Luongo, McDuffie headline ’19 honorees
Panthers goaltender, Dolphins receiver to local hall of fame
Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver O.J. McDuffie and Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo are among the six new inductees to the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame.
Tamara James (Miami Hurricanes basketball), Dr. Guy Harvey (fishing), Eddie Rodger (soccer) and Jesse Vassallo (swimming) will join McDuffie and Luongo as part of the
Class of 2019.
In its 21st straight year, the Hall of Fame recognizes former and current Broward County residents who have made a significant impact to the county’s sports industry. The six new members will be honored at the Hall of Fame’s Annual Sports Banquet and Induction Dinner on Oct. 29 at the the Broward County Convention Center.
One of Dan Marino’s top receivers during the ’90s, McDuffie spent his entire eight-year NFL career (1993-2000) with the Dolphins, totaling 415 receptions
for 5,074 yards and 29 touchdowns. In 1998, the Plantation resident led the NFL in receptions, tallying a career-best 90 catches. The wideout is fourth on the franchise’s career receptions list with 415.
A 19-year NHL veteran, Luongo spent 11 seasons as the Panthers’ starting goalie.
The franchise’s all-time leader in games played, wins and shutouts, Luongo was a fan favorite throughout his two stints in South Florida.
The Parkland resident is
one of three goalies in NHL history to play in 1,000 career games.
The all-time leading scorer in University of Miami basketball history, James was later a firstround pick in the WNBA draft. The South Broward High alum played nine seasons professionally before retiring. James, who won three state titles in high school, now serves as a Dania Beach city commissioner.
Rodger, a Plantation resident is the founder and president of KICS International, a marketing, promotions and operations company based in South Florida. He was formerly
the general manager for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
A two-time US Olympian swimmer, Vassalo is a three-time world record holder. The coach for the Pompano Beach Piranhas Swim Team has previously been inducted to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, the University of Miami’s Hall of Fame, the Puerto Rican Hall of Fame and the Japanese Swimmers Hall of Fame.
An artist, biologist, angler, conservationist and explorer, Harvey heads the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and the Guy Harvey Research Institute at Nova Southeastern University.