Miami Dolphins wide receiver and Hayward-born Davone Bess has found a way to keep himself productive this offseason while helping others at the same time. Bess has spent a chunk of this lockout-fueled offseason volunteering in Costa Rica as part of Global Volunteers. While owners and players are duking it out in court, Bess has been helping dig drainage ditches and lay tile for the people of Canitas.
Bess has quietly developed into a solid, reliable receiver for the Dolphins after going undrafted out of the University of Hawaii. In 2010 he put together career-highs in receptions (79), yards (820) and touchdowns (5) and signed a three-year contract extension with the Dolphins.
Bess grew up in the East Bay and attended Skyline High School. After graduating from Skyline in 2003 and dominating in football, he left for Oregon State where he had received a football scholarship. However, he lost his scholarship after being sentenced to 21 months in a juvenile facility after allowing a friend to place stolen items in his car. After serving his time Hawaii gave him a second chance and he pounced on it, putting up record-breaking numbers with the Warriors.
Amidst all the turmoil of this NFL offseason, it's nice to see a player doing some good and taking advantage of his opportunities in life. Combine that with his emergence in the NFL and it's a great story.