While Miami Dolphins players wait for the expected opening of training camp next month, Xavien Howard is making sure to aid the South Florida community as it continues to deal with the coronavirus.
Dolphins CB Xavien Howard spent his morning giving out free breakfast, masks and autographs to the South Florida community at Sunday’s Eatery, a black-owned soul food restaurant. One of several athletes making a difference in their communities during the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/uJpPxEUlZI
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) June 13, 2020
The 26-year-old Howard is preparing to start his fifth season as a member of the Dolphins and hopes to avoid a major injury, which last year limited him to just five games.
Howard dealt with knee trouble last year that first put him on the injured reserve list and then eventually led to surgery that ended his season.
Those health woes were a blow to Howard, who was coming off a Pro Bowl campaign in 2018. During that season, he led the NFL in interceptions with seven and also knocked away 12 other passes.
One of the byproducts of Howard’s outstanding 2018 season was a five-year contract extension worth a possible $75.25 million, with $27.2 million of that amount guaranteed.
The Dolphins bolstered the other corner spot during the offseason when they signed free agent cornerback Byron Jones to an even more lucrative contract. Howard and Jones are expected to be pushed by one of the Dolphins’ first-round picks, rookie cornerback, Noah Igbinoghene.
However, until all the players get on the field, it’s clear that Howard’s focus is on helping the South Florida community deal with the coronavirus in any way that he can.
