Troy Vincent isn't suprised the Dolphins are struggling this season. He knows the Dolphins don't have a great quarterback and in the NFL, it's practically impossible to successful when your quarterback play is inconsistent.
""When you look at the state of the league, when you don't have consistent quarterback play, I'm not surprised," Vincent said this week. "I never forget when I came to the Dolphins and Danny [Marino] shared with me, 'You win in this league, Troy, with consistent quarterback play so you'll have a chance to win here every week.' He was talking about himself at the time. But as you develop as a professional you look around and see that when you don't have the quarterback play, and the quarterback down there is gone for the season now, and it's up in the air who's going to be behind the center, you're going to have challenges. It's tough to win in that situation. And over the last few years it's been that way in Miami."
Vincent played for the Dolphins from 1992 when Don Shula made him the No. 7 overall selection in the draft until 1995. He went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins in a career that spanned 15 seasons.
Today, Vincent is the NFL's Vice President of Player Engagement, formerly the league's player development organizaton. And from that perch Vincent deals with current and former players every day, trying to make sure they prepare and succeed in football today and their lives when the games and careers are finished.
"My sole responsibilty and purpose is to help those young men to transition -- those coming from college into the pros as rookies and then help those that are transitioning out," Vincent says. "Let's identify what you want to do with your life and identify the skills you learned as a professional athlete and put those to work as you go into the next phase of your life."
Vincent is arguably the greatest cornerback ever to play for the Dolphins. And the stories he shares of his first days with the Dolphins are priceless.
"When I came in I remember coach [Don]Shula picked me up in his Crowne Victoria and, fortunately at the time, the club was filled with veterans and he said to me, 'I'm going to drop you off when we get to St. Thomas and there's a gentleman I want you to go see. He will teach you how to be a pro. It's number 56. I want you to go to his locker and introduce yourself.' It was John Offerdahl," Vincent said. "And at the time I was embraced by John. But coming in from coach [Barry] Alvarez at Wisconsin I already knew football was a game, it wasn't a career. It wasn't something I could do the rest of my life. Coaching you can. Playing you can't."
(Can you imagine Don Shula going to Miami International Airport and picking up his first round draft pick in his own personal Crowne Victoria? Classic.)
"It was a Crowne Victoria," Vincent repeats. "I was sitting in the back seat. He said to me, 'Son, I can only hide for you for two years.' I said, 'Hide me? What do you mean hide me?' He said, 'I can hide you for two years and after that the league will find you. The league will know who you are and will expose your greatest weakness. But if you become a student of the game, you'll play this game as long as you want to.'
"And that was my first conversation with coach Shula. I was so surprised and taken aback, I'm looking out on 836 and thinking, 'I can't believe the coach said he's going to need to hide me.' But what he was trying to instill is that your athletic ability will only take you so far. But if you make a commitment, and that's why he wanted me to engage with John Offerdahl, because he will tell you what you need to do to be a pro, then things can be diferent. And I had no idea what he was talking about. But once I got in the league I found out what he meant because everyone is talented. And those that make the additional sacrifices Monday to Friday are the ones that really give a team a chance to win on Sunday. I want to say it was the greatest words of advice that any coach has shared with me."
Vincent is 41 years old now. He's got a family. He's a success. And he's the made with advice for current Dolphins players. Yes, the players he knows are winless and obviously professionally hapless now.
"Continue to believe in your coach," Vincent says. "Come back [from the bye weekend] refreshed, recharged as you start the second part of your season. It's not over. Continue to believe in your coach. As a former player and the head of Player Engagement, engage ... The club has many resources. You have to engage so that we can assist you both on and off the field."
Vincent has overseen the changes in the player programs. It was necessary because while the programs to help the players had evolved and the services had evolved, and even as the league evolved, the office of player program services had not evolved. Vincent brought about that change.
"It needed a new facelift," he said. "It needed a new look and feel and quite frankly new objectives."
Some of those objectives?
Develop a better student athlete.
Develop the best group of professionals on and off the field.
And create a lifetime fraternity of men who are successful in society that happened to play professional football.
"We've seen it grow," Vincent says of his Player Engagement Organization. "... I would probably say we have a little over a third that truly maximizes the resources at the club level and league level."
Vincent obviously wants all players to embrace the programs that are available to them. He gets graduates of programs to come back and talk to current players about the advantages of using the resources. He even has ways of reaching out to players' significant others to get them to encourage the men s to seek the resources available to them.
"At some point in time, none of them know when their careers will end," Vincent says. "There is no policy or instruction when the game will end for any of us. We want you to begin to think about what life will look like after the pads are off. As professional athletes, we're often high-strung. We're often our own worst enemies. We don't like thinking about tomorrow. But tomorrow will come with or without us. And we want to make sure they're prepared."
