MIAMI, fl: Miami Dolphins Football is back!
Call up some buds, fire up the grill and grab your jersey because,
the time of year we all have been waiting for... is here! Welcome 2013 NFL
Football Season. Fins Up! "Its our time!"
This year…it’s simple: “It’s Our Time.” The Miami Dolphins have
furnished a mindset of “Back to Football” along with the true reason behind
sport: “Quality time spent with others.”
Meet Roger Avila
The Icon: Dolfan Maniac introduced 19 years ago first began
during a tailgating pregame contest in which the #1 Dolphins Fans competed to
show who had the most team spirit. Known as Roger at the time, this was the
moment that his "Dolfan" identity would forever change. With a body
shaped like the Incredible Hulk, the personality of Hulk Hogan and a kiddy
Dolphin helmet strapped to the top of his head accompanied by a set
of pom-poms, Roger became a fan favorite and won the hearts of Dolphins fans
everywhere that day. From then on the persona only grew; adding face paint, a
jersey, and football pants that allowed the fans to connect and recognize him,
not as Roger but as an extreme Dolphin Fan.
Roger takes us back to the moment it all changed… “A lot of people
want to know how I got my name well… It happened during the Marino days. We
weren’t faring well against the Patriots, the fans were booing, no one was
watching the game and I couldn’t take it anymore. I turned to the crowed,
jumped from my seat and started encouraging the crowd to never give up on our
boys! As I began chanting… “Lets Go Dolphins!” I heard out in the distance… Get
it on Maniac! Get it on Maniac! Get it on!” The name stuck ever since.
Twenty-five years of tailgating later… Dolfan Maniac the
Icon lives on. 25 years of believing, 25 years of fan-hood, loyalty, pictures,
partying, hugs and sweet family memories.
“We haven't
always been victorious. Its been 25 tough, long and hard years of bleeding
aqua and orange,” admitted Roger. Its Hard…its so hard but,
its something that we love. Our families love that 6 months out the year
we are dedicated to the Miami Dolphins. We deal with the ridicule. We deal with
the losses but, at the end of the day, our love is tougher. Heck, imagine
how the players feel!"
Though Sunday's is a family affair, its usually Roger and his two
sons Roger Jr. and Rory that represent the family tradition. "Its turned
into a Bro's thing!" said Rory. "Our wives are very supportive. They
enjoy it whenever they decide to come out and more importantly they see
how much joy it brings us; how happy we make other fans. The most fun part of
it all, is that our wives get to brag about us making it on TV to their
friends, added Rory." Though every Sunday doesn't end in victory,
the Avila family enjoys every moment. "The key for us is that the fun
outweighs the losses," said Roger.
Faith and Football
Roger has played football
ever since the age of 10 years old and says suiting up for Miramar High
School were some of his toughest moments. He admits that football tested and
prepared him mentally for anything that life could throw his way.
"Football is a chess game," said Roger. When you're
tired, your lungs are burning and you can't breathe, you still have to
take a step ahead and be more physical than the guy across from you. If
you can master thinking ahead under fatigue and under pressure and continue
to accomplish your goals, it puts you on a great path toward success."
Roger went on to add
that though he had football in his life, something was still missing. He admits
that football isn't everything, nor is it the only thing. "My missing
piece in my life was the Lord. I fell into drugs, and alcohol," he
admitted. "Even though I worked and played, I still found myself using
drugs."
When Roger isn't planted outside Sun Life Stadium rooting for his favorite team, you can find him every 2nd and 5th Saturday leading chapel at Metro West Detention Center by 930am. Roger also holds Bible studies inside inmate cells.
"Last Saturday alone… I witnessed 45 people give their lives to Jesus Christ. My ministry is real. No sugar coating. I confess my sins and my weakness to these young men. You have to open up and be real with these men. I give them my number and address and when they come out, its not a complete turnaround all the time, but it’s a step in the right direction. Sometimes the tragic part is that they find Jesus in jail and leave him there all at the same time. Its tough, but I never give up hope."
Roger gave his life the Jesus Christ at age 40. He says that his faith and football gave him hope. Hope is the message that he wishes to communicate to Dolphins fans everywhere. The Dolphins is truly considered a family to Roger and he is committed to the team like no other. So much that, he has been battling with thoughts of putting the "Dolfan Maniac" to rest but its hope that keeps him going.
"I want to see this team win the Super Bowl! I witnessed the
undefeated season at 12 years old and I want my boys to see this! It’s a fans
number one dream!" said Roger. "When it happens we’ll be there to
enjoy it."
Rogers orders to the current Dolphins players are simple:
Pray Hard. Work Hard. Play Hard.
His
favorite players are Cameron Wake, Mark Clayton
and Super Duper.
"I love the Miami
Dolphins like I love my family! I’m
a Dolfan ‘til the coffin slam!”
–Dolfan Maniac
Written by: Orlando Gunn
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