"Inside a Dick's Sporting Goods on Tuesday, Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown helped Kevin Catin, 12, into a pair of black basketball sneakers, Size 8 ½. With the laces tied tight, Catin jumped as high as he could, testing out the potential purchase.

``You'll probably be able to dunk in those!'' Brown joked.

Just as he has done on every one of his days off this season, the recipient of the Dolphins' Man of the Year award was again absorbed into the community Tuesday making more kids smile, this time as part of the team's area-wide Holiday Blitz event.

There was only one disheartening aspect of this particular event for Brown: It might also be his last one in South Florida. And that's a scary prospect for one of the area's most well-liked athletes.

``I haven't given up hope,'' said Brown, whose contract with the Dolphins expires after this season. ``I know there's a chance I won't be back here. You know, that's something I think about. It's tough because I've grown so attached to this community and this area.''

This might not enhance his leverage at the negotiating table, but Brown is simply too honest to hide his feelings about his current situation. During an interview with The Miami Herald on Tuesday, Brown said he doesn't want to leave the Dolphins.

He doesn't want to sign anywhere else."