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You know all that garbage about drivers not being athletes? Well, at least one of them, Carl Edwards, has apparently decided to start demonstrating that he can do anything that “real” athletes can do, starting at the bottom and working up. First off: kicking a field goal:

Yep, if your team gets down to the 10 yard line and can’t punch it in, Edwards is your man! (What, no backflip?) The event, obviously, was designed to promote the season-ending race at Homestead, at which Edwards surely hopes he’ll be able to manage more than three points.

You’re next, designated hitters.

[Via CBS Sports]

Related: Carl Edwards

By SportsDirect

Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne, right, gets sacked by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Shaun Phillips during the first half of Sunday’s game. Henne hurt his left shoulder in the 26-16 loss. / AP

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(Sports Network) – The Miami Dolphins had no answer for one of the league’s
elite quarterbacks this past Monday night. Now they’ll have to figure out how
to solve a Houston Texans team that is coming off one of its best games in
franchise history.

The Texans could have last year’s NFL rushing leader Arian Foster back as well
when they try for their second straight 2-0 start in Sunday’s matchup against
the Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium.

Houston heads to Miami looking to open the season with two straight wins for
the third time in team history after dismantling the Peyton Manning-less
Indianapolis Colts, 34-7, last Sunday. The Texans scored all of their points in
the first half and limited the Colts to under 250 yards of total offense.

Also impressive was the Texans racing out to a big lead despite Foster sitting
out the game with a hamstring injury. Ben Tate and Derrick Ward did an
excellent job in his place, however, in a game that head coach Gary Kubiak
called one of the best the team has ever played.

Kubiak also gave credit to new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

“He’s done a hell of a job,” Kubiak said. “We played good defense in a very
short period of time. We got going really good. No doubt in my mind if we
don’t turn the ball over in the fourth quarter, it would have been even
better.”

While the defense enjoyed a resurgence under Phillips, the offense could get
Foster back after he returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time
since aggravating his hamstring on Aug. 27.

Kubiak said Foster took a normal workload for a starter in a positive
practice. If the running back does play this weekend, the head coach doesn’t
think he will be limited.

“If he can play, you play,” Kubiak said. “There won’t be being careful with
him. You may say this is how many times he’s going to touch it, but you can’t
do something half-speed out there. We’d have to see, but if he’s ready to go,
he puts us at our best and he’ll be out there.”

The Dolphins will be looking to rebound after a 38-24 setback to New England on
Monday night that saw Patriots quarterback Tom Brady throw for a team-record
517 yards and four touchdowns. Miami could do little to stop the reigning
league MVP, who also hit on a 99-yard scoring pass to hand the Dolphins their
fourth straight defeat dating back to last year.

Miami wasted a career game from its own quarterback, as Chad Henne threw for
over 400 yards in a losing cause. In all, the two clubs combined for an NFL-
record 933 passing yards, which topped the 927 yards totaled by Miami’s Dan
Marino and Ken O’Brien of the New York Jets back on Sept. 21, 1986.

“Not the defensive performance that we were hoping for,” Dolphins coach Tony
Sparano said. “[The Patriots] had almost 700 yards of offense. That’s an
understatement.”

One thing working in the Dolphins’ favor is that the Texans haven’t won on the
road in almost a year, with Houston’s most recent win as the visitor coming on
Oct. 3 of the 2010 campaign. The Texans have lost their last six road games.

SERIES HISTORY

Houston has had the upper hand all throughout this rather brief series, having
won all five of the meetings by seven points or less. That streak contains a
pair of victories at Sun Life Stadium, including a 27-20 triumph during Week
16 of the 2009 season in the Texans’ most recent encounter with the Dolphins.
Houston also won a 21-20 squeaker in Miami in 2003.

Kubiak is 4-0 lifetime against the Dolphins, while Sparano has lost both of
his career meetings with both Kubiak and Houston.

