NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent knows the importance of the role coaches play in the sport. On National Coaches Day, the former 5-time Pro Bowler sent a message to those that make the sport tick.
Below is the complete message from Vincent, who played his high school football at Pennsbury High School in Pennsylvania.
Dear Coaches,
As we celebrate National Coaches Day across America, the NFL wants you to know that your commitment and dedication to the game and to developing the next generation is greatly appreciated. Your influence on the character and leadership development of young athletes is invaluable. Thank you for not only teaching athletic excellence, but also the values that the game delivers.
As you continue your work, we hope you take advantage of the resources available through the NFL Way to Play educational series. The NFL Way to Play, which focuses on teaching coaches and players proper playing technique across all levels of football, was created by working closely with NFL Legends coaching at all levels of the game.
Troy Vincent, Sr., About Troy Vincent Sr.
Vincent also directed coaches to several resources the NFL has put together for them. You can see them below:
- Way to Play Playbook – A downloadable PDF that covers the five shields of the game: Posture, Space & Speed, Drill Selection, Language, and Best Practices
- Play Football Video Gallery & YouTube channel – Home to all our educational videos
- Virtual Way To Play Clinic – A virtual clinic for youth and high school football coaches on the NFL Way to Play hosted by NFL Legend LeCharles Bentley and Glazier Clinics
- Virtual Workout Series – A four-week program with video trainings for ages 14 and up that can be done anywhere at home and without much equipment
At Pennsbury, Vincent played multiple positions — defensive back, flanker and running back. During his senior season, Vincent averaged nine yards per carry, according to media reports. He also caught 18 passes for the Falcons, who finished 8-3. Vincent was named to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s All-Area 1st Team.
Sun, Dec 20, 1987 – Page 64 · The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) · Newspapers.comHis high school performance led to Vincent earning a scholarship from the University of Wisconsin.
Thu, Feb 11, 1988 – Page 83 · The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) · Newspapers.comVincent has been inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
In 1972, President Richard Nixon proclaimed October 6 as National Coaches Day. His proclamation read:
“Coaches are highly qualified teachers—in highly specialized fields. But more than that, they are friends and counselors who help instill in their players important attitudes that will serve them all their lives.”
Fri, Sep 22, 1972 – 11 · The Vincennes Sun-Commercial (Vincennes, Indiana) · Newspapers.com
