Tag: Seth Levit

A terrific Tuesday for Dolphins from ‘Tank’ to television

Dolphins, new and old, were providing entertainment on Tuesday.

It’s been a great start to a pre-holiday week for the Miami Dolphins and their fan base. Not only did the Dolphins shut out their AFC East rival New York Jets on Sunday 30-0, victory Monday was fantastic, but it might not compare to how terrific Tuesday was.

Many in this Dolphins universe of die-hard fans started Tuesday morning with “The Fish Tank,” a podcast hosted by Seth Levit and the 1998 NFL receptions leader, former Dolphins wide receiver OJ McDuffie.

“Marino to McDuffie” was the common phrase in the mid-late 1990s, as the Hall of Fame quarterback took his long-awaited dive into the popular Dolphins podcast.

The show was a trip down memory lane which is a must-listen for any Dolphins fan, as the trio, including Marino, talked about all things from coach Don Shula, the Marks Brothers, and in a personal favorite moment, his connection and reliance on McDuffie. Hearing Marino directly tell McDuffie about his faith in him, no doubt pulled on the emotional strings of fans of a certain age.

It came full circle in talking about the current Dolphins, and, as each episode concludes with a famous end segment, it gave us all a chance to watch (and listen to) Dan the Man work one final two-minute drill.

The quarterback with 47 game-winning drives in his career, danced around the blitz of questions with 120 seconds on the studio clock, and per usual, he delivered, in typical Marino fashion.

If that wasn’t fun enough, the day turned to night, and HBO’s “Hard Knocks” took over Dolphins fans’ televisions and social media channels. Following the win, and two games removed from that miserable Monday Night Football loss to the Tennessee Titans, Tuesday’s episode was welcoming.

It featured a segment on Tik-Tok star through a relationship with Braxton Berrios, a lifelong Dolphins fan and former Jet, who signed with Miami last offseason. Staying with social media, Pinecrest Elementary school teacher Mary Martinez has been making waves in the Dolphins community with her mathematics methods, mixing Miami players in her lesson plans. The Miami-based teacher was also highlighted in Tuesday’s episode.

Martinez has been tracking Tyreek Hill’s pace to 2,000 receiving yards and integrates her class in finding the average yards needed per game to hit that magic number. Bravo to Ms. Martinez and her class and school.

Speaking of class, it was in session when Mike McDaniel hit the film in the Dolphins lecture hall. McDaniel pointed out his own and players’ mistakes, leading to a theme of accountability that even he recognizes and possesses as a head coach.

When talking about accountability, the financial focus shifts to the literal and figurative elephant in the locker room – Christian Wilkins. A polarizing player lately in terms of his value, worth and future in Miami, the main feature of “Hard Knocks” was his teammate and defensive line brother Zach Sieler.

Without any teasing of this aspect of the episode, from the Sieler family to the Wilkins comradery, just tune in if you missed it.

The duo is a team within a team within a unit, and it’s evident that they have chemistry you simply can’t buy or replicate. Yet, you can retain and build around it. The Dolphins have a major decision to make with Wilkins, as they extended Sieler earlier this season.

Wilkins is having a career year after betting on himself following a summer contract conundrum. Both he and his camp have decisions to make as well, as the combo of him and Seiler could just be too good and unique to pass up.

As the show was wrapping up with highlights of the Dolphins grounding the Jets, the night ended as the day started – with Dan Marino, who was in the locker room, celebrating the win, when from his blind side came a near-sack surprise.

Although the game was over for Wilkins, and it’s been a minute since Marino was wrapped up by a defensive lineman, the big man bear-hugged the former gunslinger for a postgame quarterback hit.

And, in pure Marino fashion, he stayed up, didn’t flinch, and delivered a touchdown pass of a podcast…despite Wilkins being all over the greatest Dolphin to ever do it.

What a day, what a night, what a team.

Dolphins RB Jeff Wilson Jr. dives into The Fish Tank podcast

He’s always felt a connection to his current head coach.

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The Miami Dolphins jumped back on the field this week with their mandatory minicamp, and off the field, fans have a chance to “dive in” with the team’s staple podcast – “The Fish Tank.”

