The Miami Dolphins have always been known for their collective work on the field. A franchise with five trips to the Super Bowl, and two victories including the lone perfect season in NFL history, 50 years ago.
Yet, in what has been a tradition instilled into this team thanks to franchise patriarch Don Shula, it is the off-field work of the organization and its players that score the most points.
One of the Dolphins’ newest players is making the most impact in a dual-threat capacity, and not just receiver and runner. Tyreek Hill, who on the field is off to a historic start to the NFL season, has another campaign near and dear to his heart off the field.
The Tyreek Hill Family Foundation has a mission to empower individuals for a brighter future through education and wellness. Hill and the foundation are working to encourage conversations and raise funds to support mental health. The foundation held its gala at the Hilton Miami Downtown on Friday night.
Apropos, Hill donned a cheetah-spotted blazer and spoke with the media prior to the VIP dinner and auction. In case anyone is wondering, the jacket was a one-of-a-kind design for “The Cheetah,” as he said it was made by his mother.
“Mom’s never disappoint,” Hill said with perfect South Florida swagger.
Hill went on to say that part of the goal of his foundation is to “raise awareness to things that need to be brought to people’s attention. I feel like this is something I want to continue doing, even after I am done playing ball.”
Speaking of a perfect fit in South Florida, Hill went on to talk about his foundation and philanthropy. Hill attributed his parents and grandparents as well as his foundation to spread awareness for a topic that truly has gotten more attention in recent years. As a father of five, Hill clearly has a passion for the mental health of children.
The family feeling was ever present, and Miami Dolphins players, personnel and Miami media and VIPs attended the gala. Throughout the evening, tens of thousands of dollars were raised for the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, reducing the financial barrier adolescents and their families face when needing treatment.
The foundation also focuses on the stigma of bullying, and the effects it has on young people. In addition to sobering statistics about mental health, and the gravity of what children may face, Hill and the foundation welcomed Mariah Lemke, who bravely spoke about her trials and tribulations as a kid dealing with bullying for reasons that are simply out of her control. Her story was at times heartbreaking, yet motivational; a true sign of strength.
Lemke was an IOP patient and is thriving today thanks to the work and treatment the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital provides as well as the coping skills and tools to keep strong mental health.
In addition to Lemke, Dr. Zachary Wood of the hospital spoke about the work the IOP does to help countless young people, and Hill echoes this in his messaging.
“Everybody has an opportunity to pursue their dreams,” Hill said to a crowd that applauded the efforts of both the foundation as well as the IOP at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
Hill was supported by fellow wide receivers Trent Sherfield, Cedrick Wilson Jr and Erik Ezukanma, and guiding the group on stage at one point was none other than their position coach Wes Welker.
The event was highlighted by an assortment of Dolphins’ memorabilia, including a game-worn Hill jersey from this season and other perks such as a dinner with Tyreek himself.
Hill, who can work the room at a gala as smoothly as he runs a go-route, didn’t do a backflip, but he did score a major touchdown, as he fit right at home in the charitable and community efforts of Dolphins both past and present.
The Dolphins have had three Walter Payton Man of the Year award winners, and they’re all immortalized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Center Dwight Stephenson, quarterback Dan Marino and defensive end Jason Taylor have been named recipients of the prestigious honor, and Hill stated that it is a goal of his.
“Every community I get in I try to do my part,” Hill said. He added, “I’ve been saying this my whole career, I’ve got goals; I want to win the Walter Payton Man of the Year; I not only want to crush records on the field, I want to inspire kids off the field. Anything I can do, I’m going to make sure I do my part.”
Hill is without a doubt making an impact on and off the field and is the perfect addition to this franchise and community.
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