MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - South Florida’s sports community is mourning the death of Jason Jenkins, the Miami Dolphins’ senior vice president of communications and community affairs.
In a statement issued Saturday, officials with the Dolphins confirmed Jenkins passed away unexpectedly, just hours before the team’s final preseason game. He was 47 years old.
Those who knew Jenkins well said the longtime executive was more than just a figure in the press box. He spent countless hours in the community with the team’s charitable foundation and youth programs.
Following Saturday night’s game, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa addressed Jenkins’ passing.
“As a head coach, you’re supposed to do stuff. You’re supposed to lead, you’re supposed to do things, and there’s nothing for me to do,” said McDaniel. “I can’t make this one better.”
“We expected Mike to be a very optimistic guy after the game. That wasn’t the case; Mike got literally emotional in there,” said Tagovailoa. “There were some other guys who were able to talk that also got emotional, and [Mike] broke the news. I mean, it’s tough. Anything having to do with a life of someone, who had great relationships with the people in the organization, it’s hard.”
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross released a statement that reads in part, “I am heartbroken. Jason Jenkins was an icon in the Miami community, and above all a kind and incredible family man. His dedication to our organization was unmatched. He was my friend, but most of all, he was a generous soul.”
Jenkins is survived by his wife and three children.
“My heart is with Elizabeth and his children tonight. The Jenkins family will always be a part of the Dolphins family,” Ross wrote in his statement.
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