It was initially intimidating to meet not only the owner of our favorite football team, but one of Forbes‘ richest men in America.  And yet, Miami Dolphins majority owner Stephen Ross was incredibly kind and generous when he took the time out of his busy schedule to meet Michelle, Igor, and me in his midtown New York office, and sat down to talk about football and our local fanclub.

He listened attentively as we talked about the growth and direction of DolfansNYC, and was pleased to hear that over 100 die-hard, aqua-and-orange-clad fans come to Third and Long each week to watch the games. But Mr. Ross could help but chuckle when we told him that we play the original team fight song after every Miami touchdown.

“You play the old version?” he clarified, flashing a wide grin. “I hate that song! I had Jimmy (Buffett) write the ‘Fins to the Left’ song that we now play in the stadium.”

“T-Pain — the hip-hop artist — recorded a new version of the fight song, but the fans weren’t very receptive when it was played during the preseason games,” Mr. Ross continued. “I wanted to do something in football like baseball does with the seventh inning stretch, so we now play (the old fight song) after the third quarter. The crowd goes wild and it brings a lot of excitement.”

When we told Mr. Ross about our efforts to raise money for charity, with a goal of contributing at least $1,000 to the Miami Dolphins Foundation, he was more than happy to oblige.

“You guys want some paraphernalia?” he asked as he opened his cupboard and rummaged through stacks of Dolphins items. “Let’s see what we’ve got here that they sent me. I have no idea what I have!

In a matter of minutes, our hands we filled with official team polo shirts, jackets, and hats. Mr. Ross signed both our banner and a hat with a ‘Go Fins!’ inscription, and in return, we provided him with a DolfansNYC t-shirt from the club.

Mr. Ross then showed us showed us “FanVision,” a device his company created that streams video to a 4.3-inch screen, which he hopes will revolutionize the in-stadium game experience. It allows fans to watch instant replays from three different angles, see highlights from other NFL games, and get access to every conceivable statistic.

“FanVision is a new technology that is now available in 12 NFL stadiums, including the New Meadowlands for Jets games,” he told us. “We’re hoping to have it in every stadium by next year, and a few baseball ones, too. We’re also working on a mobile version that will be compatible with cell phones.”

Before we left, we crowded around Mr. Ross’ desk, surrounded by shelves that house dozens of his real estate awards, philanthropic recognitions, and photos with various politicians and celebrities, as he and a member of his media team gave us a sneak peek at a couple of upcoming projects. Along with two breast cancer awareness campaigns featuring R&B singer Kelly Rowland, we were treated to a preview of the opening montage and theme song for the Dolphins upcoming showdown with the New England Patriots.

Let’s just say that no Fins fan will be disappointed with the splendid blend of old and new school. Monday night can’t get here fast enough.

Special thanks to Mr. Ross and DolfansNYC member Tim Sullivan for organizing the meeting.

After a one-week absence, we’re back with “What’s Your Fantasy” for Week 4.  As always, I break down the players to start, bench, and think about for your lineup.   This week’s recommendations include a first — recommending a (gasp!) Oakland Raider — and stashing a trio of under-the-radar players for the long-term.  As always, we’ve got music and a touch of humor for your viewing pleasure.  Go Fins!!

I really don’t have anything to say about the horrible tragedy that befell Dolphins fans everywhere on Sunday.  The defense embarrassed the team and the fans and the Jets are getting three Pro Bowl type players back in the next few weeks. So I am going to cry myself to sleep and you should check out the photos from the meet up at Third & Long below. If you want to download a photo just click it and it will take you to the Flickr page.

[tylr-slidr userID=”” groupID=””]http://www.flickr.com/photos/dolfansnyc/sets/72157624931959707/[/tylr-slidr]

This is it. This is the game I have had my eye on since the schedule came out. Primetime game against our most hated rivals. Our first home game and a chance to shut Rex Ryan up for a little bit. We are actually favored to win this game and most people are picking us, but I think we are really still underdogs. No one really expects Miami to be 3-0 headed to the MNF game vs New England… But I do.