WHEN THE TEXANS HAVE THE BALL

Houston wasn’t shy running the ball without Foster last weekend, ripping off
167 yards on 24 carries as a team. Ward (39 rushing yards, 1 TD) got the start
in place of Foster, but left early because of an ankle injury that has him day-
to-day. Tate (116 rushing yards, 1 TD) shouldered the load the rest of the way
in his NFL debut after spending all of last season on injured reserve.
Quarterback Matt Schaub (220 passing yards, 1 TD) had some short fields to work
with following some Colts turnovers, though he can’t be too happy with the pair
of interceptions he threw in the win. He was sacked just once while completing
17-of-24 pass attempts, however. Wide receiver Andre Johnson (7 receptions) was
targeted 11 times and finished with 95 receiving yards while hauling in
Schaub’s lone touchdown pass, with fellow wideout Kevin Walter making one catch
before exiting with a shoulder injury. It was feared he suffered a fracture,
but an MRI revealed just a bruise that still leaves his status for this game in
doubt. Jacoby Jones, who will take over for Walter if he can’t go, set a new
club record with his fourth career special teams touchdown after taking a punt
back 79 yards against the Colts.

The Dolphins will be licking their wounds before this game after allowing 622
yards of total offense in the national spotlight against the Patriots. The
summary play came when defensive back Benny Sapp was beaten for Wes Welker’s
99-yard score, and the nickel defender had his contract terminated during the
week as a result. To take Sapp’s place, Miami re-signed veteran Will Allen, one
of the team’s final cuts during training camp. He should step into a nickel
role behind starters Vontae Davis (4 tackles) and Sean Smith (3 tackles).
Safety Reshad Jones (12 tackles) led the Dolphins in tackles versus New
England, while linebacker Cameron Wake (3 tackles) came away with the team’s
lone sack. Defensive end Jared Odrick (2 tackles) came up with an interception
on a deflected pass, one of the defense’s few highlights on the night.

WHEN THE DOLPHINS HAVE THE BALL

Henne did his best to keep the Dolphins in the game, throwing for a career-
high 416 yards with a pair of touchdown passes. He also rushed for 59 yards
and a score while getting picked off once and sacked four times. Wide receiver
Brandon Marshall (7 receptions) got plenty of looks from his quarterback and
ended with 139 receiving yards, and Reggie Bush was targeted often as well in
his Dolphins’ debut. The running back made nine catches for 56 yards with a
score and rushed for another 38 yards on 11 carries. Wide receiver Davone Bess
and tight end Anthony Fasano also had big games on Monday, with each making
five catches and totaling 92 and 82 yards, respectively. Miami would like to
see a better effort out of the offensive line, which is led by All-Pro left
tackle Jack Long, after Henne was under consistent pressure in the opener.

Miami will be getting its first look at the Texans’ new 3-4 scheme that had
success a week ago. In his new role at outside linebacker, Mario Williams (2
tackles) had two sacks — giving him 50 for his career — along with a forced
fumble, while defensive end Antonio Smith (3 tackles) added a sack and forced
fumble of his own. Houston struggled against the pass a season ago, but held
Indianapolis’ Kerry Collins to just 197 yards through the air and a fourth-
quarter touchdown pass. The new-look secondary features corner Johnathan Joseph
(5 tackles) and safety Danieal Manning (2 tackles), both acquired as free
agents during the offseason, while rookie defensive end J.J. Watt (5 tackles)
also made his debut as a starter last week. Linebackers Brian Cushing (7
tackles) and DeMeco Ryans (6 tackles) also had solid games for Houston in the
opener.

KEYS TO THE GAME

The Dolphins will need to keep an eye on Johnson, who will be looking to go
off in his hometown. The Miami-born wide receiver has 30 catches, 426 yards
and three touchdowns in four career games against the Dolphins and will
certainly be looking to copy what made the New England receivers so successful
in Week 1.

