Miami Dolphins fans might feel a little strange watching former defensive end Olivier Vernon in a New York Giants uniform for the upcoming season.
But for Vernon, his heart will always be in Miami where his roots lie.
He graduated from American High School and played at the University of Miami, and the Dolphins selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft.
Playing for his hometown team was a dream well-founded but an offer that made him the highest paid defensive player in NFL history sent him to New York, breaking ties with his tropical upbringing for a city where the temperature can drop below zero on game day in December.
Vernon, who played four seasons with the Dolphins, signed a five-year, $85 million contract ($52.5 million guaranteed), which is more than what MVP defensive end J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans earned, according to NFL.com.
In his first four seasons with Miami, Vernon earned $3.68 million. With New York, he’ll earn $29 million in his first year.
“Despite the possible chance of snow, I think I’ll be okay,” Vernon told reporters the day he signed his contract with the Giants. “I wouldn’t mind trying to shovel it myself.”
The Dolphins, who finished last season with a 6-10 record and missed the postseason for the sixth consecutive season, has to fill a void left by Vernon’s departure.
Miami believes defensive end Mario Williams, who played for the Buffalo Bills last season, is their man, along with Braden Albert, Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh.
In his four seasons with the Dolphins, Vernon recorded 194 tackles, 29 sacks and forced four fumbles. His career highlight came in his rookie season against the New York Jets when he scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone.
In the same game, Vernon blocked a field goal in the final seconds of the game.
Vernon said he’s so grateful for the opportunity to play for his childhood team.
“I appreciate the opportunity I was given by the Dolphins Organization to stay in my hometown and play for a great city,” he said. “But now it’s time to take this next step and be a part of something different.”