worked out. You feel fortunate that guys with limited experience on our team, particularly a rookie, gets experience in a real way, not just on scout team. It's a game changer to operate within the group.' Armstead's retirement means the Dolphins will return only two starters along the offensive line in center Aaron Brewer and right tackle Austin Jackson. The Dolphins signed James Daniels to field one of the guard spots while the other one is currently up for grabs, though Liam Eichenberg would start if the season began today. Armstead's departure also creates a leadership void; just look at how fullback Alec Ingold described the five-time Pro Bowler. 'He's one of the best pros I've ever been around,' Ingold said. 'He doesn't talk very much, but when he talks, people listen. He has a very unique leadership style to him. He's almost like a father figure it seems like in the huddle. You can tell when he's on the field, guys have confidence. All 10 guys outside of Terron have confidence when you see 72 in the huddle, and I think that carries over into the locker room. You see him and his presence; it's calming, it's confident, it's not arrogant in the slightest and I think the more things that he's doing off of the field, I think that bleeds onto the field, being a role model and example for a lot guys, myself included, looking up to his academy, his financial literacy work that he's doing.' Expect tackle Jackson and center Brewer to step up in Armstead's absence while Paul settles into his role as a full-time starter.
Miami Herald
28-02-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
These Miami leaders left a legacy of generosity and kindness. They can inspire us all
Leave a legacy Life comes at you fast, but death can come even faster. Sadly, the ranks of Greater Miami's community stalwarts have suffered heavy losses in recent years, many of them unexpected. In the summer of 2022, we lost Jason Jenkins, a legendary Miami Dolphins executive who revolutionized philanthropy in sports. Jenkins grew last weekend's record-breaking Dolphins Cancer Challenge, now chaired by his wife, Liz, into an event so successful another NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles, used it as a template for their annual Eagles Autism Challenge. One of the first calls they made when planning their event was to Jenkins and the Dolphins team, who immediately lent a helping hand. Less than two years later, we lost two more behemoths of community building: Dr. Enid Pinkney and Merrett Stierheim. Pinkney unearthed, preserved and shared rich stories of Black Miamians who played such a vital role in settling and incorporating our hometown. Stierheim was one of the most decorated and impactful government officials in Miami history, serving our county, city and school board in times of growth and strife, leaving a lasting and positive legacy on all. Most recently, we lost the gentle giant of Coral Gables, Mark Trowbridge, who was quite literally everything to everyone. He was never too busy, too tired or too sick to assist a friend or business in need. Just last year, while battling illness and extreme fatigue, he emceed a luncheon for CityYear Miami's Champions of Mentorship, his trademark wit somehow unaffected. While our biologically-constrained earthly existences must come and go, legacies live on. Generosity of spirit bears fruit for generations, provided the tree is watered. Pause your busy life to do something for 'the 305' that carries forward the tradition of togetherness that makes this meltiest of melting pots such a special place to live. I know Jason, Enid, Merrett, Mark and countless others will be smiling on you from above. Marcus Bach Armas, Miami Safety monitors Protecting the rights and safety of our most vulnerable citizens — seniors and people with disabilities residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities — should be a priority for all of us. That's why AARP Florida strongly supports legislation allowing residents to install an electronic monitoring device in their rooms at their own expense. Far too often, concerns about abuse, neglect or mistreatment arise in long-term care settings, yet without clear evidence, families are unaware and law enforcement faces challenges in proving or disproving allegations. A simple, cost-effective solution is to give residents the right to install electronic monitoring devices. This would deter potential abuse, protect caregivers from false accusations, provide families peace of mind and would be a critical tool for law enforcement to investigate incidents fairly and accurately. If a resident or their family wants this added layer of security, they should have the right to make that decision. This legislation is about accountability, safety and ensuring that every person in long-term care is treated with dignity and respect. We urge lawmakers to support this common-sense measure. Zayne Smith, senior director of advocacy, AARP Florida, Tampa Bay How'd that happen? Re: the Feb. 25 story, 'Gov. DeSantis to create a Florida Doge to audit universities and local governments.' DeSantis has been governor since 2019 (though it seems like decades). How is