Jason Jenkins, Dolphins senior vice president and community activist, dies
MIAMI GARDENS — Jason Jenkins, the longtime right-hand man to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and for many in the South Florida community the face of the organization’s outreach efforts, died Saturday following a medical emergency.
The exact cause of death was not immediately known.
The Dolphins announced Jenkins' death at halftime of Saturday night's game vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.
“I am heartbroken," Ross said. "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. My heart is with Elizabeth and his children tonight. The Jenkins family will always be a part of the Dolphins family.”
Tom Garfinkel, the Dolphins' vice chairman, president and CEO said, “Our hearts are broken and grieving the loss of a man who was a dear friend and beloved by so many people. Jason faithfully served the Dolphins organization for 14 years, was a beacon in the community, a trailblazer and champion for others, and above all, treated people with a kindness and dignity that left a lasting mark on everyone he met. Our deepest condolences and our unwavering support go out to his wife, Elizabeth, and his three children.”
Jenkins, 47, began working for the Dolphins in 2009 and was promoted to senior vice president of communications and community affairs in 2015. Few if any community events backed by the Dolphins took place without Jenkins representing the organization.
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Jason Jenkins was honored over the summer for his community work
Jenkins tirelessly worked to unify South Florida and was honored early this summer during the 20th annual Pillar Awards at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. Jenkins received the Corporate Pillar Award.
"We're blessed and honored to be able to receive this award in terms of corporate community citizenship," Jenkins said told the Miami Times. "It's not lost to me as a Black man who I'm getting this award from."
In 2018 Jenkins described support for the Trayvon Martin Foundation by saying he had no interest in “superficial” backing, telling the South Florida Times, “We want to support real change.”
He added, “It's important to our owner, Stephen Ross, and our players and alumni that we support South Florida groups and organizations that are affecting change. Everyone in South Florida deserves a level playing field and we're grateful that our platform allows us to unite people representing a wide array and cross section of groups.”
Jenkins, a native of Houston, earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas Tech in 1997. In 2017, his alma mater honored him as an Outstanding Alumni Award winner. The following year, he served as Texas Tech’s commencement speaker.
"I want to thank President Lawrence Schovanec and Texas Tech University for this amazing honor," Jenkins said in a release announcing his selection. "Growing up in a family that emphasized education and the unifying power of sports, my Red Raiders experience was first class in every way. I am excited to return to Lubbock, a place that provided so many great memories and shaped me into the person and professional I am today."
Jenkins lived in Parkland with wife Elizabeth and their children Liya, Aiden and Sloane.
He supported those affected by the mass shooting at nearby Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Jenkins was a board member for the Anti-Defamation League Florida, Breakthrough Miami, Dolphins Challenge Cancer, Pro Sports Assembly, Urban League of Broward County, Women of Tomorrow and YWCA Miami.
Jenkins oversaw media outreach, public relations, social media and community efforts for the Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium and Formula One Miami Grand Prix.
Before joining the Dolphins, he worked in the media relations department for the San Francisco 49ers, served as associate athletic director at Texas Southern University and as athletic sales and promotion manager and sports communications assistant at Lehigh University.
Funeral arrangements will be communicated at a later date.
Hal Habib covers the Dolphins for The Post. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: ‘A beacon in the community': Dolphins senior VP Jason Jenkins dies
