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 Vincent in 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Positions | Cornerback Safety | ||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||
| Born | (1970-06-08)June 8, 1970 (age 55) Trenton, New Jersey, U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 200 lb (91 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||||
| High school | Pennsbury (Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania) | ||||||||||||||||||
| College | Wisconsin (1988–1991) | ||||||||||||||||||
| NFL draft | 1992: 1st round, 7th overall pick | ||||||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||||||||||
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Troy Darnell Vincent Sr. (born June 8, 1970) is an American sports executive and former professionalfootball player who is theNFL's Executive Vice President of Football Operations.[1] He played as acornerback for 16 seasons for theMiami Dolphins,Philadelphia Eagles,Buffalo Bills andWashington Redskins of theNational Football League (NFL). He playedcollege football for theWisconsin Badgers and was inducted into theCollege Football Hall of Fame in 2023.[2] On September 28, 2011, Vincent was named as one of the preliminary nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2012 in his first year of eligibility and each year since.[3]
He was previously inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame for the Philadelphia Eagles and was entered into the Hall of Fame for the State of Pennsylvania, the University of Wisconsin and Pennsbury High School. Vincent is a past recipient of the NFL'sWalter Payton Man of the Year Award, one of the league's highest honors recognizing excellence on and off the field.[4]
Troy Vincent was born inTrenton, New Jersey. He spent his early childhood in east Trenton's Wilbur section, where he and his younger brother, Sam, were raised by their mother, Alma.[5] His athletic interests at the time centered on basketball.
Alma moved the family to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, before Vincent's seventh-grade year.[6] After a brief period in which Vincent returned to Trenton for his sophomore year, he returned to finish his secondary education atPennsbury High School, where he was encouraged to try out for the football team and later starred for the Pennsbury Falcons.[7] He also played recreationally with the Morrisville Little Bulldogs.[8]
Vincent enrolled at theUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison in 1988. He played cornerback for theWisconsin Badgers and emerged as an All-American in 1991 under coachBarry Alvarez.
By the time he entered the NFL draft in 1992, Vincent had set Badgers' all-time records for passes defended in a season (13) and career (31).[9] He finished his collegiate stint with 192 tackles, four interceptions and three punts returned for touchdowns, and was named team captain and MVP in his final season. He was inducted into the University of Wisconsin Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2023.[10]
Vincent studied urban planning and development at the University of Wisconsin. He completed his studies atThomas Edison State College in Trenton, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts.[11]
He also holds executive education and advanced business certificates from several institutions, includingHarvard,Stanford and theUniversity of Pennsylvania.
On November 22, 2017, Vincent was honored by the Big Ten Conference as the 2017 recipient of theFord-Kinnick Leadership Award. The annual award recognizes Big Ten footballstudent-athletes who have garnered significant success in leadership roles following their academic and athletic careers.[12] He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on December 5, 2023.[13]
Following his senior season, Vincent declared himself eligible for the 1992 NFL draft and was considered by the majority of analysts to be the top cornerback prospect. On January 19, 1992, Vincent participated in theEast–West Shrine Bowl and was part of the East team that lost 14–6 to the West.[14] He attended theNFL Scouting Combine and completed the majority of positional and combine drills. NFL draft analysts and scouts projected Vincent to be an early first round pick.ESPN draft analystMel Kiper Jr. had Vincent ranked as the top defensive back and the second best overall in the draft following defensive tackleSteve Emtman. Dr. Z of ‘’Sports Illustrated’’ had Vincent ranked as the top cornerback in the draft and projected him to be selected within the first five draft picks.[15]
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | Vertical jump | Bench press | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft0+1⁄4 in (1.84 m) | 191 lb (87 kg) | 32+7⁄8 in (0.84 m) | 9+1⁄8 in (0.23 m) | 4.45 s | 1.58 s | 2.61 s | 35.5 in (0.90 m) | 13 reps | ||||
| All values fromNFL Combine[16] | ||||||||||||
TheMiami Dolphins selected Vincent in the first round (7th overall) of the1992 NFL draft.[17] He was the second cornerback drafted afterTerrell Buckley (5th overall). TheGreen Bay Packers immediately received criticism from the media and fans for their decision to draft Terrell Buckley fromFlorida State instead of Vincent from Wisconsin. The Dolphins acquired the draft pick used to select Vincent in a trade with thePhoenix Cardinals for wide receiverRandal Hill. Since the common NFL draft was established in 1967, Vincent became the second highest draft pick inin the history of the University of Wisconsin, followingPaul Gruber in1988 (4th overall). Vincent also surpassedRichard Johnson to become thehighest drafted defensive player from Wisconsin.
