Troy Vincent facts for kids
Vincent in 2012
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| No. 23 | |||||||||||||||||
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| Position: | Cornerback | ||||||||||||||||
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| Born: | June 8, 1970 Trenton, New Jersey, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 200 lb (91 kg) | ||||||||||||||||
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| High school: | Pennsbury (Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania) |
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| College: | Wisconsin (1988–1991) | ||||||||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1992 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7 | ||||||||||||||||
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College Football Hall of Fame
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Troy Darnell Vincent Sr. (born June 8, 1970) is an American sports leader and former professional football player. He played as a cornerback for several teams in the National Football League (NFL). These teams included the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and Washington Redskins.
The Dolphins picked him seventh overall in the 1992 NFL draft. He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers. In 2023, he was honored by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Troy Vincent has also been nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame multiple times.
He is a member of the Sports Hall of Fame for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is also in the Hall of Fame for the State of Pennsylvania, the University of Wisconsin, and Pennsbury High School. Today, Vincent is the executive vice president of football operations for the NFL.
Contents
Early Life and Football Start
Troy Vincent was born in Trenton, New Jersey. He grew up in the Wilbur section of east Trenton. He and his younger brother, Sam, were raised by their mother, Alma. When he was young, he was most interested in playing basketball.
His family moved to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, before he started seventh grade. After a short time back in Trenton, he finished high school at Pennsbury High School. There, he was encouraged to try out for the football team. He became a star player for the Pennsbury Falcons. He also played football with the Morrisville Little Bulldogs.
College Career and Education
Vincent started at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1988. He played cornerback for the Wisconsin Badgers. In 1991, he became an All-American player under coach Barry Alvarez.
Before the 1992 NFL draft, Vincent set records for the Badgers. He had 13 passes defended in one season and 31 in his career. He finished his college time with 192 tackles and four interceptions. He also returned three punts for touchdowns. In his last season, he was named team captain and MVP. He joined the University of Wisconsin Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2023, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Vincent studied urban planning and development at the University of Wisconsin. He later finished his studies at Thomas Edison State College in Trenton. He earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts in 2007. He also has special business certificates from top schools. These include Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Professional Football Journey
Troy Vincent was a top pick in the 1992 NFL draft. He played for several teams during his career.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins chose Vincent as the seventh pick in the first round of the 1992 NFL draft. He quickly became the team's starting left cornerback. In his first year, he helped the Dolphins reach the AFC Championship Game. During his time in Miami, he made 14 interceptions. He was also one of the team leaders in tackles.
Philadelphia Eagles
In 1996, Vincent joined his hometown team, the Philadelphia Eagles. He played eight seasons with them. From 1999 to 2003, Vincent was chosen for five straight Pro Bowls. In 2002, he received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This award honors players for their work on and off the field. In 2007, he was named to the Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team.
Vincent holds a record for the longest interception in Eagles history. In 1996, against the Dallas Cowboys, his teammate James Willis intercepted a pass. Willis then lateraled the ball to Vincent. Vincent ran 90 yards for an amazing 104-yard touchdown.
Buffalo Bills
Before the 2004 NFL season, Vincent signed with the Buffalo Bills. He changed his position from cornerback to free safety. In 2005, his first full season as a safety, he had 66 tackles. He also led the team with four interceptions.
Vincent got injured early in the 2006 season. He was later released by the Bills in October.
Washington Redskins
On October 16, 2006, Vincent signed with the Washington Redskins. On November 5, 2006, he played against the rival Dallas Cowboys. He made a key block on a field goal attempt as time ran out. This block helped the Redskins win the game 22–19. This memorable game is sometimes called the "Hand of God" game.
The Redskins released Vincent on February 22, 2007.
Career Achievements
On November 22, 2017, the Big Ten Conference honored Vincent. He received the Ford-Kinnick Leadership Award. This award recognizes student-athletes who show great leadership after their college careers. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on December 5, 2023.
Ebony Magazine also honored Vincent in 2017. He received the Ebony Pathfinder Award at their Celebration of Champions Super Bowl event.
