Six ex-Dolphins sign deals to retire with team.

Defensive tackle Paul Soliai, one of six ex-Dolphins to sign a oneday contract Thursday so they could officially retire as Miami Dolphins players, wept as he expressed his gratitude to the organization for drafting him and providing him an opportunity for an NFL career.

“I just want to thank the Dolphins for everything,” he said, pausing to wipe tears, “for just believing in my talent, drafting me. It’s great to be up here…I’m very blessed, very humble.”

Among the players honored during a ceremony at the team’s facility in Davie were wide receiver Chris Chambers (2001-07), offensive tackle Vernon Carey (2004-11), defensive end Jeff Cross (1988-95), linebacker/ defensive end A.J. Duhe (1977-84), Soliai (2007-13) and punter Brandon Fields (2007-14).

Their careers span a large chunk of franchise history, starting in 1977 when Don Shula was coach, Larry Csonka was running the ball, and the Orange Bowl was the home stadium. Their careers go all the way through 2014, not long after Hall-of-Fame defensive end Jason Taylor retired, a time when the team was caught in a cycle of six- to eight-win seasons while playing under coach Joe Philbin at Hard Rock Stadium.

Although a few of the players only played for the Dolphins in the NFL, none technically retired as Dolphins because they were either released, traded or played for others teams during their careers.

Carey, who attended Miami Northwestern High School and the University of Miami, spoke of how nice it was to spend his entire career in his hometown.

“The Dolphins are just home for me...this has been a blessing so I’d just like to say thank you,” he said.

Chambers said he felt a bit “empty” after leaving Miami and said it was nice to get a chance to retire as a Dolphin.

“Now I feel like I’m complete to be honest with you,” he said.

Cross, who said he’s only missed three Dolphins games since retiring, said, “I consider myself a life-long Miami Dolphin, always will be.”

Fields’ one-day contract included a Katie Fields clause, named for his wife, which would pay him $10 million for being in the top five in gross punting yardage, and a Skyler, Trace and Norma clause, named for his children, that would pay him $1.2 million for being in the top five in net punting. It was a way for Fields to include his family in the ceremony.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to start my career and end my career with Miami,” he said.

The Dolphins are among the NFL’s most active franchises honoring their alumni between the Honor Roll and Walk of Fame at Hard Rock Stadium, as well as numerous alumni-specific events.

Duhe said if he was invited to such a ceremony right after he left the Dolphins he wouldn’t have attended. “I was a little bitter after leaving…it was bitter for a while but you grow past that, sweep it under the carpet.”

Duhe, perhaps speaking for all six players being honored, said of the ceremony, “It’s heart-warming.”