On August 27, 2022, Jason Jenkins passed away. Jenkins had been a member of the Miami Dolphins organization for the last 14 years; in his most recent role, he served as Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs. His impact on those who crossed his path has no limits.
Jason was someone who lit up a room each time he walked in with his million-dollar smile and warm presence. He made you feel welcomed and as if you had known him for a long time.
The Dolphins posted a video on social media honoring the late father of three.
To unite people and bring people together.
That is what Jason Jenkins did every single day. pic.twitter.com/iLRdjRETP6
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 5, 2022
I had the opportunity of meeting Jason on February 7, 2022. He was a guest speaker for one of my classes at St. Thomas University. Jason did a tremendous job with his presentation, including his background and the different jobs he had in his career.
Something that stuck out for me was that Jason wasn’t only talking about his specific job, but he also spoke about other roles in sports and within the Dolphins. It resonated with me because it made me realize that Jason wanted to help everyone in that class regardless of what we were striving to be in our careers. At the time, I had a podcast; when Jason finished his presentation, he took questions from anyone who wanted to ask; I raised my hand and talked to him about my podcast; what encouraged me to mention my podcast was that he had talked about the Miami Dolphins podcast network during his presentation. Jason was very nice to me about the podcast and said he would give me his email after class so he could listen to the podcast and try to see if he could find me an opportunity within the organization.
After class had finished, Jason allowed any student who wanted to chat one-on-one to speak to him. I had the chance to talk to Jason for around 10 minutes; during that conversation, it felt like I had known him for years. Keep in mind that introducing myself to someone is not the easiest thing in the world for me. Still, during all that time we talked, I was not nervous because of Jason’s ability to make me feel welcome and special. It felt like I was talking to a friend, and that is something I will never forget. Something of note is that before speaking to my classmates and me that evening, Jason had been working at the team facility to welcome the new Head Coach, Mike McDaniel. So, that itself was another factor in why I was so amazed by Jason, he didn’t have to drive to our school and give us so much of his time after such a long and busy day for him, but he did, and that is another reason why Jason Jenkins is so special.
Following our conversation, I quickly emailed Jason as I knew he was very busy, so I did not want him to forget who I was. Thankfully, Jason responded later that night, thanking me for emailing him. I felt so happy that one of the top employees of my favorite football team on the planet was so accepting of me and open to helping others. A couple of days after, Jason ended up listening to my podcast and letting me know he enjoyed it. These moments I experienced because of Jason will always be special to me; he is someone whom I have looked up to from the moment I met him, and the way he gave all of his attention to each person he crossed paths with makes me want to be kinder and more loving to all who cross my path.
On September 5, 2022, I was able to attend a Celebration of Life in honor of Jason at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins did a tremendous job of honoring Jason and his family. So many people showed up to show their support for the Jenkins family and to celebrate Jason’s life. Miami Dolphins players from generation to generation attended, from 1977 All-Pro selection Nat Moore, to arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, Dan Marino, to current Dolphins starting defensive tackle duo Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis.
Before his time with the Dolphins, Jason spent several years working for the San Francisco 49ers, and thus, former 49ers All-Pro wide receiver Terrell Owens also known as T.O. was in attendance.
During this celebration of Jason, seven people spoke wonderfully. I want to shoutout each one of them, Coastal Community Church Lead Pastor TJ McCormick, President & CEO of the Urban League of Broward County, Dr. Germaine Smith Baugh, North Miami Police Chief, Larry Juriga, Lennar Corporation Board of Directors, and Dolphins Challenge Cancer Executive Chairman, Stuart Miller, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Pastor, Arthur Jackson III, Miami Dolphins, and Hard Rock Stadium Vice Chairman, President, & CEO, Tom Garfinkel, and lastly, the incredible wife of Jason Jenkins, Elizabeth Jenkins. She did such a beautiful job honoring her late husband.
That said, I want to send all of my best to Jason’s wife, kids, parents, and the rest of his loved ones. They will all continue to be in my prayers, and I know this season of Miami Dolphins football will be memorable in honor of Jason and the blood, sweat, and tears he put into everything he did as a Miami Dolphin.
Click here to donate to the Jenkins Children’s Fund or the Jason Jenkins Humanity Impact Fund.