I have a theory about NFL players post-retirement. Most fall into one of three categories: There are those that go into coaching on some level or another. There are those that go into the media on some level or another. And there are those that are broke about five minutes after their career ends.
The middle class, the folks that go on to open businesses or work in industry, are few and far between.
"Those are the guys we want to reach most," Vincent said. "We concentrate our efforts on the every day guy. We have an array of programs to introduce the men to the business world and the entrepenurial world. Just because you played the game doesn't mean you're going to be great coach or great commentator. Most of our service offerings are for the every day guy."
To me the most impressive program Vincent's office has is the tuition reimbursement program. The NFL pays the player to go back to finish his education. The league even pays for post-graduate education. That covers books, tuition, everything -- up to $15,000 per year. That is available while the player is current and up to three years after he's out of the game.
"Most of our players, about 45 percent of our population have their degrees. One of our degrees is to get that to around 60 percent which is far more than any other sport. It's double actually of any other sport."
Obviously there are down and out guys. Vincent sighs deeply when I asked him about them. He obviously has a place in his heart for those guys because many suffer from post-career medial issues. Many more deal with emotional problems, including depression.
And Vincent understands because he, too, dealt with a form of depression after leaving the game.
"I probably had a phase of that," he says. "When you read about the symptoms ... Look, we're prideful individuals and no one wants to be tied to that stigma. That's a stigma. That depression is weak. Depression is not weak. It's what am I doing? What's my value in society? What value do I bring to my family today? I would say after reading about it, studying it for so many years, being on the other side of the table, being 24, 25, 27 years of age and never talking about it growing up, but now understanding the signs and knowing the medical research, I would say I had my phase.
"We're seeing high levels of men not transtioning well. And we see depression set in. And they don't understand it's depression. They're just looking. They're trying to identify who they are. Where they want to be in life. What we look at when we say, down-and-out, we try to assess the individuals where they are. I was there once, that individual that after 15 years, now I had to transition to another life. It's adjustment. I'm still adjusting.
"I'm coming to work every day. Happily married But I'm still adjusting to life after football. The locker room comraderie [is missing]. I miss going into a locker room and being on that same schedule that I saw for 15 years. Traveling on a plane. The meetings at night. The strategy. I've had to shift that skill set to the place I'm working now. But I'm still adjusting."
I would tell you Troy Vincent has been more than successful at making the adjustment. He was a winner on the field and has become a winner off the field. Now, he's trying to spread that culture of success to current and past NFL players as Vice President of NFL Player Engagement.
Soiled must have put away the nail file and started using his teeth.
Saints driving.
Camrolina leading by 4!
Posted by: odinseye | October 09, 2011 at 03:51 PM
P.S. - 6th beer EXACTLY! - Ding, ding, ding - Johnny tell the Cuban what prizes he wins.
Posted by: $0.02 | October 09, 2011 at 03:35
Two Cents, Got you beat, Been drinking since 7am..............(Got off work at 5am)..As Odin would say
VAHALA.. Or something like that.........
Posted by: Cuban Menace | October 09, 2011 at 03:52 PM
Cents, I see the lions at 8 and 8 this year, though like everone else says its a QB league (Staford will go down with a injury before thinksgiving) The Lions will finish with a 8 and 8 record.. Again JMHO..
Posted by: Cuban Menace | October 09, 2011 at 03:59 PM
If anyone has the NFL package from Direct TV Check out the Bills-Eagles game...
Posted by: Cuban Menace | October 09, 2011 at 04:03 PM
A good game, I think Hollywood Ross wants this type of team(Bills)
Posted by: Cuban Menace | October 09, 2011 at 04:06 PM
Cuban,
Will Philadelphia run Andy Reid out of town?
Posted by: $0.02 | October 09, 2011 at 04:07 PM
Cents, They "Boo" Santa Clause.....; Id say yeah...
Posted by: Cuban Menace | October 09, 2011 at 04:09 PM
Does anyone Feel sorry For Michael Vick Getting a Cheapped shot??????, I dont, I hope this moron getys a broken leg or two....
Posted by: Cuban Menace | October 09, 2011 at 03:33 PM
Easy, Tony Montana.
Posted by: FinsSuck | October 09, 2011 at 04:24 PM
On Jan 31st, vote for Rick Perry in the GOP Primary.
Posted by: RickPerry2012 | October 09, 2011 at 04:27 PM
You Miami gumbas want to see a stud in action? Tune in to CBS right now. Maybe it'll remind you of what its like to have a real QB at the helm.
Posted by: Tom Brady | October 09, 2011 at 04:42 PM
Tom,
You do remind me of Greise.
Thank you.
Posted by: PriceMaster | October 09, 2011 at 04:52 PM
thank god, goodbye, good ridence, so long, see ya, kick rocks, and take suckrano and ireland with you!