I am usually pretty pessimistic when it comes to out Phins, they have disappointed too many times, but the Jets are a team I think we match up well against. I simply don’t think the Jets can score against us unless it’s on defense or special teams and I think the Phins have shown that they can put points on the Jets defense.. and that was before they lost some of their star players. Vontae will lock down Edwards if he plays and they are going to have to run on us. I guess we will see what happens. I think we win 13-9 or something boring like that…

The Dolphins will be wearing Orange on Sunday and they are asking the fans in Miami to do the same. I am asking you guys also to wear Orange if you have it. I personally only have an Orange Seau jersey and I will not be wearing that, but I am pretty sure I have an Orange Dolphins shirt somewhere. Also the Dolphins Defensive players have been encouraging people in Miami to howl on big defensive downs. A Dolfans NYC regular named Yonathan led the charge on Twitter for this and it has steamrolled into something that should be pretty fun on Sunday. If anyone is going to the game make sure you Howl like crazy when the Phins need you. I am sure I will be doing some howling myself at Third and Long.

Also, another reminder about tickets for the Jets/Dolphins game in Miami. We have already purchased more than 20 tickets for the game and we want to buy more but we need your money. The tickets are all 300 level endzone tickets, but we will all be sitting near each other. We are trying to buy three full rows. If you want tickets email DolfansNYC@gmail.com to find out how to pay for them online or bring me or Michelle $112 on Sunday at Third & Long.

Lastly, I just wanted to thank everyone for the big crowds we have been having at Third & Long. It’s really great to watch the game and get crazy with fellow Phins fans. I know this game against the Jets is on TV and you can watch it in the comfort of your living room but this is a big game for us and we need you guys out. Let’s cheer our boys on together. I am not %100 sure but I think we will be doing a raffle this week as well. Should be a lot of fun.

Okay, that’s it. I will see you guys out this Sunday night at Third & Long at 35th and 3rd ave. Go Dolphins!

Short Michelle and I will be in Ireland for the next four days – but don’t worry, we’ll be back in time for Sunday night’s game against the New York Jets.  Unfortunately, we won’t have time to film and edit a fantasy football video this week, so here are my picks for Week 3. 

I’m Sorry… How did we do in Week 2?  Pretty, pretty good.  If the Jets and Patriots had both somehow found a way to lose, it would’ve been a perfect week all around. 

Start ‘Em:

David Garrard, Jax QB:  Garrard has thrown 15 TD passes and nine INTs in his last nine home games, compared to just four TDs and a whopping 9 INTs in his last nine road contests.  He’ll face the Eagles, who gave up 335 passing yards to the legendary Shaun Hill, in Jacksonville this week.

Darren McFadden, Oak RB:  McFadden has averaged 152 total yards per game in 2010 and has been powerfully running over defenders.  Where was this last year when I drafted you, Darren?  McFadden is a must-start in all leagues — he faces a Cardinals defense that was shredded for 186 yards and 3 TDs by Falcons backup RB Jason Snelling last week.

Dez Bryant, Cowboys WR:  Did you know that the Houston Texans have allowed the most passing yards (822) through the first two weeks than any team in NFL history?  Joey Galloway (yes, he’s still alive) burned their secondary for a 62-yard catch on Sunday.  Just imagine what the speedy Bryant can do.

Bench ‘Em:

Eli Manning, Giants QB:  The Titans haven’t faced any real NFL QBs yet — Jason Campbell, Dennis Dixon, Charlie Batch — but they’ve still allowed only one TD pass and caused six fumbles in two games.  Manning could be in for another long day.

Brandon Jackson, Packers RB:  Jackson salvaged a terrible game with a TD for fantasy owners, but FB John Kuhn finished with more rushing yards on fewer carries.  Against a Bears defense that has allowed the fewest rushing yards in the league (56 on 1.4 yards per carry), neither Packers RB is even a worthy flex play.

Jets Wide Receivers – This isn’t just a ‘homer’ pick.  Take out a late-game miscue against the Bills, the Dolphins are allowing less than 90 yards per game to WRs.  Play Braylon E-DWI-rds at your own risk.

