The NFL hired five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Troy Vincent to be vice president of player development for active players, the league announced Thursday.
Vincent, who played 15 years in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins, will join the league office on Monday. His primary role will be overseeing the continued implementation of a broad array of support programs for players and their families, including the Rookie Symposium, Conduct Management Program and LifeSkills, and the design of new programs responsive to the needs of incoming and current NFL players. As part of his role, Vincent will work closely with NFL teams, coaches and players to ensure that these and other programs are both effective and fully used.
"Bringing Troy on board represents a tremendous opportunity for our office to extend its reach and engagement, particularly with college and entering NFL players," said Adolpho Birch III, NFL vice president of law and labor policy who oversees NFL Player Development. "Troy brings a unique perspective and impressive skill set to this position. As a former player and past NFL Players Association President with extensive experience in player development, he is an innovative thinker, excellent communicator and will be a champion for our services."
Said Vincent: "I appreciate this opportunity to continue to be involved in the NFL working with active players and tomorrow's NFL athletes. My goal is to assist the NFL in continuing to grow and remain the most respected, admired and successful sports league in the world. The NFL community combines the passion of the nation's greatest sport with a deep commitment to community service that provides a positive relationship with fans of all ages and walks of life. My family and I owe so much to playing in the NFL, and I know my story is not unique. This is one way of giving back."
Vincent's hiring is part of a broader league effort to expand its capability and reach in providing off-the-field assistance to players.
"With Troy focusing on the programs and services that are most important for entering and younger players, Player Development can turn more attention to the development of innovative initiatives for players as they transition from the playing field to their post-football lives and careers." Birch said. "Chris Henry of our department will lead that area. We believe that the end result will be a more comprehensive player development function that will address players' needs from their first mini-camp through the end of their playing careers and beyond."
Vincent was a first-round draft pick by the Dolphins in 1992. In addition to being selected to five Pro Bowls, Vincent was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2002. He also received the NFL Players Association Byron "Whizzer" White Award in 2003 and topped the list of The Sporting News' "100 Good Guys in Sports" the same year. In 2005, he received the Athletes in Action Bart Starr Award for his outstanding character and leadership on the field and in the community, making him the only NFL player to have won all four of these awards. He also served four years as president of the NFL Players Association from 2004 to 2008.