this government-alleged bloating happening under his watch? Irony is officially dead. Monica Harvey, Miami Shores Rocket science A quick and easy win for Elon Musk's DOGE would be to cut the budget for NASA's Deep Exploration program, which focuses on traveling from the moon to Mars. What is the real value of this effort, when the 2025 NASA budget request for this program was $7.44 billion and increases annually — to an estimated $8 billion-plus by 2029? Makes me wonder why Musk has not attacked this area, which has little impact on citizens' daily lives, while he slashes and burns programs that harm the most needy. Maybe the richest man in the world should self-fund his pet projects and be the first traveler to Mars. Dennis Brandt, Miami No landslide Gov. Ron Desantis often mentions that he was elected with stronger support than any previous governor. He and Floridians who parrot his claim, as if it's some unfathomable achievement, would do well to remember who he ran against: Charlie Crist. Crist was a Republican who lost so bad he became an independent. As an independent, he lost so bad he became a Democrat. And as a Democrat, he lost badly, too. A cardboard cutout of Mickey Mouse would have gotten more votes. Therefore, DeSantis has no reason to get carried away with all the chest-thumping. Ryan P. Gallagher, Saint Cloud American values? In the Feb. 24 Miami Herald, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien stated that ending TPS for Haitians 'undermines the values of compassion and fairness that this country stands for.' Unfortunately, it seems fairness and compassion were never values of this country. For example, the seizure of Native American children in the late 1800s for 're-education' to erase their history and culture; the 1902 Chinese immigrant ban and requirement of Chinese residents to register; our unwillingness to admit more than 900 passengers of the St. Louis, the ocean liner carrying Jewish refugees in 1939, many of whom perished in German concentration camps; and the 1942 Executive Order authorizing removing people of Japanese descent from their homes and placing them in internment camps. This year, President Trump issued an Executive Order erasing transgender people, who have always lived among us. Our legacy seems to be one of violence and hatred, as expressed by today's executive branch of government. Irene Pilinger, North Miami Beach Our best interest Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine and killed thousand of civilians and destroyed buildings and cities in a war that happened because the Biden administration was weak, just as the Obama administration was weak regarding Crimea. The Trump administration is trying to end the war and at the same time trying to get some economic advantage from that country. Russia is a nuclear power friendly to China, our major enemy. We would be wise to keep Russia close. Julian Darío Miyares, Miami Home insurance Re: the Feb. 24 story, 'State study found Florida insurers sent billions to affiliates while crying poor.' Why does fraud seemingly only occur in Florida? What do other states do to prevent it? Apparently, Gov. DeSantis has decided to crack down on it, but what measures is he taking? Will they be effective? Insurance companies' practice of artificially raising rates after shifting reserve funds to different subsidiaries should be illegal. How do they get past state and federal auditors and regulators? Are the regulators being paid off? How are rates impacted by the risk of hurricane damage? Could this be reduced by increased building standards? Why should buildings with new hurricane-proof construction pay the same rates as old buildings, constructed to lower standards? The largest cost in my modern, well-built condo building by far is structural insurance — and it has risen the fastest. Cornelius Bond, Miami Rubio's beliefs As a U.S. senator, Marco Rubio never had a problem shedding his beliefs, so why would he be different as secretary of state? After all, Rubio is now working for the 'con man' (his description of Donald Trump in their 2016 debate). Doug Kostowski, Kendall Blind spot Last November, too many voters were seemingly focused on the price of bacon and eggs. Apparently, they missed considering the price of democracy. Ossie Hanauer, Miami
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘I'm still here.' The 2025 Dolphins Cancer Challenge showcases growth but also power of connection