Posted by: dolphin 77 | October 09, 2011 at 04:53 PM
Hey wait a second.
The story makes it sound like the people running the Phins have made this decision about Henne.
But according to previous stories Mando posted this whole regime is gone if they don't make the postseason, which means they do not get to decide if Henne will be here or not.
That only leaves one conclusion to draw from the story:
Henne has told the team he will not be re-signing here.
Posted by: PriceMaster | October 09, 2011 at 05:05 PM
NFL IS SO STUPID AND BORING YOU MUST WATCH THE CANADIA FOOTBALL IT IS MORE EXCITING AND THE FANS ARE NOT FAT ALCLOHOLICS LIKE AMERICANS
Posted by: ALoco | October 09, 2011 at 05:06 PM
Aloco, Aclohoclicism is a big problem in the US, when did you figure that out? Was is while you were hovering over a bowl of fresh swisschard and beans?
Posted by: C63-AMG | October 09, 2011 at 05:16 PM
Also, Aloco, are you calling yourself a fat alcy American..or did you just admit you were Canadian?
Posted by: C63-AMG | October 09, 2011 at 05:17 PM
The angle of the sun and uniform colors of the Patriots and Jets gives that game an unusual visual clarity. They look liste glistening Christmas ornaments on that verdant field. Converesely, the 49ers and Buccaneers are rather harsh on the eyes as the preponderance of red and metallic tones create a somewhat unappealing palette.
Posted by: Coco | October 09, 2011 at 05:21 PM
I want to hear what the great Lyle Blackwood thinks about the D
Posted by: stuart | October 09, 2011 at 05:22 PM
I AM AMERICAN BUT NOT FAT AND DRUNK LIKE MOST ARE INCLUDING THE GANG OF DEFAT,.,I HAVE WATCH CANADIA FOOTBALL ALL YEAR ON NFL NEWTORK AND IT IS SO MUCH BETTER AND ALSO I HAVE SEE THE CANADIA FANS ARE MORE FIT AND RESPECTFULL
Posted by: ALoco | October 09, 2011 at 05:23 PM
We need the Jets to beat NE. That way, if we rally we might get a Wild Card spot.
Posted by: oscar canosa | October 09, 2011 at 05:36 PM
That TE Gronkowsky has the physique of a tackle but moves like a split end.
Posted by: oscar canosa | October 09, 2011 at 05:38 PM
I was wrong about Andy Dalton.
Posted by: oscar canosa | October 09, 2011 at 05:42 PM
Dying Breed and dusty bottoms are the 2 smartest posters here.
Posted by: Dingle Berries | October 09, 2011 at 05:46 PM
Mosi Tatupu is looking strong today!
Posted by: odinseye | October 09, 2011 at 05:47 PM
Welker keeps opening up the run game for Tatupu!!!!
Posted by: odinseye | October 09, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Wait, sorry, that wasn't Tatupu.
It was Mini Mack Heron!
Posted by: odinseye | October 09, 2011 at 05:53 PM
Aloco, so does being fit or fat have anything to do with human behavior?
Posted by: C63-AMG | October 09, 2011 at 05:58 PM
The Patty's run D is starting to be exposed
Posted by: C63-AMG | October 09, 2011 at 05:59 PM
It's been a dark grey lazy rainy day here in Central FL
Posted by: C63-AMG | October 09, 2011 at 06:01 PM
Nick Mangold should be called The Wall, nobody can move him.
Posted by: oscar canosa | October 09, 2011 at 06:02 PM
Oscar, that's why we should have plucked him during his contract dispute..we could have saved him for next years team
Posted by: C63-AMG | October 09, 2011 at 06:07 PM
Also Tebow is in at QB..den have given up on orton finally lol...what do you see out of future Tebow Aloco?
Posted by: C63-AMG | October 09, 2011 at 06:08 PM
Aloco, How much Glue Today???, I thought you hsd a sponser.., Aloco call your sponser for HELP.
Posted by: Cuban Menace | October 09, 2011 at 06:11 PM
Have you seen a broken coverage by NE's secondary, ever? It doesn't happen.
Posted by: oscar canosa | October 09, 2011 at 06:13 PM
Oscar, I just wanted to compliment you on how very pretty you looked in your gown l night. When we kissed under the gazebo in the garden, my heart soared my darling.
Posted by: Brigadier General Frank Wikowski | October 09, 2011 at 06:13 PM
RIP AL Davis
Posted by: killerdolphin | October 09, 2011 at 06:17 PM
Rather than envy, I compliment them Teams(and get sick about it).
