Vinny Testaverde
Heisman winner and 21-year NFL veteran known for his strong arm and frequent interceptions.
via Wikipedia: Vinny Testaverde · see source
Vincent Frank Testaverde Sr. (born November 13, 1963) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the NFL for 21 seasons. He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, earning consensus All-American honors and winning the Heisman Trophy in 1986. Testaverde was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the first overall pick of the 1987 NFL draft.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Quarterback
- Draft year
- 1987
- Draft pick
- 1st Overall
- Jersey number
- 14
- Seasons with bucs
- 10
- Status
- Retired
Lore & Background
Testaverde played for the Buccaneers from 1987 to 1992. In his second season, he threw 35 interceptions. He signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Browns in 1993, then moved with the team to Baltimore, becoming a Raven. He later joined the New York Jets, where he achieved his greatest success. He also played for the Dallas Cowboys, Jets again, New England Patriots, and Carolina Panthers.
Reader's Guide
Testaverde started 88 games for Tampa Bay over 6 seasons. He holds NFL records for losses as a starting quarterback (123) and lowest career regular-season winning percentage for any quarterback with at least 70 wins (42.3%). He started five postseason games with a 2–3 record. He threw more than 20 interceptions in four of his 21 seasons.
Did You Know?
- Testaverde was a fan of the New York Jets growing up.
- He scored the first touchdown in Baltimore Ravens history on a nine-yard run.
- Testaverde made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 1996 with the Ravens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vinny Testaverde to the Buccaneers?
He was the franchise's first-ever number one overall draft pick in 1987 and served as their primary quarterback for ten seasons. This role established him as the foundational leader of the team during its early years.
What jersey number did Vinny Testaverde wear?
He wore jersey number 14 throughout his entire decade-long tenure with Tampa Bay. This number remains synonymous with his era of leadership and durability for longtime supporters.
How long did Vinny Testaverde play for Tampa Bay?
His career with the Buccaneers spanned ten seasons from 1987 until he departed after the 1996 season. He is now retired and recognized as a key figure in the club's development.
What position did Vinny Testaverde play?
He served as the quarterback, leading the offense through the difficult rebuilding phases of the late 1980s and early 1990s. His leadership set the standard for future players before the team won a championship title.
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