The team that has the ball last just might win. Four of the five all-time
meetings between these clubs have been decided by three points or less,
including three in the final 30 seconds of the game. Schaub ran for a three-
yard score to clinch a Houston win in 2008, while the Texans’ Kris Brown was
good on a field goal attempt from 57 yards out with one second to go in the
previous season’s matchup.

Miami’s secondary will need to quickly forget last week; no silver linings,
just get better. It is unfortunate that Sapp was the one to fall on the sword,
but now the rest of the unit needs to turn the guilt into anger and big hits
versus the Texans.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

After getting torched through the air on Monday, the Dolphins will be facing a
more balanced Houston attack and could have to contend with a rested — and
hopefully healthy — Foster. Henne will be out to prove that last week’s
numbers were not a fluke, while Houston should also be looking to show that
missing a matchup with Manning didn’t lead to its big defensive showing. The
Texans raised expectations for the season with their big Week 1 victory, but
can’t afford to take the foot off the gas in Miami.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Texans 21, Dolphins 17

The Sports Network

Allen Eyestone/The Palm Beach Post

Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush bounces outside after finding nowhere to run during a pre-season game at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens on Aug. 19, 2011.

It was almost as if Dolphins coach Tony Sparano knew immediately that he probably wasn’t choosing the best word to describe his expectations for his offense during Friday’s preseason debut in Atlanta.

“I don’t want to use the term vanilla,” said Sparano, sending a spark through the sports community that could have been better accomplished with a wet match. “But that’s kind of where you’re going to be.”

If you listen closely, you probably can hear the dial tone at the team’s ticket-sales office. Vanilla? What happened to the sprinkles? And the caramel? And the cherry on top? What happened to hope of a more entertaining offense in 2011?

Before you start drafting your complaint to owner Stephen Ross, perhaps it’s time for a little context: If ever Sparano had a true, legitimate excuse to roll out an offense with the flavor of a bagel made in Florida, this might actually be it.

Aside from any potential (and public-relation savvy) attempts at the start of the game to throw a few deep balls between quarterback Chad Henne and Brandon Marshall, the Dolphins’ exhibition game Friday night isn’t expected to reveal anything about this year’s team.

“Going into this game a year ago, you might have had 20 practices by now,” Sparano said. “I mean, we’re going to go into this game and we’re going to have had 11 practices. So that’s going to dictate it.”

In other words, you’re about to witness the first publicly visible repercussions of the lockout and the limitations of the resulting collective bargaining agreement, which no longer allow two-a-day practices in their purest form.

Consider the many reasons for the vanilla approach:

• Usually, the new league year begins in March. That means new players, such as running back Reggie Bush and linebacker Kevin Burnett, would have had five months to acclimate themselves to a new system and surroundings. Both started practice eight days ago.

The Dolphins’ rookies — including four who could see significant time this year — were unable to undergo any organized team activities before the start of training camp. They experienced their first NFL practice two weeks ago.

• The Dolphins hired an offensive coordinator, while overhauling the offensive staff, after the 2010 season ended. Although players got the new playbook, they couldn’t have direct interaction with their new coaches until July 30.

• Compounding all of this, the new collective bargaining agreement has put an end to two-a-day practices. Now, rather than having two full workouts every other day, the Dolphins can only conduct one full workout and a noncontact walk-through.

Beyond all of the missed minicamps and offseason workout opportunities, NFL teams also have nearly five less practices two weeks into camp. As a result, Sparano hasn’t had a chance to break the surface on some necessary lessons.

“In a normal year, you’ve practiced the short yardage and goal line two or three times, maybe,” Sparano said. “You’ve got the different blitz periods, you’ve gotten into some situational stuff. We haven’t even gotten to that yet. I’m scripting that stuff now for next week as we sit here now.”

So what should we expect to see? First of all, very little of the starters. Not when there are too many unknown players who need to be evaluated in these types of situations.

“I mean, we’ll get [the starters] out there,” Sparano said. “They’ll play. There’s a few guys that may not play, but for the most part, most guys will play. Just not much. I can’t afford it. I need to make sure these players get evaluated because as we get going here into the next couple weeks I really can’t waste that kind of time.”

