Dolphins Welcome Team USA
Three players and two coaches from Chaminade-Madonna Preparatory School, who will represent the United States at the NFL Global Junior Championship XI, were introduced to the crowd at Dolphin Stadium before the Miami Dolphins defeated the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Head coach Mark Guandolo was joined on the field by defensive coordinator Marcello Rodriguez, linemen Ryan Goldman and Emeka Nwankwo and defensive back Eian Smith as guests of the Dolphins.
The group watched the two AFC East rivals warm up and their welcome from Dolphins Youth Programs Coordinator Twan Russell was recorded and shown during the game on the in-stadium big screen. Goldman, Nwankwo and Smith also met injured Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown.
“It felt great to be down there and be up close to NFL players,” said Nwankwo (pictured above, middle). “It gives you an idea of what it takes to get to this level of football.”
Looking forward to the NFL Global Junior Championship and an opportunity to extend his high school career before heading to Notre Dame, Nwankwo added: “I was surprised to hear they played in some of those countries such as Japan. I heard that Canada is the reigning champion so I’m looking forward to playing them.
“If the US is going to take back then championship everyone needs to come together and play as one and listen to the coaches and then I’m sure we can be successful.”
Coach Guandolo plans to reveal his full 40-man Team USA Football roster on Tuesday, December 19. Graduating seniors from Broward and Miami-Dade counties who posted a minimum 2.5 GPA through their junior year are eligible to represent the United States with a maximum of three players allowed per school.
The NFL Global Junior Championship is an annual international showcase, which will be played on Wednesday January 31 and Saturday February 3 between Canada, France, Japan, Mexico, Panama and Team USA Football as part of the Super Bowl XLI festivities.
Tickets for the NFL Global Junior Championship cost $5 and are available from local schools Cardinal Gibbons, Pine Crest, North Broward Prep, Western High, University High and Chaminade-Madonna Preparatory, with all proceeds benefiting those schools.