Miami Dolphins raise millions once again in Dolphins Challenge Cancer

MIAMI GARDENS - Dolphins linebacker David Long pointed to a tattoo on his left arm.

"I lost my Aunt Corrie to cancer in 2015," said Long, who had just biked 54 miles at the Dolphins Challenge Cancer on Saturday. "So of course this is fun. But there is a deeper meaning, as well."

The Dolphins once again raised millions. DCC is the NFL's No. 1 fundraiser, having already committed $75 million to support cancer initiatives.

The money supports cancer research at powerhouse Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

"Every year we grow it, and it's very meaningful," Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel said Saturday. "I mean, we're going to do over 7,000 participants. I think we should be over $12 million this year, which is incredible. Four hundred and sixty plus cancer survivors are here.

I have people come up to me and hug me and thank me. What this does is provide money for research for clinical trials that save lives. People literally hug me and say, 'This saved my life.' So that's incredible."

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and coach Mike McDaniel sent off runners for the DCC 5k.

"This is a cool event for all of us," McDaniel said. "It is overwhelming and inspiring to see so many people from so many places moving in one direction, fighting through adversity and leaning on each other. It's very inspiring and it represents a lot of what teams are supposed to be doing.

"I think we all take from that. I really, really appreciate all the support for this cause. I can tell you to fight the fights everyone here has been involved in. That fight is for really everything. For life. It's a championship fight. It takes resolve and the love from each other. That same championship mindset I can promise you the team in that stadium will be chasing that championship mindset each and every year and bringing that to a fan base that truly deserves it."

Long, the linebacker, said he chatted with Dolphins Hall of Famer Zach Thomas along the way. He had little prior biking experience and trained at the facility.

"I had done five or 10 miles, so 54 was crazy," Long said with a smile.

You can still donate to Dolphins Challenge Cancer here.

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel and owner Stephen Ross at Dolphins Challenge Cancer