(OnTerrell Buckley drafted 5th overall)
"That's the way the ball bounces. He's going toGreen Bay and I'm going toMiami. It's the greatest feeling in the world to see some sun, just to think about seeing some sun.'[18]
On August 8, 1992, the Dolphins signed Vincent to a four–year, $5.29 million rookiecontract that included asigning bonus of $2.45 million.[19][20]
He entered training camp slated as the No. 2 starting cornerback following the departure ofMike McGruder. Head coachDon Shula namedJ. B. Brown andChris Green the starting cornerbacks to begin the season due to an injury to Vincent. He was inactive as the Dolphins had a 27–23 victory in their season-opener at theCleveland Browns due to a hamstring injury he reaggravated during practice.[21] The following week, Vincent made his professional regular season debut and recorded two solo tackles as the Dolphins defeated theLos Angeles Rams 26–10. Entering Week 3, defensive coordinator Tom Olivadotti promoted Vincent to the No. 2 starting cornerback, replacing Chris Green. On September 27, 1992, Vincent earned his first career start and made four solo tackles and two pass deflections during a 19–17 win at theSeattle Seahawks.[22] In Week 5, he set a season-high with nine solo tackles and three pass deflections during a 27–10 win at theBuffalo Bills. On November 8, 1992, Vincent made two solo tackles, a pass deflection, and had the first interception of his career, picking off a passJeff George threw to wide receiverJessie Hester during a 28–0 win at theIndianapolis Colts.[23] He finished his rookie season with 60 combined tackles (58 solo), 12 pass deflections, and two interceptions in 15 games and 14 starts.
TheMiami Dolphins finished first in theAFC East in the1992 NFL season with a 11–5 record to clinch a first-round bye. On January 10, 1993, Vincent started in his first career playoff game in the AFC Divisional Round and recorded three solo tackles, led the team with five pass deflections, and intercepted two passes thrown byStan Humphries during a 31–0 victory against theSan Diego Chargers.[24] On January 10, 1993, he started in theAFC Championship Game and recorded seven solo tackles as the Dolphins lost 29–10 to theBuffalo Bills.
He entered training camp slated as thede facto No. 1 starting cornerback. Head coach Don Shula named him and J. B. Brown the starting cornerbacks to begin the season. On September 5, 1993, Vincent started in theMiami Dolphins’ season-opener at theIndianapolis Colts and made two solo tackles, one pass deflection, and secured a 24–20 victory by intercepting a passJack Trudeau threw to Jessie Hester with 19 seconds remaining in the game.[25] In Week 10, he set a season-high with seven combined tackles (four solo) during a 10–27 loss at theNew York Jets. On November 25, 1993, Vincent recorded six combined tackles (five solo) and set a season-high with five pass deflections during a 16–14 win at theDallas Cowboys. In Week 15, he recorded one solo tackle before exiting in the second quarter of a 20–21 loss against thePittsburgh Steelers after sustaining an injury to his leg. On December 16, 1993, the Miami Dolphins placed Vincent on injured reserve for the remainder of the season (Weeks 16–18) due to slight tears he sustained to hisACL andMCL in his right knee.[26] He finished the1993 NFL season with 60 combined tackles (51 solo), 13 pass deflections, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery in 13 games and 13 starts.[27]Pro Football Reference listed Vincent recorded 68 solo tackles.[28]
On September 4, 1994, Vincent started in theMiami Dolphins’ home-opener against theNew England Patriots and recorded three combined tackles (two solo), two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass byDrew Bledsoe as they won 35–39. Vincent injured his knee and was inactive for the next three games (Weeks 2–4).[29] In Week 6, he set a season-high with seven combined tackles (six solo) and made one pass deflection during a 11–21 loss at theBuffalo Bills. On November 27, 1994, Vincent made four combined tackles (three solo), a pass deflection, and helped lead a fourth quarter comeback victory by intercepting a passBoomer Esiason threw to wide receiverRob Moore to start the fourth quarter as the Dolphins were losing 14–24. His interception led to a 28–yard touchdown pass fromDan Marino toMark Ingram and the Dolphins would win 28–24 at theNew York Jets. On December 12, 1994, Vincent recorded six combined tackles (four solo), made two pass deflections, one interception, and scored the first touchdown of his career as the Dolphins defeated theKansas City Chiefs 28–45. His touchdown occurred in the third quarter, after free safetyGene Atkins intercepted a pass thrown bySteve Bono and lateralled the ball to Vincent for a 56–yard touchdown return.[30] In Week 17, he recorded five solo tackles and set a season-high with four pass deflections during a 27–20 victory against theDetroit Lions. He finished the season with 52 combined tackles (41 solo), 17 pass deflections, five interceptions, and scored one touchdown in 13 games and 12 starts.[28][31]
TheMiami Dolphins finished atop the AFC East with a 10–6 record to clinch a playoff berth. On December 31, 1994, Vincent started in the AFC Wild-Card Game and recorded six combined tackles (four solo) and had a pass deflection as the Dolphins defeated theKansas City Chiefs 27–17. The following week, the Dolphins were eliminated from the playoffs after losing 21–22 at theSan Diego Chargers in the Divisional Round.
