Vinny Testaverde facts for kids

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Vinny Testaverde

Testaverde with the Baltimore Ravens in 1996

No. 14, 12, 16

Position:

Quarterback

Personal information

Born:

November 13, 1963 (age 61)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.

Height:

6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)

Weight:

233 lb (106 kg)

Career information

High school:

Sewanhaka (Floral Park, New York)

College:

Miami (FL) (1982–1986)

NFL Draft:

1987 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1

Career history

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1987)
Cleveland Browns (1993)
Baltimore Ravens (1996)
New York Jets (1998)
Dallas Cowboys (2004)
New York Jets (2005)
New England Patriots (2006)
Carolina Panthers (2007)

Career highlights and awards

2× Pro Bowl (1996, 1998)
PFWA All-Rookie Team (1987)
National champion (1983)
Heisman Trophy (1986)
Maxwell Award (1986)
Davey O'Brien Award (1986)
Walter Camp Award (1986)
Sammy Baugh Trophy (1986)
SN Player of the Year (1986)
UPI Player of the Year (1986)
Unanimous All-American (1986)
Second-team All-American (1985)
Miami Hurricanes No. 14 retired

Career NFL statistics

Passing attempts:	6,701
Passing completions:	3,787
Completion percentage:	56.5%
TD–INT:	275–267
Passing yards:	46,233
Passer rating:	75.0
Rushing yards:	1,661
Rushing touchdowns:	15

Player stats at PFR

College Football Hall of Fame

Vinny Testaverde (born November 13, 1963) is a former American football player. He was a quarterback, which is the player who throws the ball. Vinny played in the National Football League (NFL) for 21 seasons.

Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Miami Hurricanes. He was recognized as an All-American and won the Heisman Trophy in 1986. The Heisman Trophy is a famous award given to the best college football player in the United States.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked Testaverde as the very first player in the 1987 NFL draft. He later played for many other teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and New York Jets. He had his most successful time with the New York Jets.

Vinny Testaverde's career was known for how long he played. He was in the NFL for 21 seasons and played for seven different teams. He ranks high in many career passing statistics, like total yards and touchdown passes. However, he also holds the NFL record for the most losses as a starting quarterback. He was known for his strong arm but also for throwing many interceptions.

Early Life and High School Years
College Football Career
- College Statistics Overview
Professional NFL Career
Career Awards and Highlights
NFL Career Statistics Overview
- Regular Season Stats
- Playoff Stats
Personal Life
See also

Early Life and High School Years

Vinny Testaverde was born in Brooklyn, New York City. He grew up in Elmont, New York, on Long Island. He went to Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park and finished in 1981.

After high school, he spent a year at Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia. This helped him prepare for college. When he was a kid, he was a big fan of the New York Jets.

College Football Career

Testaverde with the Miami Hurricanes in 1986

Testaverde received a scholarship to play football at the University of Miami. He played for the Miami Hurricanes football team from 1982 to 1986. In his first year, he "redshirted," meaning he practiced but didn't play in games.

He was a backup quarterback for two seasons. Then, in 1985, he became the main starter. In 1986, his senior year, he was named an All-American. He also won the Heisman Trophy, the Davey O'Brien Award, and the Maxwell Award. He threw 26 touchdown passes that season, which was the most in college football.

Testaverde played in the 1987 Fiesta Bowl for the 1986 national championship. His team, the Miami Hurricanes, were expected to win. However, they lost to Penn State 14–10. In that game, Testaverde threw five interceptions.

Vinny Testaverde was a very important part of the University of Miami's football history. The team was one of the best in college football in the 1980s and 1990s. He was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2013, he was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

College Statistics Overview

Here is a summary of Vinny Testaverde's college football statistics:

Miami Hurricanes
Season	Team	Passing
Season	Team	Cmp	Att	Pct	Yds	TD	Int	Rtg
1982	Miami	5	12	41.7	79	1	0	124.5
1983	Miami	Redshirted
1984	Miami	17	34	50	184	0	1	89.6
1985	Miami	216	352	61.4	3,238	21	15	149.8
1986	Miami	175	276	63.4	2,557	26	9	165.8
Career		413	674	61.3	6,058	48	25	152.9

Professional NFL Career

Vinny Testaverde's professional career lasted for 21 seasons. He played for seven different teams.

Starting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers chose Testaverde as the first player in the 1987 NFL draft. He played his first NFL game in Week 2. He made his first start later that season.

In his second season (1988), Testaverde had a tough time. He threw 35 interceptions, which was one of the highest totals ever for a quarterback in a single season. Fans and radio hosts sometimes made fun of him because he was colorblind.