By the time the starters leave the game, Sparano also can’t exactly set high expectations for the young players who he will get a look at.

“You’ve got to let these guys have a chance and to ask them to do something that maybe they’ve only done once out here on the practice field right now,” Sparano said. “That doesn’t really give them a chance.

“You really just have to ask these guys to do minimal in this ball game, and that’s where I think it gets graded a little bit differently.”

Bored yet? If you aren’t, you will be. You only need to wait until this first exhibition game gets under way. Just remember: When the offense looks less exciting than LIV before midnight, don’t blame Sparano.

This time, the man actually has a decent excuse.

By Jason Kirk

– Regional Editor

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Aug 8, 2011 – If it seems like the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins frequently appear on each other’s preseason schedules, there’s a pretty good reason for that. To minimize travel, the NFL likes to pair up teams that are close to each other as often as possible. Nobody’s really all that close to Miami, so voila!

The preseason opener is scheduled for Friday, August 12 at 7:30 pm ET at the Georgia Dome. CBS is handling TV duties.

Like the Falcons, the Dolphins aren’t really going to bother with constructing a game plan for the contest. It’s all about Jimmies and Joes, not X’s and O’s, as each team has to whittle itself down by darn-near half over the next month. That, coupled with an abbreviated onboarding period and minimal training camp means we can expect to see some amusing, slapped-together sports being played.

The Falcons have released a tentative depth chart in advance of Friday night’s game, casting all eyes on the position battles between Garrett Reynolds and Mike Johnson at guard, Chris Owens and Dominique Franks at nickel and Peria Jerry and Corey Peters at defensive tackle.

Expect punter Matt Bosher to be challenged b- you know what I always say? I always say, “Don’t expect anything when it comes to punters.”

The Dolphins have also revealed their lineups, with Reggie Bush (remember him!) getting the start at punt returner and former Georgia Bulldogs safety Reshad Jones among those wrangling for a first-string spot. 

For more on the Falcons, head to The Falcoholic. And more for Dolphins, visit The Phinsider.

Read More: Reggie Bush (RB – MIA), Peria Jerry (DT – ATL), Garrett Reynolds (OT – ATL), Reshad Jones (S – MIA), Corey Peters (DT – ATL), Mike Johnson (G – ATL), Dominique Franks (CB – ATL), Matt Bosher (K – ATL), Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons

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Big Story:
Obviously tonight’s Game 5 of the NBA Finals could be the seminal moment in Miami Heat forward LeBron James’ career. Everyone has jumped on LeBron like I’ve never seen, especially Heat fans. I just don’t get it.
Plus, the Marlins are sinking faster than NBCMiami ratings and some epic numbers show just how bad the Miami Dolphins have been.
Time to make the agenda!

Firsties:
Back to LeBron to start out with here in the agenda. Look, this Heat team was barely making the playoffs last year and with LeBron they are two games away from an NBA championship.
He had an awful game. It happens to the best players.
LeBron has been under more scrutiny this year than almost any player in any sport in the last 20 years. When he has a bad game, the entire world jumps on it like stink on, well you know.
But, this is setup for LeBron to finally define his legacy as a champion. If he has two big games and helps the Heat win a title, Game 4 will be forgotten and LeBron will be considered one of the best.
And let’s not forget Miami fans, some of the greatest players ever choked in the biggest games. (Read: Dan Marino)