Think ‘Em:

Sam Bradford, Rams QB – I’d never advocate playing a rookie quarterback on one of the worst teams in the league, but the Redskins have allowed over 390 passing yards per game through the air (Matt Schaub threw for a ridiculous 497 last week) and the second-most fantasy points to QBs.

Keiland Williams, Redskins, RB – Despite scoring a pair of TDs on Sunday, Clinton Portis has averaged 3.1 yards per carry on the year and is always on the injury report.  Backup Larry Johnson had two carries for negative seven yards (how is that even possible?) and has since been released.  While Williams is yet to carry the ball, he could end up being the Redskins’ starter before too long.  

Golden Tate, Seahawks WR – The rookie WR was cut in a lot leagues after being inactive in Week 1, but he made his presence felt last Sunday with a 52-yard catch and a 63-yard punt return.  He’s expected to have a bigger role going forward and certainly has more potential than Mike Williams (still can’t believe he’s a starter in the NFL).

I think we’re done here.  Remember to check DolfansNYC.com – the official home of Miami Dolphins fans in New York – for all of the latest team news, and send us an email if you’d like to be included in an upcoming video.  And of course, stop by Third and Long on 35th Street and 3rd Avenue to watch the games with the rowdiest fans around.  Go Dolphins!

We’re back with an all new season of“What’s Your Fantasy,” where I break down the players to start, bench, and think about for your lineup.   This week’s recommendations include going with a player who hasn’t started an NFL game in four years, breaking one of my cardinal rules of fantasy football, and benching everyone on the Buffalo Bills against the Packers (and possibly all year long).

As always, we’ve got music and a touch of humor for your viewing pleasure.  Go Fins!!

I gotta go out of town in a couple hours so I am just going to cut and paste the message I sent out to the DolfansNYC Facebook group. If you don’t live in NYC this is probably not relevant to you…

——————-

Glad to see everyone out last week! Third and Long was packed and everyone seemed to have a great time.

Beating the Jills was great but this week we face a much harder task in the Minnesota Vikings and our old friend Bret Favre. The last time the Phins faced Favre I and some of the founding member of DolfansNYC were watching the Dolphins become AFC Champions. We had seats just a few feet from the field and we watched our boys trounce Favre and the Jests. It was great. This week unfortunately I have to be out of town for a funeral so I won’t be at Third and Long, but Short Michelle will and I am sure someone will step up and lead the bar in the “That’s Another Miami Dolphins… FIRST DOWN!” cheers. DolfansNYC has a very deep roster this year so I’m sure we won’t miss a beat.

For those of you who have been asking we are temporarily sold out of Large and XL DolfansNYC t-shirts. There will be S, M and XXL shirts available on Sunday and I will have a new batch made up for the Jets game next Monday. The T-shirt sales have been great and along with a few ads on DolfansNYC.com we have raised more than $350 for charity.

People have also been asking about Jets Vs Phins tickets. We are planning on buying tickets as a group. We are going to be buying several blocks of 10 seats. If you want to come with us, please have cash in hand on Sunday or the following Monday. Michelle will be buying tickets during the games and she will need your money to reserve a seat. If you have any questions about tickets email her at dolfansNYC@gmail.com.

My last order of business is a favor from the Dolphins. We work with the team a lot and are raising money for their charities. They hook us up with stuff all the time and are now asking a favor in return. They are trying to promote their new photo store. It’s a pretty cool to get great shots of Dolphins players in action. They are offering everyone a free photo just for signing up. Also whatever Dolphins fan website that signs up the most people will win a gift certificate to the store. If we win we will spend the money on picture for our fund raising raffles so take a second to sign up. It seriously takes less than 30 seconds and you get a free photo out of the deal.

Anyway, that’s all I got for you this week. I hope everyone can make it out to Third & Long this week at 35th and 3rd. Ill miss you guys Sunday but I’ll see you next monday when we kill the Jets at home!

Hey Guys!