He returned as the No. 1 starting cornerback to start the regular season alongside J. B. Brown for the fourth consecutive season under defensive coordinatorTom Olivadotti. On September 3, 1995, Vincent started in theMiami Dolphins’ home-opener against theNew York Jets and recorded one solo tackle, set a season-high with three pass deflections, set a season-high with two interceptions, and made the first pick-six of his career as the Dolphins routed the Jets 14–52. His first interception returned for a touchdown in his career occurred in the third quarter after he intercepted a pass by Boomer Esiason and returned it 69–yards for a touchdown.[32] In Week 15, he set a season-high with seven solo tackles, had one pass break-up, and intercepted a pass Steve Bono threw to wide receiverKeith Cash as the Dolphins defeated theKansas City Chiefs 6–13.[33] He started in all 16 games throughout the1995 NFL season for the first time in his career and recorded 62 combined tackles (52 solo), 12 pass deflections, five interceptions, and one touchdown.[28]
The Miami Dolphins finished the season third in the AFC East with a 9–7 record, qualifying for a Wild-Card position. On December 30, 1995, Vincent started in the AFC Wild-Card Game and made one solo tackle, two pass deflections, and intercepted a passJim Kelly threw to wide receiverBill Brooks during a 22–37 loss at theBuffalo Bills.[34]On February 15, 1996, theMiami Dolphins exercised their transition tag on Vincent as a restricted free agent, giving them the opportunity to retain him if they matched or outbid any contract offers from any teams.[35] The minimum salary Vincent would receive is $2.1 million per season which is the average salary of the top ten highest pair players at his position. The Dolphins would have seven days to match any proposed offers. On February 24, 1996, the Vincent signed an offer sheet from thePhiladelphia Eagles for a five–year, $16.50 million contract.[36] On March 1, 1996, the Dolphins requested a meeting with Vincent's agent and proposed to negotiate terms for a restructured five–year contract that would match the offer from the Eagles.[37][38]
On March 2, 1996, thePhiladelphia Eagles signed Vincent to a five–year, $16.50 million contract as a transition free agent that included an initial signing bonus of $3.00 million.[20] The Miami Dolphins had made a contract offer, but were unable to match the offer sheet made by Philadelphia.[39] He entered training camp slated as the No. 1 starting cornerback following the departures ofMark McMillian andDerrick Frazier. Head coachRay Rhodes named Vincent andBobby Taylor the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.[40]
In Week 3, he set a season-high with six solo tackles and three pass deflections as the Eagles defeated theDetroit Lions 24–17. On September 22, 1996, Vincent recorded six combined tackles (five solo), set a season-high with three pass deflections, and intercepted a passJeff George threw toEric Metcalf during a 33–18 victory at theAtlanta Falcons.[41] In Week 10, he set a season-high with six solo tackles and sealed a 31–21 victory at theDallas Cowboys by scoring a touchdown to end the fourth quarter as they led 24–21. He tied the record for the longest interception in Eagles history against theDallas Cowboys in 1996; after teammateJames Willis interceptedTroy Aikman four yards into the end zone, he ran 14 yards beforelateraling to Vincent, who returned the interception 90 yards for a 104-yard touchdown with 12 seconds remaining.[42][43][44][45] He started in all 16 games throughout the1996 NFL season and recorded 52 combined tackles (45 solo), 17 pass deflections, set a career-high with three forced fumbles, made three interceptions, and scored one touchdown.[28]
Defensive coordinator Emmitt Thomas retained Vincent as the No. 1 starting cornerback to begin the season and paired him withCharles Dimry. In Week 2, he set a season-high with seven combined tackles (four solo) and made three pass deflections during a 10–9 win against theGreen Bay Packers. On September 28, 1997, he set a season-high with six solo tackles, three pass deflections, and intercepted a passBrad Johnson threw to wide receiverCris Carter during a 19–28 loss at theMinnesota Vikings.[46] He started in all 16 games for the third season in-a-row and recorded 65 combined tackles (50 solo), set a career-high with 24 pass deflections, made three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.[28]
ThePhiladelphia Eagles selected cornerbackAllen Rossum in the third round (85th overall) of the1998 NFL draft. No. 2 starting cornerback Bobby Taylor sustained a shoulder injury and remained inactive for the first five games of the season (Weeks 1–5). Head coach Ray Rhodes named Vincent the No. 1 starting cornerback to begin the season and paired him withAl Harris.He was inactive for two games (Weeks 2–3) after he suffered an injury to his quadriceps.On November 2, 1998, Vincent set a season-high with seven solo tackles, made two pass deflections, and had the first sack of his career onTroy Aikman during a 34–0 loss to theDallas Cowboys.[47] He finished the1998 NFL season with 50 combined tackles (42 solo), 13 pass deflections, two interceptions, and one sack in 13 games and 13 starts.[28] On December 28, 1998, the Eagles fired head coachRay Rhodes after they finished the season with a disappointing 3–13 record.
