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John Offerdahl: The Gridiron Griller

Affectionately known as "The Gridiron Griller," former Miami Dolphins Linebacker John Offerdahl has always given 100% with every task he performs, on and off the field.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, John developed a love of football from an early age. He played defense for Western Michigan University and was inducted into the Mid-American Conference in 2013 for setting the career record of tackles (694) and holding the career record for recovered fumbles (8).

John was a second-round draft pick for the Miami Dolphins and a valuable asset for the team throughout his entire career. His impressive accolades on the field include being named Rookie of the Year in 1986, being picked five times in a row for the NFL Pro-Bowl team and being inducted as the 26th member of the Dolphin Honor Roll in 2013.

During the height of his football career, John and his wife Lynn opened a small bagel store in Weston, which grew in size and popularity, eventually becoming Einstein Bagels in 1995.  In 2000, they once again entered the restaurant business with Offerdahl's Café Grill, a chain of fast-casual eateries specializing in fresh-baked baguettes, bagels and pastries alongside soups, sandwiches and just-grilled steak, shrimp, chicken and salmon complemented by fresh vegetables and appetizing side dishes.

Combining his passions for football, food and philanthropy, John formed the "John Offerdahl's Broward Health® Gridiron Grill-Off Food & Wine Festival" in 2010, pairing Miami Dolphins legends with top South Florida chefs to compete in a culinary showdown for charity.  This annual fundraiser for Offerdahl's Hand-Off Foundation, has greatly impacted various local charitable organizations, including 4KIDS of South Florida, HOPE South Florida, Here's Help, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, The Miami Dolphins Foundation and Taste of the NFL.

To lend your support to these great local causes, purchase VIP and regularly-priced admission tickets to the sixth annual John Offerdahl's Broward Health® Gridiron Grill-Off Food & Wine Festival featuring celebrity guest Adam Richman on Saturday, November 14 at the Pompano Beach Amphitheater, visit us online.

Above content is provided by Gridiron Grill-Off

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