Miami, FL
Could Dolphins Go for Jaelan Phillips 2.0?
Could it be déjà vu all over again for the Miami Dolphins in the 2024 NFL draft?
Could they spend a first-round pick on a star college pass rusher whose career was stopped by medical concerns before it restarted? Whose college career included a stop at UCLA? And lastly who wore number 15 during that stint with the Bruins?
Yeah, the similarities between Jaelan Phillips and Laiatu Latu are pretty fascinating, and it just so happens the Dolphins could use a pass rusher in the 2024 draft — in large part because of Phillips’ current health status, more specifically his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon he sustained last November.
LATU’S COLLEGE JOURNEY
Before he ended up at UCLA, Latu began his collegiate career at the University of Washington, but he sustained a neck injury during fall practices before his sophomore season in 2020 and would miss the next two seasons after UW doctors red-flagged him.
With Phillips, it was a couple of concussions that led to him quitting football after playing at UCLA and before transferring to the University of Miami.
Latu played the past two seasons at UCLA and in 2023 he was a unanimous All-American selection and won the Ted Hendricks and Lombardi awards. He also was the collegiate Polynesian Football Player of the Year on defense, while the offensive award when to Tua Tagovailoa’s younger brother, Taulia (Tua won that award in 2018 and 2019, along with winning the professional award in 2022 for offense and 2023 overall).
WHY LATU WOULD BE A GREAT CHOICE FOR THE DOLPHINS
There is zero question that Latu would be a great fit for the Dolphins, but he would be a great fit for many teams, which is why it’s questionable whether he’ll be available with the 21st overall selection where the Dolphins have their first pick.
The Dolphins not only have to worry about Phillips’ recovery, but also those of fellow edge defenders Bradley Chubb and Cameron Goode from severe knee injuries sustained late in the season.
Latu’s NFL.com draft profile includes a quote from an anonymous AFC executive calling him “easily the most skilled (pass) rusher in the draft,” but perhaps concerns about his neck injury could cause him to slide.
If he does end up being available at 21, the Dolphins could do worse than going for Jaelan Phillips 2.0.
Miami, FL
World Cup-inspired art exhibit transforms Miami’s Wynwood with interactive soccer experience
The world’s most popular sport is making its mark in Miami this summer — and not just inside the stadium.
As international soccer fans flock to South Florida for the FIFA Club World Cup, the Museum of Graffiti in Wynwood has unveiled “The Art of Futbol,” an interactive exhibition celebrating the connection between street art and the world’s game.
For years, Wynwood’s colorful murals have made the neighborhood one of Miami’s most recognizable cultural destinations. This summer, those artistic roots are being paired with soccer through an exhibit that invites visitors to do more than simply admire the artwork.
“You may not realize it at first, but graffiti and fútbol have a lot in common,” said David Harrah, an art consultant for the Museum of Graffiti. “Football is the sport of the world. It’s played all over the world and on the streets, really. Graffiti has that in its DNA as well. To have those two combined and elevate both makes a lot of sense.”
Harrah said the exhibition was designed to showcase the intersection of art, fashion and sports while creating a welcoming community space for visitors.
Guests can paint on an interactive mirrored wall, play custom foosball tables created by local Miami artists and even kick a soccer ball toward an interactive mural by local artist Tragic.
The exhibit has already attracted visitors from around the globe.
William Chavez, who traveled from Honduras for an Argentina match, said the museum became an unexpected highlight of his trip.
“We came from Honduras only visiting for the World Cup,” Chavez said. “I like the part where you kick the ball. Everything looks very good here. I like the place a lot, and the people are very friendly too.”
The Art of Futbol exhibit will remain on display through July 18, giving soccer fans and art lovers alike another way to experience the excitement surrounding the tournament in Miami.
Miami, FL
FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee lends a helping hand to people of Venezuela after deadly earthquakes
The FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee is lending a helping hand for the people of Venezuela in the wake of deadly back-to-back earthquakes at the end of June.
The committee joined CBS News Miami, Neighbors 4 Neighbors and the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) for the Hope 4 Venezuela relief campaign.
“I think we’ve exceeded more than $26,000 in individual donations up to this point,” FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee Chairman Rodney Barreto told CBS News Miami.
The FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee said it shares deep cultural and personal ties with Venezuela, with thousands of local families having roots, loved ones and communities directly impacted by the disaster.
“When we learned about the devastation in Venezuela, we knew we had to use this platform to help,’ said President and CEO of the FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee Alina T. Hudak.
The FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee said it sees the FIFA Fan Fest at Miami’s Bayfront Park as not only a celebration of the sport, but also an opportunity to serve the community.
“We have hundreds of thousands of people engaging with the Fan Festival, both in person and online,” Hudak continued. “If we can use that visibility to bring attention to an urgent humanitarian need, we have a responsibility to do that. This is about showing up for our neighbors when they need us most.”
The FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee said that as Miami continues to celebrate the World Cup, it’s continuing to demonstrate the power of community – standing together, supporting one another and leading with heart.
Miami, FL
Miami’s FIFA Fan Fest draws thousands to Bayfront Park to watch Team USA win World Cup match against Bosnia
Thousands of fans packed Bayfront Park in Miami for Fan Fest to watch Team USA advance in the World Cup, cheering through rain and celebrating the win together.
Despite a soggy start, the crowd stayed loud and energetic throughout the night.
“It’s been so fun! I mean I did have a little bit of a heart attack when we got red flagged but as long as we’re winning, it’s all good, it’s all good!” said Tania Rosales, a fan at the event.
Joe Martorana said the rain didn’t dampen the mood. “Oh it’s awesome man! I mean too bad it had to rain but everything looks great we’re having a great time,” he said.
Fans from around the world attended the event, with many saying this World Cup has felt different.
“It’s really blossomed in this country and especially South Florida, it’s amazing to see and it’s always fun to watch,” said Elisia Martorana.
Rosales said the sense of community stood out to her. “It’s so nice seeing everyone together treating each other with kindness, no matter what team wins whatever team loses, we’re still there to cheer each other on,” she said.
Fan Fest at Bayfront Park is free and open to the public through July 5.
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