Photos provided by the Miami Dolphins
Hollywood, Fla.—On Tuesday evening, Miami Dolphins players including punter Matt Darr and his wife, Lauren, long snapper John Denney, tight end MarQueis Gray and his wife, Alison, defensive end Dion Jordan, wide receiver Kenny Stills and defensive tackle Julius Warmsley, along with cheerleaders and mascot T.D., distributed backpacks to students from Title I schools in Broward and Miami-Dade County schools who were selected by their principals.
One hundred students from Sterling Elementary, Glades Middle School, Phillis Wheatley Elementary and Gertrude K. Edelman/Sabal Palm Elementary School enjoyed dinner, received a Dolphins T-shirt and had a chance to play games alongside the Dolphins players at Dave & Busters.
“It’s awesome. That’s why a bunch of us are out here,” Warmsley said. “We’re in a space that allows a platform to positively affect kids. Coming out here is a way to give back.”
It’s a stressful time of year for players and their families, as the season just started. Rarely do they get a chance to get their mind out of “football mode.”
Warmsley, who was relatively unknown before dominating in the preseason and securing a roster spot, said it’s a big part of the team’s mission to give back to the community.
“We want to make sure the community around us is doing well,” he said. “[It’s worth it] to be a little spec of light in their life.”
Along with that, it gives players a chance to get to know one another off the field. Several players brought their families to the event.
“Some of our teammates brought their kids and we got to play games with them and help them win prizes,” Darr said. “My wife and I love being able to get out and be a part of this.”
When the kids walked into the event room, they all yelled “wow!” in unison. It was a worthwhile event, both for the players and kids involved.
