Many great players have taken the field as Miami Dolphins, yet some of them have done either great work in raising money for medical causes or personally saving the life of another human being. Here are some that I can remember. I apologize to any that I may have missed and feel free to add any I've missed:
1. John Offerdahl, LB, Miami Dolphins
I don't remember the exact details of this but in 1994, Offerdahl was driving down a road in Florida when he saw a car that had run off the road into a river infested by alligators. Offerdahl wasted no time and ran down into the river and pryed the driver's side door open and pulled the driver to safety.
2. Dan Marino, QB, Miami Dolphins
Dan and Claire Marino have done so many good things for the Miami community that I don't have time to list them all. Probably their most prominent work has been with autistic children and also adopting a Chinese toddler. For those of you who might know, in China, newborn girls are looked on with shame. I remember seeing a very touching interview with Claire Marino where she teared up and spoke of how she was frightened that she might not love her new daughter as much as her flesh and blood children. She said the first time she laid eyes on her new daughter, it was love at first sight. First class family all the way.
3. Nick Buoniconti, LB, Miami Dolphins
Aside from being one of the most talented linebackers in Dolphins history, Nick Buoniconti has spent over twenty years advancing the field of spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Tragically, Nick's son was paralyzed in a football game some time ago and that was the catalyst for Nick's crusade to help those with similar injuries.
4. Shawn Wooden, S, Miami Dolphins
Shawn Wooden is one of the nicest pro-football players you will ever meet. He is humble, funny and believes in giving back to his community. Without much press, he has spent much time volunteering for "Habitat for Humanity" and "The Big Brothers/Big Sisters Foundation". Building houses for those who can't afford them and helping provide a solid role model for children is some of the greatest work you can do in this life. Shawn has also worked with groups including the Broward Boys & Girls Club, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Prudential No Passing Zone (which has helped at least 2,500 boys and girls attend Dolphin’s home games). Shawn was awarded the Dolphins "Man of the Year Award" several times.
5. Zach Thomas, LB, Miami Dolphins
During Zach's rookie year in 1996, he stopped at a Burger King and ran into several local high school players. He signed autographs for them and they asked him if he would come to their game that night. He said yes, but they thought he was just being nice. They players were shocked to see Zach sitting in the stands that night. And he stayed for the whole game. He may not have saved a person's life, but he showed he's a down to earth guy who made those kids' day.
6. Jason Taylor, DE/OLB, Miami Dolphins
Zach Thomas isn't the only guy who likes to help people. His brother-in-law/teammate/best friend Jason Taylor does as well. Jason Taylor has established the "Jason Taylor Foundation", which works to improve the quality of life for children in need in the South Florida region. Also, Jason's run in with a crazed, weapon wielding racist must be considered. If it wasn't for Jason and his wife chasing after them and reporting where the attackers hid, those lunatics would still be on the streets.
7. Sam Madison, CB, Miami Dolphins
After a game at Pro Player Stadium, Sam Madison and his father were on their way home when they saw a crowd and saw a Miami motorcycle cop had been hit by a drunk driver. Sam's father administered first aid to the officer while Sam went for help. Authorities say if it wasn't for the help of the Madisons, the officer probably wouldn't have lived.
Feel free to vote in my poll for your favorite Dolphins Philanthropist. I apologize to those Dolphins who have helped others and I may have missed. All the aforementioned players are great people and should be commended for their humanity.
1. John Offerdahl, LB, Miami Dolphins
I don't remember the exact details of this but in 1994, Offerdahl was driving down a road in Florida when he saw a car that had run off the road into a river infested by alligators. Offerdahl wasted no time and ran down into the river and pryed the driver's side door open and pulled the driver to safety.
2. Dan Marino, QB, Miami Dolphins
Dan and Claire Marino have done so many good things for the Miami community that I don't have time to list them all. Probably their most prominent work has been with autistic children and also adopting a Chinese toddler. For those of you who might know, in China, newborn girls are looked on with shame. I remember seeing a very touching interview with Claire Marino where she teared up and spoke of how she was frightened that she might not love her new daughter as much as her flesh and blood children. She said the first time she laid eyes on her new daughter, it was love at first sight. First class family all the way.
3. Nick Buoniconti, LB, Miami Dolphins
Aside from being one of the most talented linebackers in Dolphins history, Nick Buoniconti has spent over twenty years advancing the field of spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Tragically, Nick's son was paralyzed in a football game some time ago and that was the catalyst for Nick's crusade to help those with similar injuries.
4. Shawn Wooden, S, Miami Dolphins
Shawn Wooden is one of the nicest pro-football players you will ever meet. He is humble, funny and believes in giving back to his community. Without much press, he has spent much time volunteering for "Habitat for Humanity" and "The Big Brothers/Big Sisters Foundation". Building houses for those who can't afford them and helping provide a solid role model for children is some of the greatest work you can do in this life. Shawn has also worked with groups including the Broward Boys & Girls Club, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Prudential No Passing Zone (which has helped at least 2,500 boys and girls attend Dolphin’s home games). Shawn was awarded the Dolphins "Man of the Year Award" several times.
5. Zach Thomas, LB, Miami Dolphins
During Zach's rookie year in 1996, he stopped at a Burger King and ran into several local high school players. He signed autographs for them and they asked him if he would come to their game that night. He said yes, but they thought he was just being nice. They players were shocked to see Zach sitting in the stands that night. And he stayed for the whole game. He may not have saved a person's life, but he showed he's a down to earth guy who made those kids' day.
6. Jason Taylor, DE/OLB, Miami Dolphins
Zach Thomas isn't the only guy who likes to help people. His brother-in-law/teammate/best friend Jason Taylor does as well. Jason Taylor has established the "Jason Taylor Foundation", which works to improve the quality of life for children in need in the South Florida region. Also, Jason's run in with a crazed, weapon wielding racist must be considered. If it wasn't for Jason and his wife chasing after them and reporting where the attackers hid, those lunatics would still be on the streets.
7. Sam Madison, CB, Miami Dolphins
After a game at Pro Player Stadium, Sam Madison and his father were on their way home when they saw a crowd and saw a Miami motorcycle cop had been hit by a drunk driver. Sam's father administered first aid to the officer while Sam went for help. Authorities say if it wasn't for the help of the Madisons, the officer probably wouldn't have lived.
Feel free to vote in my poll for your favorite Dolphins Philanthropist. I apologize to those Dolphins who have helped others and I may have missed. All the aforementioned players are great people and should be commended for their humanity.