On January 11, 1999, thePhiladelphia Eagles hiredAndy Reid to be their new head coach.[48]
On September 12, 1999, Vincent started in the Eagles' home-opener against theArizona Cardinals and set a season-high with 14 combined tackles (13 solo) and made two pass deflections as they lost 24–25. In Week 4, he recorded 10 solo tackles, made one pass deflection, and intercepted a passKent Graham threw to wide receiverJoe Jurevicius during a 15–16 loss at theNew York Giants.[49] In Week 6, he made five combined tackles (three solo), a pass deflection, and interceptedCade McNown’s pass toMacey Brooks during a 20–16 victory at theChicago Bears. This marked his third consecutive game with an interception. He was inactive for two games (Weeks 7–8) due to an injury to his quadriceps. On November 8, 1999, thePhiladelphia Eagles signed Vincent to a three–year, $12.60 million contract extension.[20][50] The new contract restructured the current and remaining seasons under his previous agreement and would keep under contract with the Eagles throughout the2003 NFL season.[51]
On December 19, 1999, Vincent recorded four combined tackles (three solo), set a season-high with five pass deflections, and set a season-high with two interceptions off passes thrown byDrew Bledsoe as the Eagles defeated theNew England Patriots 9–24.[52] He finished the season with 81 combined tackles (65 solo), 19 pass deflections, and set a new career-high with seven interceptions in 14 games and 14 starts.[28] He was selected to the2000 Pro Bowl, marking the firstPro Bowl selection of his career.
He returned to training camp slated as thede facto No. 1 starting cornerback under defensive coordinatorJim Johnson. He also played under defensive backs coachLeslie Frazier and assistant head coachSean McDermott. Head coach Andy Reid named Vincent andBobby Taylor as the starting cornerback duo to begin the season with Al Harris and Allen Rossum as their backups.
On September 24, 2000, Vincent recorded five solo tackles, set a season-high with four pass deflections, and intercepted two pass attempts byJeff Blake during a 21–7 victory at theNew Orleans Saints. He sealed their victory in Week 4 with an interception, picking off Jeff Blake’s pass attempt to wide receiverWillie Jackson with 1:06 remaining.[53] In Week 6, he set a season-high with nine combined tackles (seven solo) and made two pass deflections during a 14–17 loss to theWashington Redskins. In Week 15, he recorded three solo tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted a passDoug Pederson threw to wide receiverDavid Patten during a 35–24 victory at theCleveland Browns. The following week, he recorded four solo tackles, tied his season-high of four pass deflections, and forced a fumble as the Eagles defeated theCincinnati Bengals 16–7 in Week 17.[54] He started in all 16 games throughout the season and recorded 77 combined tackles (64 solo), 22 pass deflections, five interceptions, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and made one sack.[28]
ThePhiladelphia Eagles finished the2000 NFL season second in theNFC East with an 11–5 record to qualify for the playoffs. On December 31, 2000, Vincent recorded two combined tackles (one solo) and led the team with five pass deflections during a 21–3 win against theTampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild-Card Game.[55] On January 7, 2001, Vincent recorded eight combined tackles (six solo) and made one pass deflection during a 10–20 loss at theNew York Giants in the Divisional Round.[55]
