(Photo courtesy of New York Jets).
Vinny Testaverde was initially chosen because he is the only Italian-American player drafted as the first pick of the NFL. However, after learning more about the quarterback, it was clear he was the first of many things. He is the first for The Forkball as well because he is being honored during Italian American Heritage Month 2024 for being the most midfielder ever. He’s neither good nor bad; he is just Vinny Testaverde. Let’s learn more about one of the most successful journeymen quarterbacks ever. Andy Dalton wishes.
My Cousin Vinny
We don’t know that much about Testaverde’s childhood. It sounds particularly functional with a family who loved him and a father who was his biggest supporter. There is an element of unhealthiness in the father’s perception of his son. Al Testaverde, a construction worker, would eat lunch and look at the Downtown Athletic Club in NYC, and imagine when he would go in there to watch his son play. It’s a good thing his son turned out to be healthy and athletic.
Vinny is someone’s cousin, probably, and he was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1963. He grew up as a huge Jets fan. Testaverde would go and watch Richard Todd practice in Hofstra. He also loved Joe Namath. Most fond of the young boy were the throwback uniforms he loved. From the 1960s until 2008, the New York Jets would practice at Hofstra. They made an exodus for cheaper land with more updated facilities in New Jersey.
Journey to the NFL
After playing football at and graduating from Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, New York, Testaverde spent a year for college prep at the Fork Union Military Academy, where he also played football. He credits the discipline he learned at the academy for saving his football dreams.
In 1982, Testaverde accepted an athletic scholarship at the University of Miami. He redshirted as a freshman and backed up Bernie Kosar, finally starting his last season (1985-1986). In his senior year, he won a few awards—the Heisman for one, the David O’Brien Award, the Maxwell Award, the Sammy Baugh Trophy, and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Testaverde is also part of the University of Miami quarterback dynasty and is in the university’s hall of fame.
NFL In A Nutshell
If we had to describe Testaverde’s NFL career in one word, it would be mid. Granted, being in the NFL at all is a huge deal in itself, so even mid is impressive, but he was still average at best. He is what a person may call a journeyman QB, playing for seven teams, one of which he played for twice. He had a strong arm but wasn’t quick on his feet and had a Peyton Manning-type model when it came to turnovers.
Vinny Testaverde did have some NFL records, but they’re more so related to how long he played and not so much how well he played them. You tend to do the same thing many times when you do them for 21 seasons.
Getting Personal With Vinny Testaverde
Testaverde is refreshingly straight-laced. He has three children: Alicia, Madeleine, and Vincent Jr., with his wife Mitzi. He didn’t really work much after he left the NFL at 44 years old. He’s managed his finances well and dabbles in investments. He did a little football coaching to follow his son’s football career, which seems a little over the top.
Vincent Testaverde Jr. was a SUNY quarterback, was signed as an undrafted free agent for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019 temporarily, and has played in other professional leagues. The XFL, CFL, IFL, and NAL specifically. Currently, Jr. is playing for the Orlando Predators of the AFL. A chip off the old block.
In Conclusion
Vinny Testaverde is an important NFL player to highlight for a number of reasons. He has one of the longest careers in the NFL; he is the only Italian American to be drafted number one overall in the league, and he’s also a really nice guy.
A family man who supports his wife and children and manages his money well. Something most men can aspire to. Although Vinny’s career was average in the NFL, he is in the University of Miami quarterback dynasty, which cannot be overstated. As we know, some players are fantastic in college, and that doesn’t necessarily translate to the NFL, which is understandable. Vinny Testaverde has been both successful on and off the gridiron. There’s nothing mid about that.
Make sure to catch the first edition of Italian American Heritage Month 2024 at The Forkball.
