Vince Young,
NFL Quarterback
Considered one of the NFL's most vigorous offensive weapons, with his robust throwing arm and commanding athleticism, it's no wonder Vince Young's fans nicknamed this NFL quarterback "In-VINCE-able." As each football season gets into gear, all eyes invariably turn to this mega-talented player, who has not only led the Titans into the playoffs three times since he joined the team in 2006, but has set himself on a course of excellence that will etch his name in the history books as one of the most dominate players the game has ever known.
Boasting a 6'5" frame made of personal grit and muscle, Vince has developed into a quarterback powerhouse. He was an impressive third overall draft pick in 2006 before moving on to become a record-breaking rookie of the year. And more than once in his career, experts have called him a future hall of famer. He started his career at the University of Texas, where he earned the David O'Brien Award, given to the best collegiate quarterback in the nation. But Longhorn fans remember him best for twice leading his team to the Rose Bowl, including the amazing upset victory in 2006 over the reigning national champs, University of Southern California Trojans. Vince's game winning touch down in that match-up allowed him to win the Rose Bowl MVP title for a second time and prompted UT to retire his jersey number, 10, in 2008. Opposing coach Pete Carroll called Vince's game "one of the best I've seen by one guy," and NFL safety Ronnie Lott (a USC alum) called Vince "one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play college football." The all-star performance hurled Vince into the big time – the NFL. After talks with his mother and family pastor, Young threw his name into the draft. And his performance didn't slow down once he hit the pros. He was snatched up by the Tennessee Titans, where he briefly played with his close friend and mentor, Steve McNair. By the time his first pro season was over, Vince had broken the record for rushing yards by a rookie (552) and won the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. After a knee injury forced Vince to take some time off from serious play, he came back in 2009 stronger than ever, leading the Titans to win 8 of his first 10 games. He was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year and by 2010 was named, for a second time, to the Pro Bowl.
But Vince's amazing story doesn't end with his on the field successes. Today, the media clamors after him, for interviews, photo shoots and event hosting. And he's earned a reputation as a force for change in his community. His accomplishments are all the more incredible in light of his start in life. He grew up in the rough-n-tumble neighborhood of Hiram Clarke (in Houston, Texas), where he was chiefly raised by his beloved grandmother and mother (Vince wears the number 10 as a respectful nod to his mom's birthday, June 10). Together, Vince and his mother run The Vince Young Foundation, which helps kids and the community at large through mentorships, scholarships, 3 football camp (in Houston, Austin and Nashville) and other volunteer work (he recently paid a visit to the Texas Children's Hospital, signing autographs and hanging with the kids). He's appeared as a TV guest on "Rome Is Burning," "ESPN," "NFL Monday Night Football," was a presenter at the 2010 ESPY Awards, and has been featured in national magazines such as "ESPN," "GQ," and "Sports Illustrated," where he graced the cover a record breaking six times. His amazing life story earned him a feature spot on "60 Minutes" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." And his rare combination of charm and talent landed him commercial spots for Reebok, Vizio television, Campbell's Chunky soup (with his mom), the National Dairy Council and Madden 08. He appeared in rapper Mike Jones' "My 64" video. Expanding his talents into the business world, Vince launched a line of VY Gear, offering hats, T-shrits and custom crafted cross-training Reebok tennis shoes. His love of music pushed him to open his own record label, Next Label Inc. And his next business venture includes the soon-to-open Vince Young Steakhouse in the town that made him famous, Austin, Texas, which will showcase meats from his already successful line of Vince Young Meats (offering sausages, briskets and ribs).
Vince Young's unsurpassed talent on the field, his care for his community, and his charm in the television and print media make him one of the most compelling stars in sports today. As a result, his fan base transcends the football field. He's a man with talent. A man with heart. And a man with a soaring future.