DANIA BEACH, FL– The Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ program collaborated with Broward’s Sherriff’s Office (BSO) for a community building ride along to demonstrate a unified front between Dolphins players and law enforcement on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Miami Dolphins Shaq Calhoun, Bobby McCain, Doug Middleton, Durval Queiroz Neto and Chidi Okeke joined BSO to participate in a series of exercises and activities to engage with the community, discuss community policing and emphasize importance of perspective taking.
“Just being able to get out so they can see the Dolphins players and the police join forces and see that we are one community and we stand together is big,” Miami Dolphins Cornerback Bobby McCain said. “We are all here for a reason and we are all here to help at the end of the day.”
As part of the ride along, Miami Dolphins players were paired with law enforcement officers to visit local communities in Broward County making stops at the Boys and Girls Club, Mary Saunders Park and C.W. Thomas Park in Dania Beach. To conclude the ride along, the group attended a roll call with BSO deputies at Dania Beach District.
“I applaud the Miami Dolphins players and management for their efforts and enthusiasm to help bring awareness to community policing and public safety,” Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony said. “The Broward Sheriff’s Office looks forward to continuing with this partnership to help build relationships with our communities.”
The FOOTBALL UNITES™ Law Enforcement program consists of Miami Dolphins players, alumni, cheerleaders and staff working with local law enforcement to jointly engage youth, discuss community policing and promote positive interactions. Anchor events include a Police and Youth Conference with the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project and ride alongs. This marks the team’s fifth law enforcement ride along and is the fourth ride along with BSO.
These efforts and initiatives align with the organization’s goal to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community. Dolphins Chairman of the Board & Managing General Partner Stephen Ross and Dolphins players created the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program as a way to bring positive social change. The Miami Dolphins organization believes it is important to be inclusive of the diversity and aware of the intersections that make up South Florida, uniting groups of different races, genders, sexual orientations, identities, abilities and faiths around the power of football.
These programs connect to the NFL’s Inspire Change platform, showcasing the collaborative efforts of players, owners and the league to create positive change in communities across the country and work with RISE – the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality – to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. Information on the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program can be found here. To learn more about RISE, visit here. Fans can join the conversation with the NFL’S Inspire Change program by clicking here.
