Maybe Abe Vigoda will show

This probably shouldn’t come as a surprise when you’re struggling as much as the Miami Dolphins, but it could be a trend in the NFL: The Dolphins are paying people to show up at games.

Now don’t get too carried away. They’re paying the expenses only of celebrities, who get their flights, hotels, lunch money and Dolphins garb for free, according to the Palm Beach Post.

What do the celebs have to do? Not much. Just smile when they’re featured on the in-stadium screens and also look nice. Fair enough.

So far, the biggest star to take part is Oscar-nominated (“Hustle & Flow”) Terrence Howard. Matthew McConaughey was supposed to be there with Howard, but he wanted a private jet. Diddy just didn’t show up.

Doris Porter, public relations director for the NFL Alumni Assn., is the point person for the Dolphins on the project. She wanted Britney Spears, Kevin Federline and Lindsay Lohan, but was overruled.

This will somehow all work out down the line, but there could be another way for the Dolphins to get noticed. Anybody consider hiring better players?

Trivia time

The U.S. Bowling Congress holds its finals for the USBC Masters today at Miller Park in Milwaukee. What is the attendance record for this event?

Program note

The YES Network has begun its third season of “Yogi and a Movie,” co-hosted by Yogi Berra.

At least we’ll know when it’s over.

Blimp news

You surely won’t want to miss a single minute of this, because today is going to be a huge day for blimps, specifically the MetLife blimps Snoopy One and Snoopy Two.

But wait, there’s more.

Things will get so absolutely wild, they’re also sending up a celebratory blimp. Yes, Snoopy Three is hitting the air.

The trio will cruise over NFL games for CBS telecasts, all of them partying to observe the 20th anniversary of the maiden voyage of MetLife’s blimp program.

That’s a lot of hot air. And you thought you could only find that in the broadcast booth.

Not blimp news

Stylish IRL driver Danica Patrick wants more endorsement deals from a woman’s point of view, such as fashion, fragrance and beauty products. Meanwhile, Paul Swangard, managing director of the Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon, offered some advice in USA Today:

“She needs to win a race.”

But hurry

Here’s a quote on the New York Yankees manager’s situation, from team executive Hank Steinbrenner: “I think the most important thing is, whoever we hire, give him a chance.”

This came from a Steinbrenner?

Something’s fishy

The Collegiate Bass Anglers Assn. is considering applying to the NCAA for recognition, according to the Wall Street Journal. The idea is to start college fishing teams.

Wait until the U.S. Brewery Assn. hears about this.

Clue: talk money

Paul Kelly, new executive director of the NHL Players Assn., said one of his first moves will be to visit as many of the more than 700 NHLPA members as he can and ask them to take an interest in the union.

If Kelly really wants to be successful, he should get recruiters from the Bass Anglers Assn. to come along.

Trivia answer

The record was 7,212 for the 1995 U.S. Open at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The Masters drew 4,304 when it was held at Miller Park in 2004.

And finally

There is “Friday Night Lights” and there was “Playmakers,” and soon there may be “Jock Itch.” Dallas Cowboys cornerback Nate Jones is producing a TV pilot about a couple of high school football teammates who leave their tiny hometown and move to Dallas and start their careers in businesses off the field. Said Jones: “I wanted to take a funnier approach.”

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thomas.bonk@latimes.com