He returned as the No. 1 starting cornerback to begin the season and remained alongside Bobby Taylor. In Week 4, he set a season-high with seven combined tackles (six solo), made one pass deflection, and forced a fumble during a 21–20 loss against theArizona Cardinals.[56] On December 9, 2001, Vincent recorded seven combined tackles (six solo), set a season-high with five pass deflections, and helped secure a 14–24 victory against theSan Diego Chargers by intercepting a passDoug Flutie threw to wide receiverJeff Graham in the fourth quarter.[57] Head coach Andy Reid opted to rest Vincent and the majority of the starting lineup in preparation for the playoffs during a 17–13 victory at theTampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17. He finished the season with 69 combined tackles (58 solo), three interceptions, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 15 games and 15 starts. He set a new career-high with 27 pass deflections and was selected to his third consecutive Pro Bowl in 2001.[28]
ThePhiladelphia Eagles finished the2001 NFL season atop the NFC East with an 11–5 record to clinch a playoff berth. On January 12, 2002, Vincent started in the NFC Wild-Card Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and recorded six combined tackles (three solo), one pass deflection, and intercepted a passBrad Johnson threw to wide receiverJacquez Green as they won 9–31.[58] The Eagles would defeat theChicago Bears 33–19 in the NFC Divisional Round to advance in the playoffs. On January 27, 2002, Vincent started in theNFC Championship Game and recorded five combined tackles (three solo) as the Eagles lost 24–29 at theSt. Louis Rams.[59]
ThePhiladelphia Eagles selected cornerbacksLito Sheppard in the first round (26th overall) andSheldon Brown in the second round (59th overall) of the2002 NFL draft. Head coach Andy Reid retained Vincent and Bobby Taylor as the starting cornerbacks for the fourth consecutive season under defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. On September 6, 2002, Vincent suffered a knee injury during practice and subsequently remained inactive as the Eagles lost 24–27 at theTennessee Titans in Week 1.[60] In Week 10, he set a season-high with nine combined tackles (seven solo) during a 35–13 loss against theIndianapolis Colts. On December 1, 2002, Vincent recorded seven combined tackles (six solo), set a season-high with three pass deflections, and intercepted a passKurt Warner threw to wide receiverIsaac Bruce as the Eagles defeated theSt. Louis Rams 3–10.[61] He finished the2002 NFL season with 67 combined tackles (55 solo), 15 pass deflections, and two interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts.[28] He was the recipient of theWalter Payton Man of the Year Award and was selected for the2003 Pro Bowl.
Head coach Andy Reid retained Vincent and Bobby Taylor as the starting cornerbacks to begin the season. He injured his hamstring and was sidelined during a 27–25 victory against theWashington Redskins in Week 5.[62] On November 16, 2003, Vincent set a season-high with seven solo tackles and three pass deflections and also intercepted a passKerry Collins threw to wide receiverAmani Toomer as the Eagles defeated theNew York Giants 10–28.[63] He was inactive for the last two games of the season (Weeks 16–17) due to a painful hip flexor injury.[64] He finished the2003 NFL season with 57 combined tackles (49 solo), eight pass deflections, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery in 13 games and 13 starts.[28] Although his stats were pedestrian in 2003, Vincent was still selected for his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl which would be the final selection of his career.