Lynette Hickenbottom is dressed to impress. Dressed head-to-tie in different shades of pink, the two-time cancer survivor strolls around the bowels of the Miami International Autodrome as participants and attendees of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge crisscross her path. Hickenbottom decided not to do the 5k walk this year – 'This year I'm going to chill,' she quips – but makes a point to talk to everyone that stops her. The reasoning? She wants to spread a bit of positivity. 'It gives me a lot of energy to come out here because then I see other people that have gone through things like me and I like to share,' said Hickenbottom, 72, who beat breast cancer in 1999 and bladder cancer in 2022. 'I tell them how I'm a survivor so many years and I'm still here.' Added Hickenbottom: 'That's the word I spread: God is good!' Hickenbottom's presence somewhat epitomizes the importance of the DCC. Yes, the event attracts thousands of people each year as well as raises millions more to help the Hickenbottoms of the world. But for the septuagenarian as well as several Dolphins players, it's also about the ability to put a smile on someone's face, regardless of the trials and tribulations that they currently might face. 'It's a honor, it's a blessing,' center Aaron Brewer said, adding that everyone here either rides, runs or walks 'for a cause bigger than' themselves. 'It's just a amazing.' 'Everybody knows it's about business when it comes to this game but it shows the more human side of this organization and the people within it to put something like this together,' linebacker Jordyn Brooks said. Founded in 2010, the DCC has grown exponentially into the NFL's No. 1 fundraising effort. A goal to raise roughly $75 million by the end of 2026 was achieved two years ahead of schedule. In 2025 alone, the event attracted more than 7,000 people and raised upwards of $14 million, all of which goes directly to research at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Sylvester remains the only cancer center in South Florida that's recognized by the National Cancer Institute. 'We've been around for 15 years,' said Elizabeth Jenkins, the executive chair of the DCC, calling the fundraising numbers 'a testament to the people who donate, a testament to our board who doesn't want accolades or kudos.' Added Jenkins: 'We've proven that we truly believe in this cause. This is not something that we push by the wayside. We get the community involved. We have over 200 corporate teams that are involved in this. Some people have done it all 15 years. Some people this is their first year. But they really believe because cancer touches everyone of us.' Even the physical event has become much bigger. Participants can either walk or run the 5k or ride a bike in one of four routes that honor Dolphins legends: the 13-mile Dan Marino ride, 39-mile Larry Csonka ride, 54-mile Zach Thomas ride and 99-mile Jason Taylor ride. Having signed with the Dolphins in 2024 offseason, Brewer had certainly heard about the DCC. To see it, let alone participate, however, surprised even him. 'I didn't think it was going to be this many people,' Brewer said. 'They did their big one with this.' The same goes for 2024 rookie tackle Patrick Paul. 'This is my first time doing this and let's just say I was shocked,' Paul said.' As Hickenbottom continued to walk around the Autodrome, she recalled a favorite story. A few minutes earlier, she had rang the bell with a woman, a sign of completed cancer treatment. The two women didn't know one another until that moment. Now, Hickenbottom has a new friend. 'This is how you form informal friendships,' Hickenbottom said of the DCC, 'and I believe that gives some kind of encouragement.'
Miami Herald
23-02-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
‘I'm still here.' The 2025 Dolphins Cancer Challenge showcases growth but also power of connection
Lynette Hickenbottom is dressed to impress. Dressed head-to-tie in different shades of pink, the two-time cancer survivor strolls around the bowels of the Miami International Autodrome as participants and attendees of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge crisscross her path. Hickenbottom decided not to do the 5k walk this year – 'This year I'm going to chill,' she quips – but makes a point to talk to everyone that stops her. The reasoning? She wants to spread a bit of positivity. 'It gives me a lot of energy to come out here because then I see other people that have gone through things like me and I like to share,' said Hickenbottom, 72, who beat breast cancer in 1999 and bladder cancer in 2022. 'I tell them how I'm a survivor so many years and I'm still here.' Added Hickenbottom: 'That's the word I spread: God is good!' Hickenbottom's presence somewhat epitomizes the importance of the DCC. Yes, the event attracts thousands of people each year as well as raises millions more to help the Hickenbottoms of the world. But for the septuagenarian as well as several Dolphins players, it's also about the ability to put a smile on someone's face, regardless of the trials and tribulations that they currently might face. 'It's a honor, it's a blessing,' center Aaron Brewer said, adding that everyone here either rides, runs or walks 'for a cause bigger than' themselves. 'It's just a amazing.' 'Everybody knows it's about business when it comes to this game but it shows the more human side of this organization and the people within it to put something like this together,' linebacker Jordyn Brooks said. Founded in 2010, the DCC has grown exponentially into the NFL's No. 1 fundraising effort. A goal to raise roughly $75 million by the end of 2026 was achieved two years ahead of schedule. In 2025 alone, the event attracted more than 7,000 people and raised upwards of $14 million, all of which goes directly to research at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Sylvester remains the only cancer center in South Florida that's recognized by the National Cancer Institute. 