Former Florida Tech Panther Gabe Hughes Living Out His NFL Dream With the Miami Dolphins

By  //  August 8, 2016

Gabe-Hughes-Dolphins-580-2
In April, Hughes signed as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins, becoming the first player in Florida Tech Panthers history to sign an NFL contract. (Instagram Image)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – For tight end Gabe Hughes, a standout at Highlands Christian High Academy in Pompano Beach, Florida, the NFL was always the dream. And after three seasons with Florida Tech football, that wish came true.

In April, Hughes signed as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins, becoming the first player in Florida Tech Panthers history to sign an NFL contract.

The great news hits home—literally.

Hughes grew up approximately 30 minutes from the Dolphins’ stadium, formerly known as Sun Life Stadium. Looking back, Hughes remembers not exactly being a strong player on the field.




ABOVE VIDEO: Gabe Hughes speaks with Alan Zlotorzynski from Space Coast Daily following a two catch 100 yard performance during a Panthers win early last season. One of those catches was one of  the two 80-yarders he turned into long touchdowns last season.

“I was never as big or as filled out as I am now. Most of my best friends make fun of me because I was not the best player when we were little,” 

Hughes was with Florida Tech football from the very beginning. He played for three seasons in Crimson and Gray after transferring from Western Michigan. Over the course of his career he racked up 1,244 yards and 10 touchdowns on 74 receptions.

Hughes snagged all-region honors each of the past two seasons and was named Honorable Mention All-American by D2Football.com following his senior season.

The tight end has proven to possess exceptional breakaway speed, taking the two longest receptions in school-history to the end zone. Hughes housed an 80-yard score against Valdosta State in the Panthers’ regular season finale in 2014 and replicated the feat this past season against West Alabama.




ABOVE VIDEO: Gabe Hughes speaks with Steve Wilson from Space Coast Daily after he hauled in four catch for 77 yards and two touchdowns over the then No.1 ranked team in D2 football, the University of West Georgia Bulldogs. The November 7 win came during homecoming and was UWG’s first loss of the season.

Because Hughes paved the way with a relatively new Division II football program, many people are learning about Florida Tech for the first time.

Miami Dolphins To Host Atlanta Falcons In NFL Preseason Game At Camping World StadiumRelated Story:
Miami Dolphins To Host Atlanta Falcons In NFL Preseason Game At Camping World Stadium

“Probably every single person I’ve told that’s not from Central Florida asked me where it’s at, how long we’ve had football,” Hughes stated.

Speaking with the Dolphins website recently, Hughes said, “I just tell them it’s near Orlando, on the beach, good place to be. I have so much support not only from family and friends outside of the school, but teammates from the team there that started playing there when we started up.

“It’s kind of just building a path for them to get into the NFL and get an opportunity as well,” 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FLORIDA TECH PANTHERS SPORTS