NFL Executive Role
Troy Vincent joined the NFL's main office in 2010. He became the executive vice president of football operations in 2014.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations
In this important role, Vincent oversees many parts of the game. He manages game operations, officiating, and player discipline. He also helps with player development and growth. He works on policies and procedures for NFL games. Vincent also helps with the league's efforts to include more diverse people. He leads programs for coaches and front office leaders of color.
Vincent is a member of the American Football Coaches Association. He also serves on the NFL's competition committee. He has spoken about his role in important discussions, like players taking a knee during the national anthem. He sees himself as a "bridge-builder" in these talks.
Growing Flag Football
In 2022, Vincent helped lead a group called Vision28. This group worked to get flag football included in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Their hard work paid off, and flag football was added!
Vincent also supports growing flag football in the U.S. He notes that more girls and young women are playing it. He calls flag football "football for all." This is because it's easier for women, people with disabilities, and others to play. It's a non-contact sport. Vincent has visited high schools to meet flag football players. He also helped bring flag football to U.S. colleges. He has written articles to encourage states to make flag football a varsity sport.
His Role in NFL Decisions
As an NFL executive, Troy Vincent is involved in many important decisions. He helps manage how the league investigates and handles issues. For example, he was involved in the "Deflategate" situation after the 2014 AFC Championship Game. He was the one who announced the initial suspension for Tom Brady.
Sr. Vice President of Player Engagement
Before his current role, Vincent was vice president of player development in 2010. He led programs to support players and their families. These included the Rookie Symposium and life skills training. He was promoted to senior vice president of player engagement in 2013.
During this time, Vincent expanded the league's services. He helped start programs like NFL Total Wellness for players. He also created the NFL Legends community for former players. He helped recruit many former NFL players to support the league's programs. Vincent estimated that player participation in these programs grew a lot during his time.
NFL Players Association Leadership
Vincent was the president of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) from 2004 to 2008. The NFLPA is the union for NFL players. He was replaced by Kevin Mawae. As president, Vincent helped negotiate and put into place three extensions of the NFL collective bargaining agreement. This agreement sets the rules for how players and the league work together.
Business Program for Players
While playing for the Buffalo Bills, Vincent had an idea. He wanted to create educational programs for players. These programs would help them prepare for life after football. This idea led to the NFL Business Management and Entrepreneurial Program. He started this program with former NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw. This program helps players learn about business and plan for their future.
Community Work and Giving Back
Troy Vincent has served on many boards throughout his career. He was on the board of directors for the University of Wisconsin Foundation. He also served on the board for the State of New Jersey After 3 Program. He was the first active NFL player to join the National Board of Directors for Pop Warner Little Scholars Football.
Love Thy Neighbor Foundation
Vincent and his family started the Love Thy Neighbor Community Development and Opportunity Corporation. This is a non-profit group. It helps young people by focusing on good character, sports, and school. Since it started in Trenton, N.J., in the 1990s, the group has done a lot. It has given college scholarships and mentoring to high school students. It also provides school supplies to elementary students in cities.
Each year before the Super Bowl, Love Thy Neighbor holds a fundraiser. They also host a "Vincent Country Safe Zone Activity Day." This event is for students at a school that needs extra help in the Super Bowl's host city. In 2024, the seventh annual event was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Students enjoyed sports, games, food, and helpful resources. They received free eye exams, glasses, health screenings, and haircuts.
Other Community Efforts
The Vincent family donated money to help fix a park in Trenton, N.J. This was a park where Troy Vincent played basketball as a child. The city later renamed the park after his grandfather, Jefferson Vincent.
In 2011, Vincent visited the Pennsbury School District in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He supported the Fuel Up To Play 60 program at Edgewood Elementary School. During his visit, Vincent spent time with students, teachers, and parents.
Personal Life
Troy Vincent is married to Tommi. They have five children: three sons and two daughters. His son Taron Vincent is a defensive tackle. He played college football at Ohio State. In 2023, he signed with the Los Angeles Rams.
Vincent is a Christian.
