Miami Dolphins: Immigrant Youth, Career Pathways, and How Fandom Fuels Future Dreams

In the video production office at Hard Rock Stadium, 17-year-old Kevin Chen sits at a desk, editing a highlight reel of the Miami Dolphins’ latest win. He’s not just a fan—he’s a summer intern, part of the Dolphins’ “Youth Career Lab” program, which places immigrant teens in behind-the-scenes roles with the team. Kevin, whose parents moved to Miami from Taiwan when he was 5, started the internship after running his popular “Fins in Mandarin” YouTube channel, where he breaks down Dolphins games for Chinese-speaking fans. Now, he’s learning from professional video editors, helping create content for the team’s official social media, and even drafting scripts for player interviews. “I’ve always loved the Dolphins, but this internship showed me there’s a whole world of jobs in sports beyond playing,” Kevin says, adjusting a clip of Tua Tagovailoa’s game-winning pass. “I want to be a sports media producer someday—someone who tells stories about teams and players that bring communities together, just like the Dolphins do for immigrant families.” Miami Dolphins: Immigrant Youth, Career Pathways, and How Fandom Fuels Future Dreams captures this transformative dynamic: for many of Miami’s immigrant teens, Dolphins fandom isn’t just a passion—it’s a gateway to exploring career possibilities they might not have imagined, from sports media and community relations to coaching and sports medicine. The “Youth Career Lab” program, launched in 2024, is designed to make these possibilities tangible. It partners with local immigrant-serving organizations to select 20 teens each summer, placing them in internships across the Dolphins’ organization: marketing, digital media, community relations, and even the team’s training staff. Each intern is paired with a mentor—usually a Dolphins employee who is also a child of immigrants—who guides them through projects and shares insights about their career journey. Take 18-year-old Daniela Cruz, the Salvadoran-American TikTok creator behind @DolphinsDani. She’s interning in the Dolphins’ marketing department, where she’s helping develop a social media campaign aimed at immigrant youth. “My mentor, Maria, is from Puerto Rico, and she told me how she started as a fan making videos in her bedroom—just like me,” Daniela says, flipping through a draft of the campaign. “She taught me that my story as an immigrant kid who loves the Dolphins is my superpower. It’s what makes the content I create authentic.” For immigrant teens, many of whom face barriers like language gaps or limited professional networks, the internship is life-changing. 16-year-old Sofia Mendez, a Colombian-American who co-founded the “Los Fins Unidos” fan group, is interning in community relations, helping organize events like the “Fins Feeds Families” food drives she once volunteered at. “Before this, I thought careers in sports were only for people who knew the right people,” Sofia says. “Now, I’m meeting executives who look like me—who grew up speaking Spanish at home, who loved the Dolphins as kids. It makes me think, ‘I can do this too.’” The Dolphins organization sees the program as an investment in both the teens and the future of Miami. “These kids are the next generation of leaders in our community—and in our organization,” says Dolphins president Tom Garfinkel. “They understand the diversity of Miami, they understand fandom, and they have the drive to succeed. We’re not just giving them internships—we’re giving them the confidence to chase their dreams.” For Kevin, Daniela, and Sofia, the internship isn’t just a summer job—it’s a glimpse of what’s possible. “I used to watch Dolphins games and think, ‘This is fun,’” Kevin says. “Now, I watch them and think, ‘I helped make that highlight reel. I helped tell that story.’ That’s the difference fandom and this internship made—it turned a hobby into a dream.”