Heat: (@Dallas Mavericks, NBA Finals Game 5, 9:00 p.m., ABC)
The Mavs, specifically DeShawn Stevenson, have chosen to poke the proverbial bear, to steal a line from the Sedano Show.
Stevenson chose to take a subtle shot at LeBron, but hey, who hasn’t in the last 36 hours.
I can’t explain why, but something tells me LeBron and company are going to come out and play out of their minds tonight.
If the Heat play to their potential, there’s no team in the NBA that can hang with them.
But it’s going to take all of the Big Three playing inside the realms of the offense and attacking the basket for the Heat to come back to Miami with a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals.
The toughest part for the Heat will not be guarding the Mavericks, it’s going to be guarding against falling into the same old formula of letting the Mavs back in the game if the Heat pull away to a big lead.
If the Heat get a foot on the Mavs with a big lead, the Heat need to stand on their throat and choke them out of Game 5.
Trust me, if the Heat return with a 3-2 lead, the series is over.
But conversely, if the Heat are down 3-2 coming back to Miami, they have to win 2 straight against the Mavs and even though the Heat have better, younger players, that’s a tall task for anyone.
This Heat team has been a conundrum wrapped in an enigma in the NBA Finals.
They’ve chose to ride Dwyane Wade throughout and that’s been wise. But now, it’s time for LeBron and Bosh to pick up the slack and push the Heat team over the top to a NBA championship.
If LeBron goes into a funk again tonight, trust me, he’s not going to want to see what happens in the media.
But like I said, I just don’t think that’s going to happen in Game 5.
I’m not saying LeBron is going to go for 50, but I think he’s going to go for at least 20 and 10 tonight, the 10 being either rebounds or assists.
The NBA is happy because they’ve got another game to enjoy the ratings windfall.
Now, it’s all up to the Big Three to make Miami happy and bring a second NBA Championship to the city.
We’ll find out tonight at 9:00 p.m.

Marlins: (vs. Atlanta Braves, 7:10 p.m., Fox Sports Florida)
The Marlins took the Braves to extra innings, but again came up short.
This Marlins team looks like it’s in deep trouble.
The team is constructed around its two best players, Josh Johnson and Hanley Ramirez.
Hanley will be back, but he’s been invisible all season long, so there’s a big question of what, if any, impact he can have to help the Marlins lineup score runs.
Josh Johnson is the bigger question mark.
Rumors have been spreading that he may be shut down for the rest of the season. The Marlins haven’t indicated anything other than to say the injury is nothing serious.
If it wasn’t serious, he’d already be throwing off the mound in the bullpen. He hasn’t done that and there’s still no timeline to getting him back into the rotation.
Without him in the rotation, this pitching staff is struggling to keep the Fish in games.
What’s worse, the Marlins have dropped two games behind Atlanta in the NL East and just 2.5 games ahead of the lowly Mets in the division.
If they don’t get back in the game soon, it’s going to be another long season of what if’s for the Fish.
Ownership doesn’t care, because all they’re focused on is the taxpayer ripoff new Marlins ballpark and opening it with a bang.
This is sadly a lost season for the Marlins and its fans, because like with the Miami Dolphins every year, it’s always about next year.

Dolphins quick hit:
So how epically bad have the Miami Dolphins been since the last NFL strike in 1987?
The fine folks at Profootballtalk.com put together a quick hit list that displayed the Dolphins futility.
From 1997-2001 the Dolphins made the playoffs, and each year they went out with a MASSIVE THUD!
In 1997, they lost 17-3 in New England. 1998: 38-3 thumping by Denver. 1999: 62-7 demolition by Jacksonville. 2000: Raiders kill them 27-0. 2001: Ravens spank the Fins 20-3. And in the next playoff game in 2008, Ravens again nailed them, 27-9.
Add it all up and the Fins have lost 191 – 25. DAMN!
That’s an average score of 32 – 4.
DAMN!
Now again Dolphins fans, why should the Fins be considered a top team in the NFL.
They’re an also ran who occasionally makes the playoffs and gets slaughtered.
EPIC FAIL!

Miami Dolphins free agent Tony McDaniel credits the NFL’s lockout for helping him get in the best shape of his professional career.

Tony McDaniel is looking for a starting job in the NFL.

McDaniel, who had a productive season as one of the four defensive ends the Dolphins rotated during games, knows at some point this summer the NFL owners will voluntarily, or be forced to open the doors.

