Vinny Testaverde

Vincent Frank Testaverde (born November 13, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American football quarterback. He played in two Pro Bowls (in 1996 with the Baltimore Ravens, and 1998 with the New York Jets). He was the starting quarterback for the NFL's Dallas Cowboys in the 2004 season.

Related Topics:
November 13 - 1963 - Brooklyn, New York - American football - Quarterback - Pro Bowl - 1996 - Baltimore Ravens - 1998 - New York Jets - NFL - Dallas Cowboys - 2004

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Testaverde was a star quarterback at the University of Miami, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1986 on his way to becoming the University of Miami's all-time leader in career touchdown passes (46). He was the first overall draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1987 NFL draft.

Related Topics:
University of Miami - Heisman Trophy - 1986 - Touchdown - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 1987

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In 1988, Testaverde became the Bucs' starting quarterback, throwing a 47.6% completion rate for 3,240 yards and 13 touchdowns, but with 35 interceptions. His numbers continued to improve and, by the 1992 season, his last with Tampa Bay, Testaverde threw for a 57.5% completion rate for 2,554 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Related Topics:
1988 - Interception - 1992

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Testaverde then spent five seasons with the Cleveland Browns, three in Cleveland, followed by two with the Baltimore Ravens, before finally settling with the New York Jets in 1998. In his first season with the Jets, Testaverde flourished, completing 61.5% of his passes with 29 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, arguably his best season in the NFL. However, in many of his remaining seasons with the Jets, Testaverde was hampered by injuries.

Related Topics:
Cleveland Browns - Baltimore Ravens - New York Jets - 1998

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Despite his injuries, Testaverde's performance with the Jets endeared him to coach Bill Parcells, who retired from coaching in 1999. One year after Parcells was lured out of retirement by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, he brought Testaverde to his new team in 2004.

Related Topics:
Bill Parcells - 1999 - Dallas Cowboys - Jerry Jones

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Testaverde, now 41 years old, was initially signed to be a backup and mentor to young Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter. But after Carter was abruptly cut by the Cowboys, Testaverde was given the starting quarterback job. While many questioned Testaverde's ability to still play in the NFL, the protection schemes and play calling allowed him to showcase his arm with mixed results. He was able to throw for significant yardage, but led the league in interceptions, getting picked off on 4 percent of his passes.

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Testaverde's one-year contract with the Cowboys expired early in 2005. The Cowboys chose to instead sign Parcells' 1993 number one draft pick, Drew Bledsoe, as their top quarterback, leaving Testaverde without a contract. As injuries on September 25 knocked both Chad Pennington and backup Jay Fiedler out for the 2005 season, the New York Jets resigned Testaverde on September 27, 2005. While third-string quarterback Brooks Bollinger was officially named the starting quarterback, New York Jets' head coach Herman Edwards expects Testaverde to vie for the starting job for the remainder of the season, starting in the week 5 game against the Buccaneers.

Related Topics:
2005 - 1993 - Draft - Drew Bledsoe - September 25 - Chad Pennington - Jay Fiedler - 2005 season - September 27 - Herman Edwards

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