Prior to the sun rising on Saturday morning above the pristine sight of Hard Rock Stadium, the 13th Annual Dolphins Challenge Cancer event sent its first wave of cyclists to begin a 100-mile ride.
Since 2010, the DCC has contributed more than $53 million to cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, not even including this year’s rolling tally, which goes through March.
The DCC stands as the largest fundraising event in the NFL and represents the largest known philanthropic pledge in all professional sports. In what is truly a #OneTeamOneFight mentality, the Miami Dolphins have partnered with the University of Miami and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the 2023 ride and walk had a record of over 5,000 participants and donors.
The event had waves of 100, 55, 35, and 15 miles for the cyclists, and there was a 5K walk as well. Highlighting the 55-mile ride, was No. 54 himself, Hall of Famer, Zach Thomas.
Once again, Hall of Famer, Zach Thomas.
It’s to be noted that Thomas was certainly one of the stars of the event, as even DCC Executive Director, Javier Sanchez recognized him prior to starting the ride saying, “our very own, Hall-of-Famer, Zach Thomas.” Hundreds of fans had conversations with Thomas, took selfies, and enjoyed some well-earned food and beverages.
Thomas’ draft-class-mate from 1996 defensive back Shawn Wooden, was among the participants as was former Dolphin, and current defensive assistant coach, Sam Madison.
The event essentially had a 53-man roster of Dolphins players past and present support this initiative. In a surprise appearance, former Dolphins fan favorite, wide-receiver, and special teamer, Mack Hollins made a return ride to Miami Gardens and the DCC. Hollins was even a board member of this event and returned to continue his support. This is a testament to Hollins, as he played in Las Vegas for the Raiders in the 2022 season, however still supports this great cause. When getting a chance to speak with Hollins, and inquiring if there is a potential of a return to Hard Rock Stadium, his answer was simply not a no.
Additionally, fans of all ages and generations were able to speak to and share stories with Dolphin legends such as Mark Duper, Nat Moore and John Offerdahl in the “Heavy Hitters” tent for the top fundraisers.
As for the current Dolphins, among the supporters and riders, rising star pass-rusher, Jaelan Phillips was a 100-mile rider, to no shock to anyone. Along with Phillips, fellow defenders like Christian Wilkins and Jevon Holland were in cycling gear. Skylar Thompson participated as well, and even dropped by “The Fish Tank,” where co-hosts of the popular Dolphins podcast Seth Levit and former Dolphins great O.J. McDuffie chatted with the quarterback, fresh off his rookie season.
Adding a 5K walk to this event, many more participants sans bike were treated to a send-off by Head Coach Mike McDaniel, who remarkably was wearing a sweatsuit, and most assuredly had a killer pair of kicks to match.
Coach worked the microphone energizing the crowd saying, “are we ready to walk with a lot of intent, real fast! I can’t tell you enough how inspiring this fan base is, your support is real and everybody in the organization, players included.”
McDaniel hit on the core message of the event, and the community by saying this effort, “is truly one team.” McDaniel walked among the fans and supporters and participants in the 5K and didn’t seem to break a sweat despite the attire.
Introducing McDaniel, Dolphins VP/CEO Tom Garfinkel addressed the crowd as well. “Thank you to everybody, congratulations, for the first time ever, the DCC is going to raise over $10 Million for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.”
Over $10 Million over the weekend.
In what was a remarkable and poignant experience for so many, the effort and dedication the DCC puts into fighting cancer is nothing short of inspirational. Philanthropy and charity have been the cornerstones of the Dolphins organization from an off-field standpoint and among sports best.
It goes to what Garfinkel said the second he was introduced by Sanchez, “we fight cancer together, you don’t have to have cancer to fight cancer.”
There is still time to donate and support this amazing cause, as the fundraising continues through March. It was an honor to personally walk among some amazing fans and supporters of the team and the DCC, and for those who participated and donated, thank you on behalf of everyone who has been directly or indirectly affected by cancer.
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