Posted by: oscar canosa | October 09, 2011 at 06:17 PM
CUBEN, I WAS JUST NIOTING THA THE MORE THE FINS LOSE THE MORE OUTRAGOUS YOUR GANG OF DEFEET IS,MAYBE YOU FLIPERBREE,AND ODEN SHOULD CHECK INTO SOME KIND OF CLINIC FOR YOR DRUNKING PROBLEMS,WE CANTR HELP TYOU AND YOU THINK A 12 PACK CAN> BUFFETT OF KNOWLEDGE
Posted by: ALoco | October 09, 2011 at 06:20 PM
RE: The picture the Herald vposte of Al Davis...... True the picture is a bad shot(Ala A drivers Lisence Shot) But in the Herals defense, It is a recent picture of Al Davis, He Passed away 23 years ago....
Posted by: Cuban Menace | October 09, 2011 at 06:29 PM
Whoever is calling those NE offensive plays, knows exactly the Jets D weaknesses.
Posted by: oscar canosa | October 09, 2011 at 06:32 PM
Aloco, WTF????????????????????Please write in english, You suffer from "Alocolisem"..LOL, Get help(Or spell check) my lil friend....
Posted by: Cuban Menace | October 09, 2011 at 06:35 PM
Turn out the lieeghts.......
Posted by: oscar canosa | October 09, 2011 at 06:42 PM
ALoco, you owe the gang of defeat (defeet) an apology.
At 0-4, it looks like they were right.
Posted by: $0.02 | October 09, 2011 at 06:47 PM
I see that Oscar also has "Alocolism"...
Posted by: Cuban Menace | October 09, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Hey Cuban - 12 straight hours of drinking?
Good work man!
Posted by: $0.02 | October 09, 2011 at 06:57 PM
Test
Posted by: C63-AMG | October 09, 2011 at 06:59 PM
Two Cents, Thanks,There's so many people I want to thank so many people, I want to thank the People of NYC 1st off, and then there's the in-laws, I mean there so many people, Where do I start??? ETc,Etc,Etc, Now I know how my Norse Warrior feels... BURBBBBBB..
Posted by: Cuban Menace | October 09, 2011 at 07:02 PM
Man, is that Tebow scrappy!
Posted by: oscar canosa | October 09, 2011 at 07:34 PM
We need the Jets to beat NE. That way, if we rally we might get a Wild Card spot.
Posted by: oscar canosa | October 09, 2011 at 05:36 PM
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA..........You Fins Fan, man you guys are sumthin'....
Posted by: Tom Brady | October 09, 2011 at 07:41 PM
Great, now Indy is making a run at Suck 4 Luck. We're just destined to screw that up.
Posted by: StinkyFish | October 09, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Tebow is all hype, I love how the anouncer says "Great pass by Tebow" But it was a awlful pass from Mr. Hype and a Great catch by Loyde, I guess CBS is buying into the Timmy(I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ)Tebow..., Not surprised though...
Posted by: Cuban Menace | October 09, 2011 at 07:43 PM
We need the Jets to beat NE. That way, if we rally we might get a Wild Card spot.
Posted by: oscar canosa | October 09, 2011 at 05:36 PM
OMG, I cant believe I missed this post... Really Oscar??? LMAOIJSBOMC...........
Posted by: Cuban Menace | October 09, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Cuban, you are also an alluring and exotic creature but it is for Oscar that I save my kisses and gentle caresses by the fire.
We shall always have that passionate weekend in the Poconos, Cuban, but my heart belongs to my sweet Oscar now.
Posted by: Brigadier General Frank Wikowski | October 09, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Who cares?! Fins need to continue to Suck for Luck and it looks like the freaking colts might give them competition for the #1 overall pick... Fins might need to go 0-16! Morono better not screw this up!!!
Posted by: Suck For Luck | October 09, 2011 at 08:01 PM
wisconsin harvey vodka lulu idiot grape understand ink cards chase the rabbi brake new jersey steaks rowing hershey bar villae queen vishnu
hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare
witness chadance wolves rummy bo boo jamaica clown evan hula girl sam bewitched makeup oral stain
hare rama rama rama hare hare
Posted by: Bob Barker | October 09, 2011 at 08:15 PM
The 49ers are now at 4-1 which is there best start in nine years.
One has to wonder if Mike Nolan sucks as a Head Coach.
Posted by: $0.02 | October 09, 2011 at 08:17 PM
Hey! inside job you are standing on water and eating reptile of the mind.
Posted by: Mr.Smith | October 09, 2011 at 08:26 PM
ALL THE GANG OF DEFEAT WILL BE HERE TOMORROW DRUNK AND UNEPOYED LIKE ALL WAYS
Posted by: ALoco | October 09, 2011 at 08:52 PM
Why wait till tomorrow?
We're burning Norweigian Wood!
It's GOOD!!!!
Posted by: odinseye | October 09, 2011 at 08:56 PM
Henne should be able to find a job as a backup on a team like Atl, NO or SD.
That way at least he can watch a good team play from the sideline.
Posted by: Dingle Berries | October 09, 2011 at 09:09 PM