Troy Vincent, who has spent 22 years as an NFL player and executive, has been named NFL executive vice president of football operations, Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today. Commissioner Goodell also appointed Dave Gardi, currently the NFL's vice president of labor relations and football administration, to the newly created position of senior vice president of football operations.
Vincent, the head of NFL Player Engagement since 2010, will oversee all aspects of football operations in the league office with a focus on quality and innovation. His responsibilities will include officiating, integrity of the game, on-field discipline, game operations, player personnel, and college relations. Vincent will serve as a non-voting member of the Competition Committee and supervise development programs for players, coaches, and football executives. Gardi will work closely with Vincent on the administration of policies and programs in the football operations group.
Gardi, a quarterback at Brown University and graduate of Hofstra Law School, joined the NFL in 2003. He has represented the league and NFL teams in labor matters under the collective bargaining agreements with the NFL Players Association and the NFL's game officials. He was a member of the negotiating teams for the CBAs with the players and game officials. He also worked with the football operations department and the Competition Committee on a wide range of officiating, playing rules, and player disciplinary issues. Dave is the son of the late Joe Gardi, who was an assistant coach with the New York Jets, an assistant supervisor of officials at the NFL, and head coach of Hofstra University for 16 years.
"Troy Vincent brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective to this leadership position," Commissioner Goodell said. "He knows the game inside out from the locker room to the board room. He has done an exceptional job growing services to our players and former players, and he is ready and eager to lead our football operations group. Troy's passion for education, personal development, and innovation will bring a new vitality and vision to our football group.
"Dave Gardi adds his own unique and broad skill set, including being steeped in the game his entire life as a player and the son of a coach," Goodell added. "Together, Troy and Dave bring strong and talented new leadership to this critical function."
Vincent was a first-round draft choice of the Miami Dolphins in 1992. A cornerback from the University of Wisconsin, Vincent played 15 years in the NFL for the Dolphins, Eagles, Bills, and Redskins. He was named a Pro Bowl player five times and was the 2002 winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for his outstanding community service. Vincent served as president of the NFL Players Association from 2004-2008.
He joined the NFL office in 2010 to lead the league's player engagement department, which provides support programs for players and their families. Vincent significantly expanded the scope of services for current and former players and their families. Promoted to senior vice president in 2013, he has recruited more than 200 NFL former players as ambassadors to help implement the department's programs.
"I am excited and grateful for this opportunity," Vincent said. "We will emphasize clarity, consistency, and credibility to ensure the highest standards and best practices for our teams and fans. We will work closely with all stakeholders to preserve, innovate, and develop the game. This is about making a great game even better for our generation and future generations."
In addition to the Payton Man of the Year Award, during his NFL playing career Vincent received the NFLPA Byron "Whizzer" White, Sporting News #1 Good Guy, and Athletes in Action Bart Starr awards for his community service. He is the only NFL player ever to receive all four of these awards.
