Cameron's demeanor is hooking fans
BY MANNY NAVARRO
mnavarro@MiamiHerald.com
Cam Cameron has not coached a game, but the Dolphins' new leader appears to be a step ahead of the guy he replaced when it comes to at least one facet of the job -- his relationship with the community.
Although rough seas and bad weather caused the cancellation of Saturday's 11th annual Miami Dolphins Fishing Tournament, at least one former and one current player said Cameron's presence at community events is winning them and fans over more than when Nick Saban was coach.
''Cameron really gets into the community stuff a lot more than Saban did,'' linebacker Channing Crowder said at Friday night's Captain's Party at Miami Beach Marina. ``A lot more guys want to come out to these things. He brings out a lot more of the old players, makes it kind of a Dolphin family really.
``With Saban, it was much more about winning on the field. Cam runs a much better overall program and I think Cam is great for Miami.''
Former Dolphins receiver Nat Moore agreed.
''Nick was committed, but not really committed,'' Moore said. ``So, you didn't have this kind of turnout. You look at it, you got Cam Cameron and now you see all your marquee players here. It just shows you, everything is strong in the leadership and the Miami Dolphins want to be in the forefront here in South Florida doing things the right way.''
To be fair, Saban, now at Alabama, did attend the same event during his two seasons in Miami and spoke at both dinners, according to Dolphins media personnel. But unlike Saban, who spent those evenings flanked by security, Cameron spent most of Friday night on his own, working his way around the tent and greeting the public. He shook hands, posed for photos and introduced himself and two of his children, Tommy, 13, and Chris, 9, to fans and anglers.
Cameron, who grew up fishing in Indiana, said he had been looking forward to the tournament since getting the job.
''I caught a huge sailfish in about 15 minutes at the Orange Bowl Splash about 10 years ago,'' Cameron said. ``I still got it in my house.''
Last year, the event raised more than $300,000 for local charities. On Saturday night, the team raised a similar amount in a silent auction.
• Crowder, who played football at Florida, said he was sad to see UF basketball coach Billy Donovan leave for the Orlando Magic.
''He went for the money,'' Crowder said. ``Nick Saban did it. Billy made a lot of money and thought about himself right there. But I'm not mad at him. He brought us two national championships, put Florida on the map basketball-wise. So good luck to him.''
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