When that happens he’ll either find a new NFL home, or re-sign with the Dolphins. McDaniel, a five-year veteran who recently turned 26, said his goal this offseason has been to fine turn his body, making sure he’s ready to push for a starting spot in 2011 when opportunity finally presents itself.

“I’m definitely pushing myself more,” said McDaniel, who is training in Atlanta with other professional athletes, not just football players. “I can see the results in my body and my energy, my speed, everything.

“We don’t know exactly when the lockout is going to end. We might just go straight to training camp with no OTAs,” said McDaniel, who contributed 36 tackles and 2.5 sacks for the Dolphins last season. ”I got to make sure the last thing I’m worried about is being in shape. Only thing I have to do is worry about getting my playbook and going to work.”

During his talk with WQAM’s Kup & Kelly show, McDaniel said he’s training five days a week, and his workouts include other sports training, like boxing, which enhances hand-eye coordination.

“We eat right, diet together,” McDaniel said of his training program. “It’s keeping me going.”

Even though McDaniel is an unrestricted free agent the Dolphins haven’t aggressively pursued re-signing – likely because of the abundance of defensive ends on the roster – he still views himself as a Dolphin. He still views returning to the team that traded for him in 2009 as a possibility, and believes the Dolphins are “one play away” from being a playoff contender, especially with what returns on defense.

“I have a great relationship with the Dolphins. I love the Dolphins, love being a Dolphins player. I ended the season on a good note and the Dolphins love me from my understanding,” said McDaniel, who has played defensive tackle and end during his NFL career. ”I’m waiting to step up and have a big role either with the Dolphins or my next team. Hopefully I’m going to be a Dolphin next year, but if not I want to be with a team that has confidence in me. I’m ready to take over.”

McDaniel realizes Kendall Langford, an emerging young player entering a contract year, and Randy Starks, who was a Pro Bowler in 2010, are firmly positioned ahead of him on the depth chart. And he knows the Dolphins need to find playing time for Jared Odrick, the 2010 first-round pick, and Phillip Merling, the 2008 second-round pick.

But he’s a competitor, and believes in his ability, which had him rated by ProFootballFocus.com as the 13th best 3-4 defensive end in the NFL on a per snap basis.

McDaniel’s versatility might make him a good fit for a team like Houston, Denver, San Francisco, or Carolina, squads looking for some front line help.

“I’m kind of hungry,” McDaniel said when asked about his desire to become an NFL starter. “If that’s the position God put me in I’ve got to go with it. I’d love to be a starting defensive end in the National Football League. That’s a big accomplishment. If not then I have to play my role, but I’d love to be a starting defensive lineman if that’s what God has in store for me.”

To find out what McDaniel had to say about the NFL lockout, Steve Ross stepping out on Tony Sparano, and his views on Chad Henne you need to click on this link, go to WQAM.com site and listen to the interview.

G.A.G.T.G.

February 9, 2011

MIAMI – The Miami-Dade Sports Commission, Miami-Dade County, Miami Dolphins, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, and WWE announced Wednesday that Sun Life Stadium, home of the Dolphins and other world-class events, will host WWE’s annual pop culture extravaganza, WrestleMania XXVIII, on Sunday, April 1, 2012.

The announcement was made Wednesday at a press conference at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Miami-Dade County Commissioner and Chairman of the Miami-Dade Sports Commission Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Miami-Dade Sports Commission Executive Director Mike Sophia, Miami Dolphins CEO Mike Dee, former Dolphins Quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino, and Miami Dolphins limited partner and Grammy Award Winner Emilio Estefan, joined WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon and WWE’s Senior Vice President of Special Events John Saboor in making the announcement. WWE Superstars John Cena, The Miz, Mark Henry and Alberto Del Rio, and WWE Diva Eve were also on hand for the announcement.

“Miami has always been the home of first class events, and this event will add to that legacy,” said Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Miami-Dade County Commissioner and Chairman of the Miami-Dade Sports Commission. “Hosting WrestleMania is a huge coup for Miami.”

