Former Miami Dolphins Linebacker Delivers Meals to Seniors

John Offerdahl's nonprofit provides fresh food and companionship to homebound older adults in Broward County

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:31pm

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John Offerdahl, a former Miami Dolphins linebacker, has started a nonprofit called Hand Off Meals for Seniors that delivers fresh meals to hundreds of homebound seniors in Broward County, Florida. What started as a favor to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross to help feed people during the pandemic has turned into a larger effort to address food insecurity and loneliness among the elderly population in South Florida.

Why it matters

Florida has the second-highest percentage of residents aged 65 and older in the United States, and many of these seniors in Broward County live at or near the poverty level, unable to access healthy foods and often suffering from debilitating loneliness. Offerdahl's program aims to provide nutritious meals and companionship to this vulnerable population.

The details

Offerdahl's Off The Grill, the restaurant he owns, partners with civic, business, and faith organizations to prepare and deliver the meals. Volunteer drivers call the restaurant 30 minutes before their delivery time so the fresh food is ready. The program is part of Offerdahl's Hand Off Foundation, which has served over 1 million meals across South Florida since 2012.

  • The Hand Off Meals for Seniors program was started during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
  • The Hand Off Foundation has been serving meals across South Florida since 2012.

The players

John Offerdahl

A former Miami Dolphins linebacker who owns the Offerdahl's Off The Grill restaurant and founded the Hand Off Foundation, which runs the Hand Off Meals for Seniors program.

Stephen Ross

The owner of the Miami Dolphins, who asked Offerdahl and other Dolphins alumni to help feed people during the pandemic, which led to the creation of the Hand Off Meals for Seniors program.

Debra Pinto

A volunteer who delivers meals for both the Hand Off Meals for Seniors program and Meals on Wheels.

Barbara "BJ" Mundy

A recipient of the Hand Off Meals for Seniors program who expresses gratitude for the service and companionship provided by the volunteer drivers.

Ellen Crane

A volunteer driver for the Hand Off Meals for Seniors program who delivers meals to Barbara "BJ" Mundy.

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What they’re saying

“If you think about it, like, that's what a team does – it unites during tough times. It finds its resources. It extends itself out into the community.”

— John Offerdahl, Former Miami Dolphins Linebacker (CBS Miami)

“Also deliver for Meals on Wheels, and that's where I do 10, and I just found out that I can get more deliveries from hands off.”

— Debra Pinto, Volunteer (CBS Miami)

“The volunteer delivery driver will do is they'll call any of our restaurant partners 30 minutes before they arrive, so that we can have the fresh food waiting for them.”

— John Offerdahl, Former Miami Dolphins Linebacker (CBS Miami)

“I can only speak for myself when I say, thank you.”

— Barbara "BJ" Mundy (CBS Miami)

“Oh, this woman is just a bright light.”

— Ellen Crane, Volunteer (CBS Miami)

What’s next

The Hand Off Meals for Seniors program plans to continue expanding its reach and delivering more meals to homebound seniors in Broward County.

The takeaway

Offerdahl's program demonstrates how former professional athletes can use their platform and resources to make a meaningful impact on their local community, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly who struggle with food insecurity and loneliness.