As Willie McGinest of the NFL Network hosted a panel discussion, Dalvin Cook (Minnesota Vikings, FSU, Miami Central), Amari Cooper (Dallas Cowboys, Alabama, Miami Northwestern), Quinton Dunbar (Washington Redskins, Florida, Miami Booker T. Washington), Lavonte Davis (Tampa Bay Bucs, Nebraska, Miami Northwestern), Duke Johnson (Houston Texans, Miami, Norland) and Allen Hurns (Miami Dolphins, Miami, Miami Carol City) all came back to where it began.
With five area football teams – three that call Traz Powell Stadium home – being honored on this day, it was only right to showcase some finish products – as current NFL players talked about how important it was to play at the iconic stadium and grow up in the communities that have become home to more NFL talent than anywhere in the country.
“This stadium, these communities have made us all what we are today,” said Cook, one of the NFL’s top running backs. “We have become successful because of the support of all these people who came out today.”
McGinest, who grew up in southern California, has heard all the stories about the #305 – and finally had the chance to see for himself what “The Mecca” – Traz Powell Stadium is all about.
He watched the celebration of the area high school state champions, and is fully aware of how impressive the talent is in all of south Florida.
“We all know how impressive these football players are on the field,” McGinest said. “But the best thing is what great men they are – and at the end of the day – that is very special.”