The third edition of Sports Fishing Competition’s The Catch, presented by Verizon, returned to Fort Lauderdale’s picturesque marina this past April. The event brought together current and former NFL players to compete in an offshore pro-am alongside 16 professional SFC angling clubs and independent competitors.
Hosted at Pier Sixty-Six, this year’s tournament delivered memorable competition and set the stage for an even more intense event in 2026. The event was emceed by Cleveland Browns quarterback and former Florida State standout Jameis Winston.
Jameis Winston © Aoife O’Riordan
Many notable NFL players took to the water, enjoying a mix of friendly competition and camaraderie. Participants included Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints), Zay Flowers (Baltimore Ravens), James Cook (Buffalo Bills), Raheem Mostert (Las Vegas Raiders), DeAndre Hopkins (Baltimore Ravens), O’Cyrus Torrence (Buffalo Bills), Leonard Williams (Seattle Seahawks), Starling Thomas (Arizona Cardinals), Michael Pittman Jr. (Indianapolis Colts), Dalvin Cook (Dallas Cowboys), Bryant McKinnie (Minnesota Vikings), Quincy Williams (New York Giants), Jeffrey Simmons (Tennessee Titans), and Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals).
Jeffrey Simmons (right) © Aoife O’Riordan
Beyond the competitive action, The Catch offered opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. Artists Brian Kelley and Chris Lane performed poolside at Pier Sixty-Six, giving attendees a chance to unwind between tournaments and festivities.
On competition day, anglers and NFL players landed several exciting catches. Jeffrey Simmons notably landed a sailfish, a highlight of the day’s sportfishing. After a full day on the water, the 2025 The Catch champions were crowned: the West Florida Black Flags claimed the top honors.
All proceeds and support from The Catch benefit the Coast Guard Foundation, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting members of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families. The event continues to blend high-level sportfishing with charitable support and community engagement, reinforcing its place on the calendar for anglers and athletes alike.