YouTube star Kyle Van Noy is a foodie with taste for winning (he also plays football)
Dolphins fans are hungry for a winner.
But that can’t be satiated for at least for another few months.
So in the meantime, Kyle Van Noy will try to win his new city’s love through its stomach.
Van Noy — the Patriots-turned-Dolphins linebacker — is a foodie.
And he’s a talker with a flair for the dramatic.
Last fall, he combined the two with a web series called “Elite Eats,” which stars Van Noy and his wife, Marissa. The couple’s YouTube channel, Vibin’ with Van Noys, has nearly 11,000 subscribers.
The premise: “Man Vs. Food” meets “Real Sports.”
Van Noy invites friends and teammates to join him at locally owned eateries, they order half the menu and have a conversation about sports and life. Among his guests: Ted Karras, another ex-Patriot who signed with Miami in March.
At some point, hopefully soon, “Elite Eats” will make its South Florida premiere. How soon depends largely on the coronavirus pandemic. Restaurants are reopening, but many patrons are remaining away out of an abundance of caution.
Takeout and delivery orders only go so far. These business owners need help. And Van Noy, perhaps the most interesting new player, hopes to provide it.
“I’m trying to start as soon as possible, as soon as people feel comfortable going and shooting and everything’s good,” Van Noy told the Miami Herald Friday. “I want to show love to these mom and pop spots since they’ve been closed for a while.
“I’m excited for the future in Miami,” he added. “It’s special. Miami’s growing. Seems to be thriving through the times we’re in and hopefully they continue to thrive.”
Van Noy hopes to be part of that renaissance — both with his play and his civic engagement.
There’s a fresh, exciting buzz surrounding the Dolphins after a whirlwind offseason that featured tens of millions of dollars in free agent contracts and the arrival of rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Van Noy — a two-time Super Bowl champion — is one of the biggest new names. The 29-year-old from Nevada by way of BYU agreed to a four-year, $51 million contract with the Dolphins on the first day of free agency.
Suddenly, a villain became a potential hero for Dolphins fans. Van Noy is actually one of four ex-Patriots who agreed to join former New England assistant Brian Flores this offseason.
“I don’t now how many New England guys there are, but we’re going to get away from that,” Van Noy said. “We’re our own team, this is not the New England Patriots. This is the Miami Dolphins. It’s totally different, and I’m excited for that. New beginnings.
“We’re the Miami Dolphins. We’re here to represent the people of Miami. They want it bad. I can sense that. Miami’s a football town.”
With words like that, don’t be surprised if Van Noy becomes one of the most popular players on this new-look team. He has charisma that matches his ability.
“I would love that,” Van Noy said. “The only way to do that is by my play and with the help of the media, hyping it up. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t, I’m going to do everything in my power to bring it on my side. Hope [Dolphins supporters] can bring it on their side.”
Van Noy, who also has a charitable foundation that benefits adopted and foster children, plans to win over fans one tackle, and one bite, at a time.
South Florida restaurants will soon learn he’s asset. Business improved in most of the Boston-area eateries featured on “Elite Eats,” Van Noy said.
And in Miami, he plans to extend his guest list beyond just football players. He wants actors and musicians and stars of different sports to join him for a bite and a chat. Every episode includes ticket giveaways to viewers, and he plans on trying to convince his guests to throw in signed memorabilia too.
So what does Van Noy like to eat?
“It depends on my mood,” he said. “I love tacos Those are great. I love Chinese food. Sushi, I love sushi. I always like a good steak, but make steak at home. Anything and everything, you’ve got to try it once. you’ll never know if you’ll like it.”
Anything and everything — in moderation, of course.
The Dolphins list him at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds. And he needs to stick to that.
“Teams make you [maintain a weight], and me personally, I don’t want to get too out of shape,” He said. “I have to chase these young little running backs and tight ends nowadays. I have to stay fit and stay fast.”
Some advice for the new Miamian: Go easy on the croquetas.