The Miami Dolphins have also launched a “Player Mentor Series” that connects immigrant teens with Dolphins players who share similar backgrounds—giving the teens role models who understand their struggles and can show them how to turn adversity into strength. One of the most popular sessions is led by Tua Tagovailoa, whose parents are Samoan immigrants. During a recent workshop at Hialeah Gardens High School, Tua sat with 30 immigrant teens, sharing stories about growing up in a household where English was a second language, about feeling like an outsider at times, and about how football—and the support of his family—helped him find his place. “When I was your age, I didn’t see a lot of NFL quarterbacks who looked like me or had my story,” Tua told the group, holding up a photo of his family at his first NFL game. “But my parents taught me that my culture isn’t a barrier—it’s a bridge. It’s what makes me unique, and it’s what makes me a better leader.” The teens, many of whom had never met a professional athlete who shared their immigrant experience, hung on every word. 15-year-old Javier Lopez, a Venezuelan-American who struggles with imposter syndrome at school, asked Tua how he dealt with self-doubt. “I still deal with it,” Tua replied, smiling. “But I remember why I started playing—to make my family proud, to show other Samoan kids they could do it too. For you, that ‘why’ might be your parents who worked two jobs to bring you here, or your little siblings who look up to you. Hold onto that ‘why’ when things get hard.” The session ended with Tua signing autographs and taking photos—but the impact lasted long after. “Tua gets it,” Javier says, holding onto the football Tua signed for him. “He knows what it’s like to miss your home country but love your new home. He knows what it’s like to want to make your family proud. When he said I could do anything, I believed him.” Other players have joined the series, each bringing their own unique story. Patrick Surtain II, who has Jamaican roots, talks to teens about embracing their Caribbean heritage and using it to stand out. Tyreek Hill, who grew up in a low-income household, shares stories about overcoming poverty and using education as a tool for success. Even retired players like Jason Taylor, whose family has Italian roots, join in, talking about how their immigrant ancestors’ work ethic shaped their careers. For the teens, the series isn’t just about meeting football stars—it’s about realizing they’re not alone. “When Patrick Surtain talked about his grandma teaching him Jamaican recipes and how that connects him to his roots, I thought of my abuela teaching me to make pupusas,” Daniela Cruz says. “It made me realize our stories are different but the same—we all want to honor our families and find our place.” The Dolphins organization has expanded the series to include “Career Q&As,” where players are joined by team employees (like coaches, trainers, and executives) who are children of immigrants. The sessions cover topics like how to get into sports management, what it takes to be a sports trainer, and how to use social media to build a career in sports. “We want the teens to see that there are so many ways to be part of the sports world,” says Dolphins community relations director Ana Rodriguez. “It’s not just about playing—it’s about the people who make the games happen, who connect the team to the community. And many of those people have stories just like theirs.” For 17-year-old Kevin Chen, the Q&A with the Dolphins’ digital media director—who is also Chinese-American—was a turning point. “He told me he started a YouTube channel in college too, talking about sports in Mandarin,” Kevin says. “He said that my channel isn’t just a hobby—it’s a portfolio. That’s when I realized I could turn what I love into a career.” Miami Dolphins: Immigrant Youth, Career Pathways, and How Fandom Fuels Future Dreams highlights how the “Player Mentor Series” is more than just a PR stunt—it’s a lifeline for teens who need to see that success is possible, no matter where they’re from. “These players aren’t just role models—they’re proof that our stories matter,” Javier Lopez says. “They show us that being an immigrant kid who loves the Dolphins isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength.”

To support immigrant teens who want to pursue careers in sports or related fields, the Miami Dolphins have partnered with local colleges and universities to create the “Fins Future Scholarship” program—awarding $5,000 scholarships each year to immigrant students who demonstrate a passion for sports, community service, and academic excellence. The scholarships are open to students who are first- or second-generation immigrants, who have participated in Dolphins-related activities (like the “Youth Career Lab” internship, the “Los Fins Unidos” fan group, or community service events), and who plan to study fields like sports management, media, education, or medicine. The first round of scholarships, awarded in 2024, went to 10 students—including Daniela Cruz, who plans to study sports marketing at Florida International University (FIU), and Kevin Chen, who will study digital media at the University of Miami. “This scholarship isn’t just money—it’s validation,” Daniela says, holding up her acceptance letter to FIU. “It means the Dolphins see my potential. It means my dream of working in sports marketing isn’t just a dream—it’s a plan.” For many immigrant families, the cost of college is a major barrier. 18-year-old Carlos Ruiz, a Cuban-American who volunteers at Dolphins community events, says the scholarship will let him attend college without taking on massive debt. “My parents work in a restaurant—they can’t afford to pay for college,” Carlos says. “This scholarship means I can study sports medicine, which I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. I want to be a trainer for the Dolphins someday, helping players stay healthy. This is the first step.” The scholarship program also includes a mentorship component: each recipient is paired with a Dolphins employee or player who works in their field of study. Daniela is mentored by the Dolphins’ marketing director, who helps her choose classes and connect with professionals in the industry. Kevin is mentored by the team’s digital media producer, who gives him tips on building his portfolio and networking. “My mentor helped me get an internship at a local sports media company this summer,” Kevin says. “She told me that every connection I make now is part of my future. That’s the kind of advice you can’t get from a textbook.” The Dolphins have also partnered with FIU and the University of Miami to create “Dolphins-themed” courses—like “Sports and Multiculturalism” or “Digital Media in Sports”—that explore the intersection of sports, culture, and community. The courses are open to all students but are especially popular with immigrant teens who want to learn more about how sports can bridge cultural divides. “In the ‘Sports and Multiculturalism’ class, we talked about how the Dolphins have embraced immigrant communities,” Sofia Mendez says, who is taking the course at FIU. “We analyzed their ‘Global Fins’ initiative and their Spanish-language broadcasts. It was amazing to see how the team I love is using sports to make Miami more inclusive. It made me even more excited to work in this field.” Miami Dolphins: Immigrant Youth, Career Pathways, and How Fandom Fuels Future Dreams underscores how the scholarship program is changing lives. For immigrant teens, who often face systemic barriers to higher education, the scholarship isn’t just a financial boost—it’s a vote of confidence. It tells them that their dreams matter, that their story matters, and that the Dolphins believe in them. “This scholarship means I don’t have to choose between my family and my dream,” Carlos says. “I can make my parents proud by getting a degree, and I can chase my dream of working for the Dolphins. That’s the best gift the team could ever give me.”