ThePhiladelphia Eagles finished first in the NFC East with a 12–4 record in 2003 and clinched a first-round bye. He remained inactive for the Divisional Round due to his hip injury as the Eagles defeated theGreen Bay Packers 20–17. On January 18, 2004, Vincent started in theNFC Championship Game and recorded six combined tackles (three solo) and made one pass deflection as the Eagles lost 3–14 to theCarolina Panthers.ThePhiladelphia Eagles opted to not re-sign Vincent or Bobby Taylor as they entered free agency, planning to instead replace both with Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown. As an unrestricted free agent, Vincent drew interest from theCincinnati Bengals,Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills.[65]
On March 16, 2004, theBuffalo Bills signed Vincent to a six–year, $20.75 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $3.60 million following the departure of cornerbackAntoine Winfield.[66]
He entered training camp slated as the No. 1 starting cornerback under defensive coordinatorJerry Gray. Head coachMike Mularkey named Vincent andNate Clements the starting cornerbacks to begin the season. On September 12, 2004, Vincent started in theBuffalo Bills’ home-opener against theJacksonville Jaguars and set a season-high with eight solo tackles as they lost 10–13. In Week 3, Vincent made one solo tackle and a pass deflection before he was carted off the field in the first quarter after injuring his knee while pushing wide receiverBethel Johnson out-of-bounds during a 17–31 loss to theNew England Patriots.[67] He would undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and remained inactive for the next nine games (Weeks 5–13). Upon his return, he was named the starting free safety, replacingRashad Baker as the Bills opted to retainTerrence McGee as a starting cornerback. On December 12, 2004, Vincent earned his first career start as a safety and recorded two combined tackles (one solo), made one pass deflection, one sack, and had his first and only interception of the season on a passLuke McCown threw to tight endAaron Shea during a 42–32 victory at theMiami Dolphins.[68] In Week 17, he set a season-high with nine combined tackles (three solo) during a 24–29 loss to thePittsburgh Steelers. He finished the2004 NFL season with 27 combined tackles (18 solo), three pass deflections, one sack, a forced fumble, and one interception in seven games and seven starts.[28]
He returned to training camp slated as thede facto starting free safety. Head coach Mike Mularkey named Vincent the starting free safety to begin the season and paired him with strong safetyLawyer Milloy. On September 11, 2005, Vincent started in theBuffalo Bills’ home-opener against theHouston Texans and made two pass deflections and set a season-high with two interceptions on pass attempts byDavid Carr as the Bills won 7–22.[69] In Week 3, he set a season-high with 11 combined tackles (seven solo) during a 16–24 loss against theAtlanta Falcons. In Week 16, he made four tackles, one pass deflection, and intercepted a passCarson Palmer threw to wide receiverChad Johnson during a 37–27 victory at theCincinnati Bengals.[70] He started in all 16 games throughout the season and recorded 67 combined tackles (43 solo), eight pass deflections, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.[28]
Head coach Mike Mularkey named Vincent the starting free safety to begin the season and paired him withCoy Wire. On September 13, 2006, theBuffalo Bills placed Vincent on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury and he remained inactive for three games (Weeks 2–4).[71][72] On October 13, 2006, the Buffalo Bills granted Vincent his release after he was cleared to return from injury.[72]
On October 16, 2006, theWashington Redskins signed Vincent to a three–year, $3.93 million contract that included an initialsigning bonus of $250,000.[72] The Redskins' defense had struggled in the last few games with pass coverage resulting in the acquisition of Troy Vincent. Head coachJoe Gibbs chose to have Vincent initially begin as a backup for his first game.
Entering Week 9, head coach Joe Gibbs named Vincent the starting strong safety alongside free safetySean Taylor, replacingAdam Archuleta.[73] On November 5, 2006, Vincent set a season-high with six combined tackles (four solo) and blocked a crucial 35–yard game-winning field goal attempt by kickerMike Vanderjagt with six seconds remaining in the game as the Redskins were tied 19–19 with theDallas Cowboys. Vincent lined up on the left side of the offensive line withCarlos Rogers, blitzing untouched to block the field goal attempt which was recovered bySean Taylor and returned 46–yards to put the kickerNick Novak in field goal range following an additional 15–yard facemask penalty on the Cowboys.[74] Novak would convert the 47–yard game-winning field goal with no time left to earn a last second 22–19 victory for the Redskins.[75] The improbable win is known as the"Hand of God" game. He re-injured his hamstring and remained sidelined for two games (Weeks 12–13). Upon his return, he was demoted to being the backup strong safety behindVernon Fox for the remainder of the season. He finished the2006 NFL season with 22 combined tackles (14 solo) in nine games and four starts.[28][76]
On February 22, 2007, theWashington Redskins officially released Vincent.[72] The Redskins would go on to select strong safetyLaRon Landry in the first round (6th overall) of the2007 NFL draft following their decision to release Vincent.
