MIAMI (AP) -First came Csonka and Kiick, followed by Clayton and Duper. Now the Miami Dolphins’ lineup features Gloria and J.Lo.
It has been nine years since the Dolphins won a playoff game, 25 years since they reached the Super Bowl and 36 years since their most recent NFL title. Those streaks probably won’t end in 2009, but the tailgate parties and halftime shows should be fun.
Since completing his purchase of the Dolphins in January, Stephen Ross has brought on board Jimmy Buffett, Gloria and Emilio Estefan and Marc Anthony, husband of Jennifer Lopez. The Margaritaville-Miami Sound Machine-Mr. J.Lo combination might be the best power trio since ZZ Top, but none of these celebrity musicians can block, tackle or run the Wildcat.
e some that celebrity football fans might be pondering:
Q: With these offseason moves, how do the Dolphins stack up against their archrivals in New York? The Jets’ most famous fans are Kevin James and Adam Sandler. – Rex in Florham Park, N.J.
A: The Dolphins have better celebrity depth, which makes them 3-point favorites. But J.Lo against Patriots’ fan and uber-model Gisele Bundchen is a tossup.
Q: As part of Ross’ deal with Buffett, the name of Dolphin Stadium has been changed for this season to Land Shark Stadium. What the heck is a land shark? That strikes me as a contradiction in terms, like “Dolphins receivers.” – Tony in Davie, Fla.
A: Land Shark is a beverage that makes the fight song Buffett wrote for the Dolphins sound better.
Q: Why did Ross sign up these so-called “celebrities”? None of them has ever even been on “Dancing With the Stars.” – Jason in Davie, Fla.
A: Ross says the deals are motivated by his desire to improve the fan experience and include minority owners who reflect the diversity of South Florida. He approached Buffett, a longtime friend, and the Estefans about roles with the team. After Ross put out the word he was in the market for minority owners, Anthony approached him. The Estefans and Anthony bought small stakes in the franchise.
worst singer? – Simon in Hollywood, Calif.
A: Former sole owner Wayne Huizenga. He retains a 5 percent share.
Q: When asked about plans for Anthony to perform at games, did Ross respond with a musical pun? – Bill in Foxborough, Mass.
A: Yes. He said, “Stay tuned.”
Q: Training camp opens Aug. 2. When can we start talking football? – Bill in Davie, Fla.
A: Soon, although there may be more celebrity news. In the next month or so, Ross is expected to bring aboard one or two more minority owners, possibly including a celebrity former athlete.
Q: Some of Buffett’s music is older than the Dolphins’ most recent Super Bowl trophy. Does his involvement lock up the over-60 demographic? – Don in Indian Creek, Fla.
A: Yes, which in South Florida means almost everyone.
Q: The Dolphins haven’t been a title threat in a long time. Will any of these celebrities ever get a chance to celebrate a Super Bowl championship? – Dave in Pittsburgh.
A: Perhaps. Ross said Buffett is going to be associated with the team “forever.”
Q: The Estefans are the first Cuban Americans to hold an ownership stake in an NFL team. Anthony and J.Lo are New York natives of Puerto Rican descent. And there’s Buffett for Parrotheads. What demographic groups in South Florida does that leave? – Roger in New York City.
ons, hurricanes and bad drivers.
Q: Does Bill Parcells prefer Anthony’s salsa or the Estefans’ pan-Latin American fusion? – Jimmy in Islamorada, Fla.
A: No.
Q: Buffett has been mentioned as a tailgate performer, and Anthony is going to sing the national anthem at a Monday night game. What other South Florida musicians might Ross recruit to fill out the rest of the schedule? – Randy in Coral Gables, Fla.
A: Michael Tilson-Thomas isn’t much of the football fan, but his New World Symphony on South Beach could do a classy rendition of Buffett’s fight song.
Q: Dan Marino was a big fan of Hootie and the Blowfish. Any chance Ross can lure Dan out of retirement by making Hootie a part owner and renaming the Dolphins’ home Blowfish Stadium? – Darius in Nashville, Tenn.
A: Stay tuned.
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