The Miami Dolphins have launched their official online photo store. For the first time in the team’s history, fans may visit the store and purchase official photos for home wall art, gifts or office decorations.  The official photo store of the offers more than 150 images captured by the Dolphins’ official award-winning photographers. Photos including images of Dolphins players, game action, cheerleaders, special events and Sun Life Stadium are available. New photos will be added within an hour of the conclusion of each Dolphins game!

For a limited time, YOU can go online and order your own FREE photo as a gift from the Miami Dolphins. Click here to check it out and sign up for your free photo.

Enjoy!

Thanks to everyone who came out last week. The place was packed! It was almost too packed and unfortunately there was a line to get in during the first quarter. Luckily everyone who waited got in after a few minutes.  Third and Long has told us they were going to make sure they are going to stream line everything and make sure our people are well taken care of. It’s pretty clear the bar was happy with how many people came out.

The game was amazing too. I know the Dolphins offense was sloppy but the defense looked amazing and there were lots of moments for the crowd to go nuts… which we did. I love Third and Long so much. Curtis the manager is amazing and the bartenders are super cool.  Even the non Phins fans are great. The “Brew Crew” are the regulars who sit at the bar and bet on EVERYTHING including the color of the bartender’s underwear.  There is plenty of NFL betting going on too though if you want to get in on that action.  Anyway… the place is home and we love it.

Being recognized by the Dolphins as the official fan club of NYC Phins fans is that we work with the team as much as possible.  They hook us up with stuff and soon they are going to send us some autographed stuff to raffle off.  We are trying to raise $1000 for the Miami Dolphin Foundation this year and we have made a pretty good start so far raising $300 with ad revenue on the site and selling our DolfansNYC t-shirts.  Some of that money is going to go to some of the costs associated with running this club but every other penny is going to charity. The Phins also wanted us to tell you guys about the team photo store. Michelle will talk about it more in another post this week, but for now just check it out. It’s a pretty cool thing and you can get a free picture.

Now, the important news from this update. We got pictures! I try to take pictures every week and I took a bunch from week one. Check out the slideshow below.  And just click on it if you want to download any of the pictures.

Now I am off to watch the Jets lose to the Ravens. Go Dolphins!

[tylr-slidr userID=”” groupID=””]http://www.flickr.com/photos/dolfansnyc/sets/72157624950977978/[/tylr-slidr]

Guess what? It’s football season and on Sunday DolfansNYC is having their first meet up of the year! We will be going crazy at 3rd & Long. The bar opens at noon and I would say get there early if you want a seat…

If you have not been to 3rd and Long before here is some info. The bar is located on the Southeast corner of 35th and 3rd in Murray Hill. The closest stop is the 6 Train at 33rd and Lexington. There will be drink specials if you wear Dolphins gear and while the bar does not serve food, you are encouraged to bring you own. There are a lot of good places to eat right around the bar and Third and Long as binder full of delivery options. It’s always funny to see a delivery guy deliver to a bar.

This year we have been asked by the Miami Dolphins to raise money for the Miami Dolphin Foundation charity. Our personal goal is $1000 but I would like to see us raise $1500. We have already raised $100 by selling an ad on the DolfansNYC website, so we only have $900 more to go to reach our goal.

We will be doing raffles like we did last year at a number of the games. We aren’t doing on this week but we will be selling DolfansNYC t-shirts for $15 with half of the money going to charity and half of the money going to DolfansNYC so we can do things like pay for the shirts, promote the club and buy stuff for the raffles. If you have any ideas for fundraising let us know.

Lastly Michelle recently got a job working for Showtime Sports. This is a bit of a good news/ bad news thing for us at DolfansNYC. Obviously the good news is that Michelle got pretty much her dream job. The bad news is that she might not be able to be at all of our events and help out as much as last year. But the other good news is that this week she is going to be filming 3rd & Long for a Showtime Sports feature on NFL Fans in NYC. So come out this Sunday and we will make you famous!

Not sure if I have any other news for you guys, but this should be an exciting year. I think the bar will be packed with Dolphins fans. I will just show you guys one other thing. If you haven’t been to 3rd and Long for a DolfansNYC event, here is a YouTube video we filmed last year that gives you a little bit of look into what DolfansNYC is all about.

Go Dolphins!