Jun 25, 2009 6:48 pm US/Eastern
Estefans Buy Small Piece Of Miami Dolphins
Estefans Are The First Cuban-Americans To Hold An Ownership Stake In A NFL Franchise
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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Gloria and Emilio Estefan receive Miami Dolphins team jerseys at the news conference announcing they are now minority owners of the team.
CBS
For the second time in as many months, the Miami Dolphins have announced a partnership with a major entertainer.
Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross announced Thursday that international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, producer Emilio Estefan, are now minority owners of the team.
The Estefans are the first Cuban-Americans to hold an ownership stake in a NFL franchise and one of the few Hispanics league-wide to hold this unique distinction.
The announcement was made Thursday during a news conference at Land Shark Stadium.
"I have always said that ownership should reflect the wonderful diversity of South Florida," said Ross, "and having Emilio and Gloria join the team as minority partners is just the first step towards including many of the diverse elements of this community as part of our ownership group. In addition, the Estefans are known internationally as true visionaries in entrepreneurship, entertainment and business. We are looking forward to their contributions to help enhance the game-day experience for our fans, which has been one of my priorities from the very start of my ownership. I am honored and excited that they are connected with the Miami Dolphins in this way." concluded Ross.
The Estefans are extremely proud to be involved with the team.
"I remember like it was yesterday the feeling of pride that we felt in 1972 when the Miami Dolphins made history by having an undefeated season. Gloria and I feel that same sense of pride today in becoming partners with Steve Ross and the Miami Dolphins franchise. Steve has an incredible passion for the team and is a man who truly understands and appreciates the diversity in our community. We are proud to be sharing in this new era of the Miami Dolphins with visionaries like Steve and Jimmy Buffet who love South Florida. This is a historical moment for all Latino's. A moment that proves that dreams do come true!" said Emilio Estefan.
Last month, Ross also began a partnership with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville enterprise, which includes Land Shark Lager. Buffett has yet to accept Ross' invitation to become a minority owner, but the Dolphins' stadium has been renamed Land Shark Stadium for this season.
The Estefan family has been a fixture in the Hispanic community since breaking out with major hits in the 1980's. Emilio Estefan has produced for artists like Shakira and Ricky Martin.
Gloria recently recorded the opening of Monday Night Football's signature theme song for the Dolphins' two nationally televised games on ESPN. The song,
"Are You Ready For Some Football," was recorded in collaboration with Hank Williams Jr.
Gloria will also participate with Monday Night Football for the Dolphins' game against the New York Jets on October 12, in conjunction with the NFL celebration of Hispanic Heritage month.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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