His performance improved over time. In 1989, he threw for over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also reduced his interceptions, though he still led the league with 22. He played with the Buccaneers until the 1992 season.

Moving to the Cleveland Browns

In 1993, Testaverde joined the Cleveland Browns. He started as a backup but became the main quarterback after a few games. In 1994, he helped the Browns achieve an 11–5 record. They even made it to the playoffs that year.

The Browns won their first playoff game against the New England Patriots. However, they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the next round. Testaverde played for the Browns until 1995.

Playing for the Baltimore Ravens

In 1996, the Cleveland Browns team moved to Baltimore and became the Baltimore Ravens. Testaverde went with the team. He played two seasons for the new Ravens.

In 1996, he had a great season. He threw for over 4,000 passing yards and 33 touchdowns. He also made his first Pro Bowl appearance that year. He scored the first touchdown in the history of the Baltimore Ravens.

In 1997, his performance was not as strong. He was replaced by a backup quarterback after an injury. Before the 1998 season, the Ravens released Testaverde.

Success with the New York Jets (First Time)

In 1998, Testaverde joined his hometown team, the New York Jets. He started as a backup. But in Week 2, the main quarterback got injured, and Testaverde became the starter.

He played very well, winning 12 out of 13 games as a starter. He threw 29 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. He also made the Pro Bowl for the second time.

In a game against the Seattle Seahawks in December 1998, Testaverde was involved in a famous play. He tried to score a touchdown, and the referee ruled it a touchdown even though the ball might not have crossed the line. This play helped lead to the NFL adopting a new instant replay system.

The 1998 season was one of Testaverde's best. He helped the Jets win their division for the first time in many years. They made it to the AFC Championship game but lost to the Denver Broncos.

The Jets had high hopes for the 1999 season. But in the very first game, Testaverde suffered a serious injury to his Achilles tendon. He missed the rest of that season.

He returned in 2000 as the Jets' quarterback. A highlight was the "Monday Night Miracle" game against the Miami Dolphins. The Jets were far behind but came back to win. Testaverde threw five touchdown passes in that game.

In 2001, Testaverde led the Jets back to the playoffs. They lost in the Wild Card Round. In 2002, he was replaced by Chad Pennington as the starter. He continued as a backup until 2003.

Playing for the Dallas Cowboys

In 2004, Testaverde joined the Dallas Cowboys. He was brought in to be a backup and help teach younger quarterbacks. However, the main quarterback was cut, and Testaverde became the starter.

He threw for many yards that season. But he also led the league in interceptions. The Cowboys finished the season with a 6–10 record. His contract with the Cowboys ended in 2005.

Return to the New York Jets

In 2005, the New York Jets had many injured quarterbacks. So, they re-signed Testaverde. He became the Jets' starting quarterback again in Week 5.

On December 26, 2005, Testaverde set an NFL record. He threw a touchdown pass, making it his 19th consecutive season with at least one touchdown pass. This extended his own NFL record.

Time with the New England Patriots

On November 14, 2006, the New England Patriots signed Testaverde as a backup to Tom Brady. On December 31, 2006, he threw another touchdown pass. This extended his NFL record to 20 straight seasons with a touchdown pass.

He played a small role in the Patriots' playoff run that year. He signed with the Patriots again in 2007 but was released before the season started.

Final Season with the Carolina Panthers

Testaverde with the Carolina Panthers in November 2007

In October 2007, the Carolina Panthers had injured quarterbacks. They signed Testaverde. On October 14, 2007, he started his first game with the team. He threw a 65-yard touchdown pass, extending his NFL record to 21 consecutive seasons with a touchdown pass.

At 43 years old, he became the oldest starting quarterback to win a game in NFL history. On November 18, Testaverde (44 years old) played against Brett Favre (38 years old). This was the oldest starting quarterback duo in NFL history.

Testaverde announced his retirement plans on December 29, 2007. His last game was on December 30 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team that first drafted him. The Panthers won the game. He officially retired from professional football in January 2008.

Vinny Testaverde's Legacy in Football

Vinny Testaverde had a very long career in the NFL. He holds several NFL records because of his longevity. He has the NFL record for throwing a touchdown pass in 21 consecutive seasons. He also holds the record for the most losses by a starting quarterback (123). He threw touchdown passes to 70 different players, a record later broken by Tom Brady.

He was known for his strong arm. However, he was also known for throwing many turnovers (interceptions and fumbles).