'We've been around for 15 years,' said Elizabeth Jenkins, the executive chair of the DCC, calling the fundraising numbers 'a testament to the people who donate, a testament to our board who doesn't want accolades or kudos.' Added Jenkins: 'We've proven that we truly believe in this cause. This is not something that we push by the wayside. We get the community involved. We have over 200 corporate teams that are involved in this. Some people have done it all 15 years. Some people this is their first year. But they really believe because cancer touches everyone of us.' Even the physical event has become much bigger. Participants can either walk or run the 5k or ride a bike in one of four routes that honor Dolphins legends: the 13-mile Dan Marino ride, 39-mile Larry Csonka ride, 54-mile Zach Thomas ride and 99-mile Jason Taylor ride. Having signed with the Dolphins in 2024 offseason, Brewer had certainly heard about the DCC. To see it, let alone participate, however, surprised even him. 'I didn't think it was going to be this many people,' Brewer said. 'They did their big one with this.' The same goes for 2024 rookie tackle Patrick Paul. 'This is my first time doing this and let's just say I was shocked,' Paul said.' As Hickenbottom continued to walk around the Autodrome, she recalled a favorite story. A few minutes earlier, she had rang the bell with a woman, a sign of completed cancer treatment. The two women didn't know one another until that moment. Now, Hickenbottom has a new friend. 'This is how you form informal friendships,' Hickenbottom said of the DCC, 'and I believe that gives some kind of encouragement.'
CBS News
23-02-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Dolphins Cancer Challenge hits 7,000-plus participation, $14 fundraising milestones in single day
The NFL's largest fundraiser hit a milestone on Saturday, with the Dolphins Cancer Challenge seeing its highest participation and fundraising amount in a single year. Over $14 million was raised for cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth — the University of Miami Health System. The first steps The first countdown happened around 6 a.m. when bicyclists for the Jason Tyler 99-mile bike ride took off in the 15th DCC. "Wait, you didn't want to do the 99-mile ride?" CBS News Miami's Betty Nguyen asked CBS News Miami's Eliott Rodriguez. "No," he replied. "I thought about it for maybe half a second." Later in the morning, former Miami Dolphins players Nat Moore and Zach Thomas led riders of the 54-mile ride through Broward County and back to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Then hours later, the runners and walkers of the 5K took off. Biking, running and walking with purpose A record number of over 7,000 participants took part in the fight against cancer, and for many of them, the cause is personal. "Caroline was riding for me, I was riding for myself and then literally just as we were about to do the ride, she got the diagnosis and had to have this very difficult, six-hour operation to remove a huge tumor, have reconstructive surgery, and again luckily, Sylvester was able to save her," one participant shared. William West, a firefighter with the West Palm Beach Fire Department, told CBS News Miami he had cancer 10 years ago. "Myxofibrosarcoma in my left leg and thank goodness I'm completely cancer-free now," he said. Sonia Terbross, a participant and cancer survivor, told CBS News Miami she was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. "Mucinous carcinoma, I guess about 13-14 years ago," she said. Chris Hixon, another participant and survivor, was diagnosed on his sixth birthday. "Twenty-seven years ago and as of this year, I'm 25 years cancer-free," he said. "Way to go, this is fantastic," Nguyen cheered. Why DCC? Almost 500 of the thousands of participants are living proof — survivors — showing that the disease can be beaten. "I say often you don't have to have cancer to fight cancer," said Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel. "I'm just hoping one day soon that we don't have to be sponsoring for cancer but for some other cause because we've cured cancer," added Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. "I believe that day is coming." And that's what the over $14 million raised will go toward — research that is happening at Sylvester. So, people biked, they ran and they walked, receiving their medals at the finish line as one team with one fight. "I told myself if I survive this, if I get through this, it's my job to help every single person who's battling cancer," said one participant. "The more conscious people are about the disease, the more funding we can raise and perhaps one day, cancer will no longer be a part of our lives," said another. One participant had a single message to share with CBS News Miami. "At the first sign of something that is not right with you, go get a check-up," the participant said. Since 2010, Dolphins Cancer Challenge has raised over $75 million and with this year's funding, they are on track to raise almost $90 million.
