Tom Wilson, Team Staff Member
Tom Wilson, Head Groundskeeper for the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, exemplifies the core values of the NFL's Salute to Service campaign—honoring, empowering, and connecting service members, veterans, and their families.
From 1993 to 1997, Wilson proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. After completing boot camp at Parris Island in South Carolina, his first duty station was Millington, Tennessee, where he joined the USMC Crash Fire Rescue unit—now known as Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Specialists. These elite service members are trained to respond to aircraft emergencies, extinguish fires, secure equipment and landing gear, perform pilot rescues, and conduct aircraft inspections.
In 1994, Wilson deployed to Iwakuni, Japan, before continuing his service at Cherry Point, North Carolina. When his military firefighting credentials didn't immediately transfer to civilian qualifications, he faced a delay in joining the fire academy. During that waiting period, Wilson sought temporary employment—and found a new path that would eventually lead him to his current role in sports turf management.