Off the football field, Vernon Carey is helping local families tackle some major needs.
Credit: Carey Family Foundation
Vernon Carey has worn plenty of jerseys through the years, from Miami Northwestern High School to the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins. These days, however, the former NFL offensive lineman says his most important role has little to do with football.
Now a Davie resident, Carey has quietly built a life centered on family, philanthropy and investing in South Florida's next generation through the Carey Family Foundation.
"I’ve stayed in Broward because when I got drafted [in 2004 as the 19th overall pick], I moved to play for the Dolphins in Davie and I kind of just stayed here, made it home," Carey told Browardist.
That homegrown connection continues to shape nearly everything the foundation does.
Earlier this week, Carey, his wife LaTavia and the Carey Family Foundation teamed with DICK'S Sporting Goods to send 20 children from the Carver Ranches Boys & Girls Club on a $300 back-to-school shopping spree after completing the foundation's summer reading program. Each child received $150 from the foundation and a matching $150 from DICK'S Sporting Goods, helping families stock up on school essentials before classes begin.
"We had 20 kids that came from the Boys and Girls Club where my wife held a reading book club," Carey said. "We were like, 'Let's reward the kids.' They volunteered. They were in camp all summer.
He added that watching the children shop alongside their families made the day especially meaningful.
"They were just so excited," Carey said. "I know it was a blessing for the parents taking some pressure off of them with things being so high now."
The shopping event is one piece of a much broader mission. Over the years, the Carey Family Foundation has awarded scholarships, hosted father-daughter dances, organized cooking classes, supported youth development initiatives and delivered holiday gifts to families at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.
Earlier this year, the foundation presented $20,000 in scholarships — along with MacBooks — to graduating seniors from Miami Northwestern, Miami Central, Miami Norland and Miami Carol City high schools.
"Me being from here, that's what is true to my heart," Carey said. "You have good guys like Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning too... me being from here, I wanted to do my part."
When he isn't working through the foundation, Carey says life revolves around his children. His oldest son is playing basketball, while his daughter keeps him busy traveling to volleyball matches.
"I don't really do too much no more," he said with a laugh. "I do more things around just my kids."
Football, meanwhile, remains close to his heart. Carey still closely follows his alma mater and expects another exciting season from the Hurricanes.
"I think they're going to have another good ride this year," he said. "They got a good quarterback. So as long as you got a good quarterback, you go far."
The next major fundraiser for the Carey Family Foundation arrives Monday, Oct. 12, when its 17th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament returns to The Club at Weston Hills. The event is expected to welcome to-be-announced former NFL standouts who will join Carey out on the course.