Usually a look into the past, this podcast is a fan favorite hosted by the duo of Seth Levit, formerly of the team’s public relations department, and legendary Dolphins wide receiver O.J. McDuffie. It’s always a bonus when a current Dolphin takes the dive into the tank, and running back Jeff Wilson Jr joined the fellas to talk football.

Wilson joined the Dolphins last season in a November trade with the San Fransisco 49ers and was reunited in Miami with running back teammate Raheem Mostert, and their former running game coordinator there, Mike McDaniel, who’s, of course, now the head coach for the aqua and orange.

As Wilson told Levit and McDuffie, his football journey started in Texas, and he detailed his youth in terms of spending time both in Dallas, as well as East Texas, having divorced parents. Wilson said that his time as both a city and country boy gave him “the best of both worlds.”

His father was a collegiate running back in his own right, so Wilson had the name recognition and would be told stories of his dad’s football accomplishments in his Texas hometown. As Wilson mentioned, these stories motivated him to make his own name for himself.

Wilson also told tales of watching the legendary Adrian Peterson, another Texas native, in high school. Peterson and Wilson were both from Palestine, Texas. Wilson described the viewing experience of the running back to Levit and McDuffie saying, “Greatness was right there, so it was hard not to try to reach for it.”

Wilson talked about his recruitment process while in high school, and how he ended up playing collegiately at North Texas. He had tremendous junior and senior years in 2016-17, and in those seasons, he totaled 2,151 yards and 30 rushing touchdowns. He finished his four years at North Texas as their fourth all-time rusher with 3,205 yards, third in rushing touchdowns with 32 and fourth in all-purpose yards with 4,009.

Ending up as an undrafted free agent in 2018 for the 49ers, Wilson attributed his success to “Mike,” as he affectionately spoke about his head coach. Wilson described that at the time, it was McDaniel who showed confidence in his ability for the NFL game.

Wilson said that he felt a certain energy about his coach, even when he was the San Fransisco run-game coordinator and came to North Texas to see him play. Wilson said that he knew that McDaniel had head coaching ability and eventually would become one.

As for his presence in Miami as a head coach, Wilson said, “If you can come in and grab a group of men that early, and make them get behind and follow you…obviously with the help of your coaches and staff and everybody around the facility, but if you can get a group of men to believe in you that fast; that speaks for itself.”

Wilson went on to talk about his once again backfield teammate Mostert.

“It’s like you get to play in the league with your actual brother,” Wilson said. “I call his sons my nephew, he calls my son his nephew.”

Last season in Miami, not counting Wilson’s games in San Francisco, he and Mostert combined for 1,283 yards on 265 carries. Which was good for a 4.8-yard per-carry average. Wilson added his personal expectations, goals and aspirations, as well as a bit of what is ahead for him and the Dolphins this season.

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Dolphins DE Emmanuel Ogbah speaks on philanthropic efforts on ‘The Fish Tank’

From the trip with NFL Africa to his hopes to build a community center in Houston.

The NFL draft process has come and gone, and football clubs are heading back into a relative swing of things at their respective facilities. Including behind-the-scenes folks, such as podcasters on the Miami Dolphins Podcast Network, like “The Fish Tank.”

Co-hosts, Seth Levit and O.J. McDuffie welcomed a rare, currently-rostered Dolphin into their studio, as the staple podcast specializes in bringing former Dolphin legends into “The Tank.”

With action brewing again in Miami Gardens, Levit opened the show by saying, “There is a buzz in the building.”

Diving in on Tuesday was defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. Signing with the Dolphins in 2020 after a year with the Kansas City Chiefs, Ogbah had a productive season with nine sacks and repeated the feat in 2021.

Following those seasons, Ogbah earned a new, rich contract in last year’s offseason, as he inked a four-year deal with Miami worth $65.4 million. Unfortunately, the pass-rusher was bit by the injury bug midway into the 2022 season, suffering a torn tricep in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns in Week 10.

As he describes in the show with Levit and McDuffie, Ogbah compared the injury, in a starting over sense, much like his family started from scratch as immigrants, arriving in the United States from Nigeria when Ogbah was nine years old.