Career Awards and Highlights

2× Pro Bowl (1996, 1998)
2× AFC Passing Touchdowns Leader (1996, 1998)
AFC Passer Rating Leader (1998)
Inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame (2006)
Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (2013)
Inducted into the Long Island Sports Hall of Fame (1987)

NFL Career Statistics Overview

Regular Season Stats

Year	Team	Games			Passing								Rushing				Fumbles
Year	Team	GP	GS	Record	Cmp	Att	Pct	Yds	Avg	TD	Int	Rtg	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	Fum	Lost
1987	TB	6	4	0–4	71	165	43.0	1,081	6.6	5	6	60.2	13	50	3.8	1	7	2
1988	TB	15	15	5–10	222	466	47.6	3,240	7.0	13	35	48.8	28	138	4.9	1	8	5
1989	TB	14	14	5–9	258	480	53.8	3,133	6.5	20	22	68.9	25	139	5.6	0	4	2
1990	TB	14	13	6–7	203	365	55.6	2,818	7.7	17	18	75.6	38	280	7.4	1	10	2
1991	TB	13	12	3–9	166	326	50.9	1,994	6.1	8	15	59.0	32	101	3.2	0	5	2
1992	TB	14	14	5–9	206	358	57.5	2,554	7.1	14	16	74.2	36	197	5.5	2	4	1
1993	CLE	10	6	3–3	130	230	56.5	1,797	7.8	14	9	85.7	18	74	4.1	0	4	3
1994	CLE	14	13	9–4	207	376	55.1	2,575	6.8	16	18	70.7	21	37	1.8	2	3	2
1995	CLE	13	12	4–8	241	392	61.5	2,883	7.4	17	10	87.8	18	62	3.4	2	4	1
1996	BAL	16	16	4–12	325	549	59.2	4,177	7.6	33	19	88.7	34	188	5.5	2	9	7
1997	BAL	13	13	4–8–1	271	470	57.7	2,971	6.3	18	15	75.9	34	138	4.1	0	11	3
1998	NYJ	14	13	12–1	259	421	61.5	3,256	7.7	29	7	101.6	24	104	4.3	1	7	3
1999	NYJ	1	1	0–1	10	15	66.7	96	6.4	1	1	78.7	0	0	0.0	0	0	0
2000	NYJ	16	16	9–7	328	590	55.6	3,732	6.3	21	25	69.0	25	32	1.3	0	7	4
2001	NYJ	16	16	10–6	260	441	59.0	2,752	6.2	15	14	75.3	31	25	0.8	0	12	2
2002	NYJ	5	4	1–3	54	83	65.1	499	6.0	3	3	78.3	2	23	11.5	0	2	2
2003	NYJ	7	7	2–5	123	198	62.1	1,385	7.0	7	2	90.6	6	17	2.8	0	1	0
2004	DAL	16	15	5–10	297	495	60.0	3,532	7.1	17	20	76.4	21	38	1.8	1	8	4
2005	NYJ	6	4	1–3	60	106	56.6	777	7.3	1	6	59.4	7	4	0.6	2	8	1
2006	NE	3	0	—	2	3	66.7	29	9.7	1	0	137.5	8	−8	−1.0	0	0	0
2007	CAR	7	6	2–4	94	172	54.7	952	5.5	5	6	65.8	9	22	2.4	0	3	1
Career		233	214	90–123–1	3,787	6,701	56.5	46,233	6.9	275	267	75.0	430	1,661	3.9	15	117	47

Playoff Stats

Year	Team	Games			Passing								Rushing				Fumbles
Year	Team	GP	GS	Record	Cmp	Att	Pct	Yds	Avg	TD	Int	Rtg	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	Fum	Lost
1994	CLE	2	2	1–1	33	61	54.1	412	6.8	2	2	72.6	5	19	3.8	0	0	0
1998	NYJ	2	2	1–1	55	88	62.5	640	7.3	1	3	74.1	1	–1	–1.0	0	0	0
2001	NYJ	1	1	0–1	26	40	65.0	268	6.7	3	0	109.2	1	1	1.0	0	0	0
2002	NYJ	1	0	—	0	0	0.0	0	0.0	0	0	0.0	2	–2	–1.0	0	0	0
2006	NE	1	0	—	0	0	0.0	0	0.0	0	0	0.0	1	–1	–1.0	0	0	0
Career		7	5	2–3	114	189	60.3	1,320	7.0	6	5	81.0	10	16	1.6	0	0	0

Personal Life

Vinny Testaverde is married to Mitzi. They have two daughters, Alicia and Madeleine, and a son, Vincent Jr. The family lives in Tampa, Florida.

His son, Vincent Jr., also played college football as a quarterback. He later signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. Testaverde currently coaches quarterbacks at Jesuit High School of Tampa, where his son went to school.