2021 National Scouting Combine Featured Quarterback Vincent Testaverde from the University at Albany

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Vincent Testaverde | NFL, XFL, University at Albany | QB

Twitter: @ vtestaverdejr | Instagram: @vincenttestaverdejr


Vincent Testaverde- QB – University at Albany

Q: Tell us about your college (or pro) career and what the recruiting/scouting process was like? 

A: I attended three different universities throughout my college career. My freshman year I played at Texas Tech University then transferred to the University of Miami for two years. From there I finished my final year at the University at Albany.  I wasn’t a highly recruited athlete but I attended a regional combine that got me signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their training camp. 

 

Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?

A: My biggest accomplishment so far would be beating the Dallas Cowboys in a pre season game at their home stadium in front of a huge crowd. I was signed late into training camp with the Buccaneers as I only had six days to learn the offense and prepare for the game. I threw a touchdown that unfortunately got called back but given the circumstances, I don’t think any other rookie quarterback could have went in with the confidence I had and performed at that level, let alone drive the field and put enough points on the board to win. 

 

Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff while playing?

A: Since I transferred multiple times in college,  I don’t feel I developed a close relationship with any of my college coaches. My best coach has always been my father as he’s been by my side throughout my entire career. He has consistently encouraged me to play my own game. To never try and replicate him or anyone else for that matter. To utilize my strengths and figure out what works for me as a player. His words to me are “trust in your ability, trust what you see, and don’t hesitate. To this day I remember those words before every practice and every game.

Q: How was your career impacted due to the 2020 pandemic and what have you learned from the adversity?

A: The pandemic definitely has impacted my career but never stoped my preparation. While I wasn’t able to play this past season due to the cancellation of the 2020 CFL season, I was able to work on my physical and mental strength. While at times it was discouraging because we had no set start up date, I was able to realize that an opportunity may present itself at anytime and I always need to stay ready. 

My biggest strength is my brain. I’ve had to learn 5 different play books in my 5 collegiate years as I had 5 different coaching staffs throughout college. While you can coach a quarterback’s drop, throwing motion, make them bigger, faster, and stronger, a quality that is uncoachable is the ability to learn and understand the X’s and O’s and a playbook.

Q: What was your major and what are your plans if football doesn’t work out?

A: I originally studied business, but later switched to communications as I felt it better aligned with my aspirations following my football career. I would love to remain in sports whether it be through sports broadcasting or coaching. 

 

Q: What would your current/past teammates say about you and your qualities?

A: While I can’t speak for others, I’d say that my teammates would describe me as reliable, accountable, and resilient. I was a player who was always early to meetings and early onto the practice field. I try to be the same guy every day, and keep the same positive attitude whether we are up 30 or down 30. I’ll always fight until the clock hits 00:00.

 

Q: What has been one of the most memorable plays of your career at any level?

A: The most memorable play of my career was during my senior year at Albany. It was one of the worst games I’ve had, throwing four interceptions and feeling like I was responsible for being down most of the game. The offense stepped on the field down 4 with only a few minutes to play. We were on our own 6 yard line and I completed a 94 yard touchdown pass that put us back in the lead and we ended up winning. It shows you that the game is never over until it’s over and like I previously mentioned in the last question, I’ll always fight until the clock hits 00:00.

 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how do you manage it?

A: My name. Simply growing up as Vincent Testaverde Jr. has been a challenge for me. With the reputation my father created as an outstanding quarterback, people consistently compare me to him and expect me to play exact like he did, but I have my own game and my own strengths. I am my own player.

 

Q: If you could compare yourself to a pro athlete, who would that be and why?

A: Though I am not of NFL MVP status… YET! I would compare myself to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. We were freshman roommates at Texas Tech together and learned a thing or two from each other. I am a pocket passer with very good, quick feet in the pocket and I have good pocket awareness while keeping my eyes downfield. I can avoid the rush and scramble for yards at a time if needed. And I am confident that I can make any throw on the field. 

 

Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to a professional team and why should pro scouts consider you?

A: My biggest strength is my brain. I’ve had to learn 5 different play books in my 5 collegiate years as I had 5 different coaching staffs throughout college. While you can coach a quarterback’s drop, throwing motion, make them bigger, faster, and stronger, a quality that is uncoachable is the ability to learn and understand the X’s and O’s and a playbook.

 

Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or ”pay it forward” in your community?

A: Throughout my collegiate career and my time on the Buccaneers there were various opportunities to get involved in the community and give back. I personally gravitate towards mentorship and love to work with kids. I think my passion for this comes from the fact that my mother has been a volunteer guardian ad litem throughout my life. 

 

Q: How are you preparing for the 2021 National Scouting Combine and what are your goals?

A: I have been preparing physically and mentally for an opportunity like this over the last year. From working hard in the gym to getting out on the field and throwing, I have not let the adversity of the pandemic deter my work ethic. My current goals are to not let that work go to waste. To come to the combine and show off the hard work I have been putting in and to be the quarterback that stands out from the rest and to get a shot at the NFL, CFL, or XFL.

 

Q: What would be your ultimate achievement?

A: My ultimate achievement would be winning the Super Bowl as a starting quarterback.

 

Q: What do you enjoy doing when not playing football?

A: I love living an active lifestyle and being outside. I spend time on the beach and enjoy working on my golf game. And of course spending time with my friends and family. 

 

Q: If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?

A: I would love to utilize my platform to initiate a program to combat childhood obesity. Growing up as an active kid I loved getting outside to play. With the technological advancements and the shift towards “screen time” as play time, childhood obesity is at an all time high. I would love to share my passion for health and fitness in order to make a positive impact in the lives of children. 

 

Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?

A: The most influential person in my life is my father. Aside from everything he’s taught me as a parent, he has taught me everything I know about football. 

 

Q: What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?

A: I think having a famous dad with the same exact name, playing the same position in the same sport is pretty unique. 

 

Q: What is your dream job?

A: My dream job is to have a secured starting spot in the NFL.

2024 National Scouting Combine

February 18-22 held at Grand Park Events Center in Westifled, IN. Accepting draft eligible nominations now!
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