Ogbah cited the hard work and dedication of his father, driving a total of four hours a day to and from work to provide for his family in a new country. So, as a football player, it’s something the veteran defender is handling with relative ease.

The guys and Ogbah went on to discuss the “NFL Africa” program, in which Ogbah and other stars traveled across the Atlantic to Kenya to be football ambassadors to young athletes, teaching fundamentals of football and running drills.

Joining Ogbah were, Brian Asamoah of the Minnesota Vikings (Ghana), Arnold Ebiketie from the Atlanta Falcons (Cameroon), Paulson Adebo of the New Orleans Saints (Benin) and Ikem Ekwonu of the Carolina Panthers (Nigeria).

Ogbah mentioned the ages of the players were 16-21, and when asked if there were any potential future Dolphins, he described at least one prospect in detail. For those specifics, you simply have to listen yourself, but Ogbah did say that the answer was, “1000%.”

Ogbah went on to discuss the program, the joy it was being able to be back to his home continent and his own charitable endeavor, the “Rise Above Foundation.” The defensive end says that the mission of the organization is to create ways for youth to have a “sustainable program to help their long-term achievement.”

Ogbah’s philanthropic goals go beyond this program and his football camps, with hopes of creating a community center in his hometown back in Houston.

Dive into “The Fish Tank” to hear about his efforts and thoughts on and off of the field.

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Dolphins Challenge Cancer raises event-record $10 million over weekend

What an incredible turnout for a great cause!

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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Mike McDaniel talks relationships and dreams on ‘The Fish Tank’

It’s impressive to see how the coach’s mind works.

With summer break officially underway for the Miami Dolphins organization, that doesn’t mean the fan base will be without the popular podcast, “The Fish Tank.” Hosts Seth Levit and O.J. McDuffie welcomed in the first Dolphins’ head coach to “dive in” to the popular show.

Adding to the normal and entertaining “tales from the deep” of Dolphins lore, Levit and McDuffie have recently added current Dolphins players to the show repertoire, and on Tuesday landed the big fish – Mike McDaniel.

Although seemingly an out-of-water situation for the rookie head coach, McDaniel details his story and rise to the guys, and as the show goes on, more clarity is provided on why McDaniel not only was born to coach but more importantly, he was born to lead.

Leadership and understanding the responsibility of controlling the livelihoods and dreams of his players were themes of McDaniel’s dive into his football journey.

Another aspect that was consistent with McDaniel was the “team” and the importance of all the components of the organization.

“The way I see it, is to serve everyone that’s working for you,” he explained. “Because you are, quite literally, vulnerable to what they’re able to do… it’s too big of an undertaking to do anything close to it being one person.”

McDaniel’s awareness of the scope of his new role is very present, and he knows what he’s responsible for.

In a truly impactful moment of the show, he describes how he views his job, saying, “Never stray from that idea that ‘hey, you have the power to participate in, be a part of, and your job is to really do everything you can to really maximize what people are able to get out of their dreams.’”

It’s a dream he had as a kid, where he hoped of one-day leading football players, instead of collecting their trading cards. We learned that his favorite card growing up was his Barry Sanders rookie card, and, believe it or not, he even exited the tank with a few cards from the hosts.

Back to the job of being head coach, McDaniel was aware of his delegation duties to his staff, saying “You have the power to give them (coaches) the tools they need to do their job.”

As a unit, McDaniel said that the staff and players had a successful offseason to date. And, since McDaniel’s arrival in South Florida, the needle has certainly been moving north.

He told the guys with confidence, “For what we’ve accomplished from February 7, when I got my feet on the ground to now, very pleased with where we’re at.”

The process in how they achieved this could have a lot to do with how McDaniel interacts with his players.

“I fully invest in people and try to get the best out of them, and that authentic intention, so-to-speak, I think goes a lot further than people give it its due,” McDaniel said.

Beyond that poignant quote from the Yale history major who seemed to minor in Documentaries once Netflix popped up, McDaniel realizes how important each and every relationship is with his students.

“The player-to-coach relationship is so sacred,” he said. McDaniel even went as far as to say that players, “Can smell a fraud a mile away.”

