Episode XIX: Pro Football Hall of Famer Dwight Stephenson

The 19th edition of Whe're They At features 5-time All-Pro, Pro Football Hall of Fame Center and member of the NFL 100 All-Time Team, Dwight Stephenson. He was a major part of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team's consecutive National Championships in the late-70's. He was drafted in the 2nd round by the Miami Dolphins in 1980. In just eight seasons in the NFL, he was a 5-time All-Pro/Pro Bowler, 1985 NFL Man of the Year and was universally known as the Best Center in football. Dwight was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2019, he was named a member of the NFL 100 All-Time, recognizing the top 100 players in the 100-year history of National Football League. During retirement, he created a successful construction company (D. Stephenson Construction) as well as an impactful foundation, bearing his name (www.dwightstephenson.org). Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Dwight on a variety of topics including:                01:37-Talks about his well-respected construction company based in South Florida.                          03:38-How his family and business is doing during the pandemic?    04:35-On how his parents and siblings established his foundation for excellence.                       06:37-How did his family become Minnesota Vikings fans while being based in Hampton, Virginia?                        08:25-Dwight was a basketball player and fan growing up.                  08:51-The importance of the Center position for an offense.                                              10:18-On his time at the University of Alabama under the tutelage of the legendary Paul 'Bear' Bryant.                    14:30-Similarities and differences between both his iconic leaders, Coach Bryant and the recently departed Coach Don Shula.                   16:00-On Coach Shula's amazing adaptability with his Miami Dolphins in the 1980's.                      19:41-Shares a funny and insightful story about Coach Shula.                        22:11-On how he prepared for his opponents, facilitating his dominance.                       27:28-Reflects on the accomplishment of becoming the Captain of the Miami Dolphins.                  29:06-On the honor of winning the NFL Man of the Year (now named after Walter Payton), being recognized for his community service.                          30:22-Provides an update on his Dwight Stevenson Foundation.                      32:04-On the Monday Night Football game in 1987 that ended his prestigious career.                         35:12-On mentoring teammates and other NFL players.                        37:22-Emphasizes how important it is for current players to know the history of the game.                         41:01-On his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame without his older sister, Joyce.                        44:38-Proud of making the NFL 100 All-Time List.                      46:15-His feelings on Pro Football Focus naming their annual Best Player award after him.                   47:14-Does he see the 2020 NFL season starting on time?                       48:26-Has Coach Nick Saban passed Coach Bryant as the best leader in Univ. of Alabama football history?                   51:33-Impressed with the job Coach Brian Flores is doing in rebuilding the current Dolphins.                     52:42-Should fellow Univ. of Alabama standout Tua Tagovailoa start in his rookie year or 'reshirt'?                  55:56-Names two current centers that he's impressed with.                      56:40-On his son, Dwight Jr.'s football aspirations and did he feel pressure to measure up to him?                  58:06-NO HUDDLE segment of random questions for Dwight.                     1:03:56-Picks four players on his University of Alabama football Mount Rushmore.                       Follow Whe're They At on www.twitter.com/whe_retheyat, www.instagram.com/whe.retheyat and www.facebook.com/whe.retheyatpodcast/ !                   Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website as well: www.nabateisles.com