| Year | Team | Games | Combined tackles | Tackles | Assisted tackles | Sacks | Forced fumbles | Fumble recoveries | Fumble return yards | Interceptions | Interception return yards | Yards per interception return | Longest interception return | Interceptions returned for touchdown | Passes defended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | MIA | 15 | 77 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 47 | 24 | 32 | 0 | 0 |
| 1993 | MIA | 13 | 59 | 50 | 9 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 29 | 15 | 23 | 0 | 14 |
| 1994 | MIA | 13 | 52 | 41 | 11 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 113 | 23 | 58 | 1 | 17 |
| 1995 | MIA | 16 | 62 | 52 | 10 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 95 | 19 | 69 | 1 | 12 |
| 1996 | PHI | 16 | 49 | 42 | 7 | 0.0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 144 | 48 | 90 | 1 | 17 |
| 1997 | PHI | 16 | 64 | 49 | 15 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 14 | 5 | 14 | 0 | 24 |
| 1998 | PHI | 13 | 50 | 42 | 8 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 29 | 15 | 29 | 0 | 13 |
| 1999 | PHI | 14 | 79 | 60 | 19 | 1.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 91 | 13 | 35 | 0 | 17 |
| 2000 | PHI | 16 | 74 | 61 | 13 | 1.0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 34 | 7 | 17 | 0 | 22 |
| 2001 | PHI | 15 | 67 | 56 | 11 | 1.5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
| 2002 | PHI | 15 | 66 | 54 | 12 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 17 |
| 2003 | PHI | 13 | 57 | 49 | 8 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 28 | 9 | 28 | 0 | 8 |
| 2004 | BUF | 7 | 27 | 18 | 9 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 3 |
| 2005 | BUF | 16 | 66 | 42 | 24 | 0.0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 78 | 20 | 42 | 0 | 8 |
| 2006 | BUF | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 | WSH | 8 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 207 | 794 | 630 | 164 | 5.5 | 12 | 9 | 0 | 47 | 711 | 15 | 90 | 3 | 199 |
Vincent was named the NFL's executive vice president of football operations in 2014, four years after joining the league office.[77] His role includes oversight of game operations, officiating, on-field discipline, in-game analytics, personnel development and growth, policies and procedures related to NFL games, and other areas that affect the business of football.[78][79] He also is involved in the league's inclusion initiatives, leading pipeline programs for coaches and front office executives of color.[80][81][82]
As part of his role as the NFL's head of football operations, Vincent is a member of theAmerican Football Coaches Association, an organization that represents coaches across the United States and is often consulted by theNCAA and the media regarding rule changes and developments occurring in college football, and serves as a non-voting member of the NFL's competition committee.[83] In an October 24, 2017, feature article in The Root publication, Vincent discussed his role as "bridge-builder" in the ongoing debate about players taking a knee during the playing of the national anthem.[84]
In the January 2018 issue of Monarch Magazine, Vincent talks about the "Game of Giving" and his commitment to American football.[85] Vincent's leadership and impact on the game of football and social issues was detailed in Jarrett Bell's column in USA Today.[86]
In 2022, Vincent andInternational Federation of American Football president Pierre Trochet were named co-chairs of Vision28, a group that lobbied forflag football's inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.[87] Their efforts led to theInternational Olympic Committee adding flag football to the LA Summer Games.[88]
Vincent has also advocated for the expansion offlag football in the U.S., citing the demand created by a spike in participation among girls and young women.[89] He has described flag as "football for all" due to the sport's greater accessibility for women, people with disabilities, and others to play in a non-contact format and earn opportunities such as college scholarships.[90] Vincent has met with aspiring flag football players in high schools, introduced flag to U.S. colleges through a partnership with theNational Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and published op-eds arguing for states such as California, New York and Colorado to approve flag football as a varsity sport statewide.[91][92][93][94][95]
In a 2025TED talk, Vincent revealed that his oldest daughter played flag football, but was later denied access to the sport due to the lack of opportunities beyond late childhood. This, in part, motivated him to become an advocate for girls' flag.[96][97]
After the 2014 AFC Championship Game, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that 11 of the Patriots' 12 game footballs wereunderinflated by at least two pounds each.
Mortensen's report later turned out to be false, and according toMike Florio ofPro Football Talk, Mortensen got his false info from NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent. Florio noted that it's "unclear" whether Vincent "deliberately lied" to Mortensen, however, Vincent was the one who handed out the initial four-game suspension to Brady in May 2015, suggesting a conflict of interest behind NFL walls as it investigated Brady.[98][99]
Vincent joined the NFL's league office in February 2010 as vice president of player development, leading support programs for players and their families, such as the Rookie Symposium and life skills initiatives.[100] He was promoted to senior vice president of player engagement in 2013.[79]
During his tenure as head of development and engagement, Vincent expanded the league's services, helping to launch programs such as NFL Total Wellness for current and former players.[101] Vincent also started the peer-to-peer NFL Legends community and has been credited with recruiting hundreds of former NFL players as ambassadors for the league's various support initiatives.[102][79]
Vincent estimated that monthly participation increased from "probably 200, 300 players" when he joined the NFL office to around 20,000 active and retired players by 2014.[103]
Vincent was president of theNFL Players Association from March 29, 2004, until March 18, 2008. He was replaced byKevin Mawae. During his time with the Players Association, Vincent helped negotiate and implement threecollective bargaining agreement extensions.[104]
On February 26, 2009, the Players Association announced they were investigating whether during his tenure as president Vincent disclosed confidential personal and financial information about a number of player agents. It is alleged Vincent emailed this information to his longtime business partner Mark Magnum for the benefit of a financial services firm co-owned by the two men.[105] However, theAssociated Press uncovered no evidence to support the contention that Vincent, by forwarding an NFLPA e-mail to his business partner, used agents' personal information to build his financial services company.[106]
While playing for the Buffalo Bills, Vincent approached theWharton School with an idea to create educational programs to help fellow players prepare for life after football. This led to the formation of the NFL Business Management and Entrepreneurial Program led by Vincent and former NFLPA executive directorGene Upshaw.Jason Wingard of theNew York Daily News[107] spoke to Vincent's vision and the need for those entering the NFL to prepare for retirement from football.
