Miami Dolphin Rookies Practice With Special Teammates

DAVIE, FL — Rookie hopefuls from the Miami Dolphins hosted Special Olympic Florida athletes this week at the organization's mini training camp ahead of the 2017 season. For rookie players like defensive tackle Vincent Taylor, it was the first opportunity to show the community that they belong in the Magic City. For some 60 Special Olympians, it was the chance of a lifetime.

“To me, it’s all about giving back,” Taylor observed following Tuesday's joint practice with the Special Olympians. “I worked with Special Olympics in my hometown of San Antonio. For me to do it in Miami, it’s a fun event. For me to help Special Olympics Florida, it’s a good time to be able to give back to the community.”

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The Dolphin rookies played and refereed flag football games with the Special Olympic Florida athletes in grades 6-12. It was their first community event as members of the organization.

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“We are thrilled to return to the Dolphins Training Facility for our annual clinic with the rookie class,” Special Olympics Florida Area Director Linsey Smith said. “It is one of the highlights of the year for our athletes to have the opportunity to train on the same field as their idols. We are grateful to the Miami Dolphins for providing this memorable experience each year.”

Other rookie players to participate included Chase Allen, Isaac Asiata, Winston Chapman, Isaiah Ford, Davon Godchaux, Matt Haack, Charles Harris, Larry Hope, Malcolm Lewis, Cameron Malveaux, Praise Martin-Oguike, Raekwon McMillan, Torry McTyer, Drew Morgan, Joby Saint Fleur, De’Veon Smith, Eric Smith, Maurice Smith, Damore’ea Stringfellow and Cordrea Tankersley.

“My favorite part was everything,” Special Olympics athlete Max Mogul said. “What I liked the most was to come out here with the Dolphins and we feel so special to play with the players. It’s very touching and very nice.”

Photos courtesy of the Miami Dolphins