McDaniel is far from it, as his acumen, uniqueness, quirkiness and plain likability are all welcomed attributes not seen in Miami (combined in one) in quite some time.

This episode of “The Fish Tank” was full of laughs, motivation and, most importantly, the realization that with hard work, dreams could actually come true. What may be the best part about McDaniel is that even at the start of his own dream, it appears he’s ready to pay it forward to his staff and players to make sure they maximize theirs.

That’s a leader, folks.

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Jaelan Phillips’ interview shows again that ‘The Fish Tank’ has become a must-listen for Dolphins fans

Jaelan Phillips joined the show on Tuesday to discuss his path to the NFL and his time with the organization.

Fans of the Miami Dolphins have had a very enjoyable offseason, with a slew of transactions that have sent shock waves across the NFL.  Not only has Miami given fans hope for a bright 2022 season and beyond, but there are also aspects of Dolphins football that nobody can take away – the history and the hope.

Luckily, and almost as if it’s a spoiling of riches, there’s a show on the Miami Dolphins Podcast Network called The Fish Tank. The dynamic duo of two-time Dolphins team MVP O.J. McDuffie and former media department and public relations guru Seth Levit have reeled in former Dolphins Hall of Famers and provide fans with access to it all. From stories referencing the inaugural season of 1966, through Don Shula’s arrival and eventual Perfect Season, the Dan Marino years and everything up until the present time, the podcast is a must-listen.

“The Tank” hit the podcast waves in July 2018, and immediately, there were inside stories from players like Channing Crowder, Oronde Gadsden, Nat Moore, Terry Kirby and Zach Thomas to kick things off.

Levit and McDuffie’s rapport and timing, mixed with their friendships and familiarity with the guests, lead to hidden treasures of golden anecdotes from the Dolphins fandom coupled with straight hilarity. Just tune in to any episode that Crowder appears on.

Whether it’s former players or even behind the scenes guys like a decades-long head of security or a sports public relations legend immortalized in the board game Trivial Pursuit, each and every episode of “The Fish Tank” comes with equal parts laughter, information and, most importantly, life lessons.

Episodes that go a bit deeper than the field, such as Davone Bess, Dwight Hollier and Irving Fryar, to name a few, help in tremendous ways. More often than not, there seems to be a humanistic side that comes out of the players when in “the Tank,” and inspiration is the common denominator.

While it’s always great to hear “tales from the deep” of this franchise steeped in tradition, moments and memories, current Miami players are now joining the guys.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa dove in recently, and, on Tuesday morning, second-year pass-rusher, Jaelan Phillips’ episode was released for Dolphins fans’ viewing pleasure.

Phillips, Miami’s first-round pick from 2021 had an outstanding rookie campaign for the Dolphins. As he jokingly chats with the hosts about his first year, he’s happy to no longer have that “rookie” tag to his name, but, for some reason, there may be three 2022 games until it’s officially lifted.

There are numerous inspirational aspects to Phillips’ appearance on the show, which he details. The path to the NFL wasn’t a smooth and easy road, and a left turn in life other than a right turn may have just taken Phillips out of football altogether.

What “The Fish Tank” does so well is connecting the fan base to the team in ways like never before, especially prior to social media. McDuffie, who was the NFL’s 1998 receptions leader, proudly wears the hat of lead Dolphins fan. The life-long Dolphin has become a friend to so many fans across the great base, and Levit continues to do amazing work, integrating football and community.

The latter runs the Jason Taylor Foundation, which specializes in philanthropy and educational resources for young people in South Florida, in addition to his work with the organization.

McDuffie and Levit have more current Dolphins on the docket for interviews, and with legends such as Taylor, Larry Csonka, Mercury Morris and Dwight Stephenson already taking the dip, all of “The Fish Tank” faithful are waiting for the big fish – Dan Marino.

At the moment, there’s no confirmation on No. 13 joining his former favorite target and one of his favorite PR men, yet there’s a strong assumption that, like all else in McDuffie’s and Levit’s careers, it’s a good bet they’ll deliver.

“The Fish Tank” is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google. The Phillips episode is a great place to start.

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