The Miami Dolphins have announced that Kaleb Thornhill has been named the team’s new Director of Player Development.
Ordinarily, we’d mention such a development in the one-liners only; given, however, recent off-field issues involving multiple Dolphins players and the temptations and distractions inherent to the Miami lifestyle, we believe that the job is far more important for this franchise than it is for most others.
Thornhill previously worked for the Lions, who despite being bad on the field have been fairly good off it. And the former NCAA middle linebacker knows a thing or two about being around players who find trouble, or vice-versa -- he spent three years at middle linebacker at Michigan State, which has contributed more than a few problem children to the NFL.
The four-time All-Academic Big Ten Selection served as team captain in 2007, and he received Michigan State’s Potsy Ross Scholar/Athlete Award in 2007. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in human resources and a Master’s in kinesiology, with an concentration in sports administration.