“On behalf of WWE, I would like to thank Commissioner Diaz and all his colleagues for their support, and the Miami-Dade Sports Commission for graciously rolling out the red carpet to bring WrestleMania to one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman and CEO. “We look forward to adding WrestleMania to the list of prestigious events held at Sun Life Stadium.”

“For nearly 25 years, Sun Life Stadium has played host to South Florida’s world class events that provide economic benefit to the entire community,” said Dolphins CEO Mike Dee. “We applaud the efforts of Commissioner Diaz and the Sports Commission on attracting WWE, and look forward to an unforgettable WrestleMania in 2012.”

WrestleMania is not just a one-day event; it’s a week-long celebration, as visitors from around the world are expected to converge on Miami for WrestleMania Week. Activities will include the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, WrestleMania Axxess, the finals of the WrestleMania Reading Challenge and a Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament. The pay-per-view event will be televised to more than 100 countries.

Over the past three years, WrestleMania and the events surrounding it has generated nearly $150 million in cumulative economic impact for the host cities. Last year, 72,219 fans from all 50 states and 26 countries converged on the University of Phoenix Stadium for WrestleMania XXVI.

Classic promo of The Rock *RIPPING* Triple H ->

Press Release Source: WWE, Inc. On Wednesday February 9, 2011, 3:30 pm EST

MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The Miami-Dade Sports Commission, Miami-Dade County, Miami Dolphins, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and WWE® announced today that Sun Life Stadium, home of the Dolphins and other world-class events, will host WWE’s annual pop culture extravaganza, WrestleMania XXVIII, on Sunday, April 1, 2012.

The announcement was made today at a press conference at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Miami-Dade County Commissioner and Chairman of the Miami-Dade Sports Commission Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Miami-Dade Sports Commission Executive Director Mike Sophia, Miami Dolphins CEO Mike Dee, Former Dolphins Quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino and Miami Dolphins limited partner and Grammy Award Winner Emilio Estefan joined WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon and WWE’s Senior Vice President of Special Events John Saboor in making the announcement. WWE Superstars John Cena®, The Miz®, Mark Henry®, Alberto Del Rio™ and WWE Diva Eve™ were also on hand for the announcement.

“Miami has always been the home of first class events, and this event will add to that legacy,” said Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Miami-Dade County Commissioner and Chairman of the Miami-Dade Sports Commission. “Hosting WrestleMania is a huge coup for Miami.”

“On behalf of WWE, I would like to thank Commissioner Diaz and all his colleagues for their support, and the Miami-Dade Sports Commission for graciously rolling out the red carpet to bring WrestleMania to one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman and CEO. “We look forward to adding WrestleMania to the list of prestigious events held at Sun Life Stadium.”

“For nearly twenty-five years Sun Life Stadium has played host to South Florida’s world class events that provide economic benefit to the entire community,” said Dolphins CEO Mike Dee. “We applaud the efforts of Commissioner Diaz and the Sports Commission on attracting WWE and look forward to an unforgettable WrestleMania in 2012.”

WrestleMania is not just a one day event; it’s a week-long celebration, as visitors from around the world are expected to converge on Miami for WrestleMania Week. Activities will include the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, WrestleMania Axxess, the finals of the WrestleMania Reading Challenge a Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament. The pay-per-view event will be televised to more than 100 countries.

Over the past three years, WrestleMania and the events surrounding it has generated nearly $150 million in cumulative economic impact for the host cities. Last year, 72,219 fans from all 50 states and 26 countries converged on the University of Phoenix Stadium for WrestleMania XXVI.

About WWE

WWE, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE:WWE – News), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo and Mexico City.

Additional information on WWE, Inc. (NYSE:WWE – News) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. © 2011 WWE, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete; acceptance of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to our film business and any new business initiative which we may undertake; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition, our dividend is significant and is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant, including a waiver by the McMahon family of a portion of the dividends.