Dolphins’ offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn prioritizes giving back

For Isaiah Wynn, inspirational text messages with family and friends grew from something he enjoyed reading every Wednesday in high school and college to a full-fledged nonprofit.

But launching Win with Wynn was just the beginning.

The Miami Dolphins’ now hosts free football clinics at his former high school and awards five scholarships to local high school graduates each year. This summer, he held his first offensive line camp as well as his second annual Back-to-School Bash, where he donated school supplies and backpacks at Campbell Park Recreation Center.

“It started as us just sending a quote or something inspirational to each other every week,” said Wynn from the sideline of his clinic at Lakewood High School this summer. “Then it just transformed into not only sharing words of encouragement but actually being more hands on and giving back to the community and all different walks of life.”

Wynn has tried to never take his opportunities for granted.

After graduating from Lakewood High School in 2014, he went on to play at the University of Georgia for four years. He played 11 games as a true freshman and started 25 of the 26 games during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. He was named first team All-SEC in 2017.

“It was a transition – that balance of not only being an athlete but being a student,” said Wynn, a 6 foot 3-inch, 300-pound offensive guard, of being a Bulldog. “That added some extra motivation. You only have a limited time in college.”

He began his professional career as a first-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 2018, where he played until 2022, securing that coveted Super Bowl ring at the end of the 2018 season. Wynn recently began his second season with the Dolphins.

“It’s an honor to get to represent my school and my city,” Wynn said. “I’ve always been surrounded by people who give back. Being able to come back and give back to the community is all I’ve ever really wanted to do.”

Lakewood’s playing field is not exactly as he remembered. The grass fields have been transformed into turf with a bold Spartan logo on the 50-yard line. But Wynn said there is no better feeling than being back at his alma mater working with players who otherwise might not have this opportunity.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all because he’s always had a big heart; he’s always been very generous,” said Lakewood Head Varsity Football Coach Cory Moore, who took over in 2008 and graduated from Lakewood in 1994. “Everything he is now is just an intensified version of the person he has always been.”

Wynn recalls the camaraderie with his high school teammates as some of the best memories of his life. He remembers great coaches and teachers and the collective goal of raising good young men and women.

“This is Hollywood High,” Wynn said, referring to Lakewood’s nickname due to it producing several celebrities, including dozens of NFL players.

On the field during camp, Wynn laughed, danced and high-fived the players. He also promised attendees they were going to work hard and learn a lot. Wynn said playing the game should be fun. It's also a blessing to wake up and do it every day.

“It takes hard work and a lot of consistency as well as people to help keep you on track,” Wynn said. “You have to be determined. You have to be able to see the vision to keep going.”