The Miami Dolphins have also recognized that many immigrant teens are interested in careers in coaching and youth sports—so they launched the “Future Coaches Program,” which trains immigrant teens to lead youth football clinics for younger kids in immigrant communities. The program, led by Dolphins assistant coaches and former players, teaches the teens not just football skills, but also how to mentor kids, how to create inclusive environments, and how to use sports to teach life lessons like teamwork and resilience. 16-year-old Mia Jean, a Haitian-American who plays football for her high school’s flag football team, is one of the program’s first participants. Every Saturday, she leads a clinic for 50 kids from Miami’s Haitian community, teaching them how to throw, catch, and run routes—all while speaking Creole to make the kids feel comfortable. “When I was little, there were no coaches who looked like me or spoke Creole,” Mia says, high-fiving a 7-year-old boy who just caught his first pass. “I want these kids to feel like football is for them—like they belong here, just like I do now.” The clinics are more than just football practice—they’re a way to build community. Mia and the other teen coaches serve Haitian snacks like paté (savory pastries) after the clinic, and they talk to the kids about their heritage and their dreams. “I tell them about my grandma, who moved here from Haiti with nothing, and how she taught me to work hard,” Mia says. “I tell them that if I can play football and want to be a coach, they can too.” The Dolphins organization provides the teens with equipment, uniforms, and training materials, and even invites them to attend Dolphins practices to watch the coaches work. “We want these teens to see that coaching is a viable career—one that lets them give back to their community,” says Dolphins assistant coach Mike McDaniel, who helps lead the program. “They have a unique ability to connect with these kids—they speak their language, they share their culture, and they understand their struggles. That’s what makes them great coaches.” For the younger kids, the clinics are life-changing. 8-year-old Jean-Paul, whose family is from Haiti, says Mia is his hero. “She teaches me football, and she tells me stories about Haiti,” Jean-Paul says, holding up a Dolphins mini helmet Mia gave him. “I want to be just like her when I grow up— I want to coach kids too.” For the teen coaches, the program is a glimpse of their future. Mia says she wants to be a high school football coach someday, working with immigrant kids who need someone to believe in them. “This program showed me that coaching isn’t just about winning games,” Mia says. “It’s about changing lives. That’s what I want to do.” The Dolphins have plans to expand the program to include other sports, like soccer and basketball, to reach even more kids. “We know that not every kid loves football, but every kid needs a mentor,” says Ana Rodriguez. “This program lets us use sports to connect teens with younger kids—and to help the teens see that they have the power to make a difference.” Miami Dolphins: Immigrant Youth, Career Pathways, and How Fandom Fuels Future Dreams highlights how the “Future Coaches Program” is empowering immigrant teens to become leaders in their communities. “These teens aren’t just coaching football—they’re coaching life,” Rodriguez says. “They’re showing younger kids that they can be anything they want to be, and they’re showing themselves that they have what it takes to lead. That’s the magic of this program.”

As the Miami Dolphins look to the future, their commitment to supporting immigrant youth’s career dreams remains unwavering. The team has plans to expand all of its youth programs—the “Youth Career Lab,” the “Player Mentor Series,” the “Fins Future Scholarship,” and the “Future Coaches Program”—to reach more teens and more communities. They’re also working on a “Dolphins Alumni Network” that will connect former immigrant teen participants with each other and with Dolphins employees, creating a lifelong support system for the teens as they pursue their careers. For many of the teens, the Dolphins have become more than a team—they’ve become a partner in their future. “Before I got involved with the Dolphins, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” says Daniela Cruz, who will start college in the fall. “Now, I have a plan. I have mentors. I have a scholarship. I have people who believe in me. That’s all because of the Dolphins.” The impact of the programs is already visible. Kevin Chen’s YouTube channel, “Fins in Mandarin,” has grown to over 100,000 subscribers, and he’s been offered a part-time job with a national sports media company to create content for Chinese-speaking fans. Sofia Mendez has been asked to speak at a national sports conference about how fan groups can support immigrant communities. Mia Jean has been recruited by a local high school to coach their flag football team. “These kids are already making a difference,” says Tom Garfinkel. “They’re not just the future of our fandom—they’re the future of our community. We’re proud to be part of their journey.” For Miami’s immigrant youth, the Dolphins have shown them that fandom can be more than cheering for a team—it can be a catalyst for change, a source of inspiration, and a path to a better future. “The Dolphins taught me that my story as an immigrant kid who loves football is valuable,” Kevin says. “They taught me that I can use what I love to build a career and help others. That’s the legacy I want to leave—just like the Dolphins left a legacy for me.” Miami Dolphins: Immigrant Youth, Career Pathways, and How Fandom Fuels Future Dreams captures this legacy—a legacy of hope, of opportunity, and of belief in the potential of every immigrant teen. For the Dolphins and their young fans, this isn’t just about football—it’s about building a future where every kid, no matter where they’re from, can chase their dreams and feel like they belong. As Tua Tagovailoa told the teens at the mentor session: “Your dreams are valid. Your story matters. And with hard work and a little help from the people who believe in you—like the Dolphins—you can achieve anything.” That’s the promise the Miami Dolphins have made to immigrant youth—and it’s a promise they’re keeping, one dream at a time.