Vincent has served on numerous boards over his career and served on the board of directors for the University of Wisconsin Foundation, and the State of New Jersey After 3 Program. He became the first active NFL player to serve on the National Board of Directors forPop Warner Little Scholars Football.
As a player, Vincent was recognized for his humanitarian work with the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He was inducted into Sport for Impact's Walter Payton Man of the Year Ring of Honor in 2025.[108] Impact Magazine awarded Vincent for his ongoing advocacy and community work the same year.[109]
A national advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, Vincent shared his family's own story of experiencing domestic violence in a February 19, 2017, guest editorial in the Naples Daily News prior to his February 20 keynote address at The Naples Shelter for Abused Women and Children's annual event.[110] In multiple forums, Vincent has advocated for an end to domestic violence.[111][112][113][114][115][116] He has also challenged men to "stand beside women as leaders in the fight against domestic violence and sexual assault."[117][118]
In 2023, Troy Vincent and his wife Tommi Vincent, chair of theNational Domestic Violence Hotline, launched the Vincent Commission in partnership with Niagara University to study and address gender-based violence.[119] Vincent has been honored by organizations such as Womanspace, Women Against Abuse and the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation for his work to advance domestic violence awareness.[120][121][122]
Vincent and his family founded the Love Thy Neighbor Community Development and Opportunity Corporation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering positive change in young people's lives through character, athletics and academics.[123] Since its founding inTrenton, N.J., in the 1990s, Love Thy Neighbor has provided college scholarships and mentoring programs for high school students, and school supplies for elementary students in inner cities, among other initiatives.[124]
Each year ahead of theSuper Bowl, Love Thy Neighbor holds a virtual fundraiser and the "Vincent Country Safe Zone Activity Day" for students at an under-resourced elementary school in the game's host city.
The seventh annual activity day in 2024, held at Matt Kelly Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nevada, included sports, games, food and resources. Students received free eye exams and glasses, health screenings, and haircuts provided by former NFL starSteven Jackson, co-founder of the Original Barber School in Las Vegas.[125][126] In 2025, Love Thy Neighbor donated more than $150,000 worth of wish-list items to teachers and students, in addition to free health and vision screenings, at Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School in theNew Orleans area.[127] According to the organization, Safe Zone has served 4,780 students and 638 school personnel, and has donated $729,000 in school equipment, in seven states to date.[128]
Vincent, through Love Thy Neighbor, donated a hydroponic GroShed to Trenton's historic Chestnut Avenue Three Point Garden in June 2025. The facility will help produce seedlings for 50-plus community gardens serving 250 families in the region.[129]
The Vincent family donated funds to help restore a park in Trenton, N.J., where Troy Vincent played basketball growing up.[124] The city later renamed the park in memory of his grandfather, Jefferson Vincent.[6]
In 2011, Vincent returned to another one of the communities he grew up in; thePennsbury School District inBucks County, Pennsylvania. His visit was in support of the Fuel Up To Play 60 program at Edgewood Elementary School. During this visit, Vincent spent time with the students, teachers, and parents.[130]
Vincent, whose grandfather served as an infantryman inWorld War II, has also been an outspoken supporter of veterans, promoting the leadership qualities they bring to football, the military academies, and civilian life.[131]
Vincent and his wife Tommi, a published author and chef[132] and cousin todrag racerAntron Brown,[133] have five children – three sons and two daughters. Their sonTaron Vincent is a defensive tackle who played college football atOhio State[134] and signed with theLos Angeles Rams in 2023.[135] The couple has been profiled in Impact Magazine, Black Love,the New York Times, and other publications for their approach to family life, as well as their philanthropy and advocacy work.[136][137][138]
