View source for Vinny Testaverde

{{Short description|American football player (born 1963)}}
{{For|his son|Vincent Testaverde Jr.}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name        = Vinny Testaverde
| image       = Vinny Testaverde 1.jpg
| alt         = 
| caption     = Testaverde with the [[Baltimore Ravens]] in 1996
| number      = 14, 12, 16
| position    = [[Quarterback]]
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1963|11|13}}
| birth_place = [[Brooklyn|Brooklyn, New York]], U.S.
| death_date  = 
| death_place = 
| height_ft   = 6
| height_in   = 5
| weight_lb   = 233
| high_school = [[Sewanhaka High School|Sewanhaka]] {{nowrap|([[Floral Park, New York]])}}
| college     = [[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami (FL)]] (1982–1986)
| draftyear   = 1987
| draftround  = 1
| draftpick   = 1
| pastteams   =
* [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] ({{NFL Year|1987|1992}})
* [[Cleveland Browns]] ({{NFL Year|1993|1995}})
* [[Baltimore Ravens]] ({{NFL Year|1996|1997}})
* [[New York Jets]] ({{NFL Year|1998|2003}})
* [[Dallas Cowboys]] ({{NFL Year|2004}})
* New York Jets ({{NFL Year|2005}})
* [[New England Patriots]] ({{NFL Year|2006}})
* [[Carolina Panthers]] ({{NFL Year|2007}})
| highlights  =
* 2× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1997 Pro Bowl|1996]], [[1999 Pro Bowl|1998]])
* [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[PFWA All-Rookie Team#1987|1987]])
* [[College football national championships in NCAA Division I FBS|National champion]] ([[1983 Miami Hurricanes football team|1983]])
* [[Heisman Trophy]] (1986)
* [[Maxwell Award]] (1986)
* [[Walter Camp Award]] (1986)
* [[Davey O'Brien Award]] (1986)
* [[Sammy Baugh Trophy]] (1986)
* [[Sporting News College Football Player of the Year|''SN'' Player of the Year]] (1986)
* [[UPI College Football Player of the Year|UPI Player of the Year]] (1986)
* [[List of unanimous All-Americans in college football|Unanimous All-American]] ([[1986 College Football All-America Team|1986]])
* Second-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[1985 College Football All-America Team|1985]])
* [[List of NCAA major college football yearly passing leaders|NCAA passing touchdowns leader]] (1986)
* [[List of NCAA major college football yearly passing leaders|NCAA passer rating leader]] (1986)
* [[Miami Hurricanes football#Retired numbers|Miami Hurricanes No. 14]] retired
| statlabel1  = [[Passing attempts]]
| statvalue1  = 6,701
| statlabel2  = [[Passing completions]]
| statvalue2  = 3,787
| statlabel3  = [[Completion percentage]]
| statvalue3  = 56.5%
| statlabel4  = [[Touchdown|TD]]–[[Interception|INT]]
| statvalue4  = 275–267
| statlabel5  = [[Passing yards]]
| statvalue5  = 46,233
| statlabel6  = [[Passer rating]]
| statvalue6  = 75.0
| statlabel7  = [[Rushing yards]]
| statvalue7  = 1,661
| statlabel8  = [[Touchdown|Rushing touchdowns]]
| statvalue8  = 15
| pfr         = TestVi00
| CollegeHOF  = 2352 
}}

'''Vincent Frank Testaverde Sr.''' ({{IPAc-en|t|ɛ|s|t|ə|ˈ|v|ɜr|d|i}}; born November 13, 1963) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] [[quarterback]] who played in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for 21 seasons. He played [[college football]] for the [[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami Hurricanes]], earning consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] honors and winning the [[Heisman Trophy]] in 1986.

Testaverde was selected by the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] with the [[List of first overall National Football League Draft picks|first overall pick]] of the [[1987 NFL draft]]. After leaving as a free agent, he signed with the [[Cleveland Browns]] and was among the people taken away to play for the new [[Baltimore Ravens]] during [[Cleveland Browns relocation controversy|the team's controversial move]]. He then joined the [[New York Jets]], where he achieved his greatest success. In the last four seasons of his career, he played for the [[Dallas Cowboys]], the Jets for a second time, [[New England Patriots]], and [[Carolina Panthers]] for one year each.

Testaverde's professional career is principally noted for its duration: 21 seasons with seven teams. He finished in the top 10 in most career passing statistics: 6th in career passing yardage, 7th in career touchdown passes, 6th in career completions. But he holds the 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 in his NFL career with a record of 2–3. Testaverde was known for his strong arm and high volume, but was also known for his frequent [[interception]]s. Testaverde threw more than 20 interceptions in four of his 21 seasons; during his [[1988 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|second season]] with the Buccaneers, he threw 35 interceptions.

==Early life==
Testaverde was born in [[Brooklyn]], New York City. While living in [[Elmont, New York]], on [[Long Island]], Testaverde attended [[Sewanhaka High School]] in [[Floral Park, New York|Floral Park]], and graduated in 1981.<ref name="newsday">{{cite news |last=Blair |first=Cynthia |date=April 24, 2004 |title=1981: Vinny Testaverde Graduates from Sewanhaka High School |work=[[Newsday]] |url=http://www.newsday.com/features/ny-iholi052404story,0,3643595.htmlstory |access-date=January 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001001722/http://www.newsday.com/features/ny-iholi052404story,0,3643595.htmlstory |archive-date=October 1, 2007}}</ref> He then attended [[Fork Union Military Academy]] in [[Fork Union, Virginia]] for a [[post-graduate year]] of college preparatory work. Growing up, he was a fan of the [[New York Jets]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Glauber |first=Bob |date=January 2, 2016 |title=Vinny Testaverde to Ryan Fitzpatrick: Enjoy the ride |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/vinny-testaverde-to-ryan-fitzpatrick-enjoy-the-ride-t07416 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=Newsday |language=en}}</ref>

==College career==
[[File:Vinny Testaverde throwing the ball during a game in Miami (cropped).jpg|thumb|Testaverde with the [[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami Hurricanes]] in [[1986 Miami Hurricanes football team|1986]]]]
Testaverde accepted an [[athletic scholarship]] to attend the [[University of Miami]], where he played for the [[Miami Hurricanes football]] team from 1982 to 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vinny Testaverde |url=https://www.umsportshalloffame.com/vinny-testaverde.html |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame |language=en}}</ref> He [[Redshirt (college sports)|redshirted]] as a freshman,<ref name="courant">{{Cite web |date=May 6, 2013 |title=Ex-UM star Vinny Testaverde to enter College Football Hall of Fame |url=https://www.courant.com/2013/05/06/ex-um-star-vinny-testaverde-to-enter-college-football-hall-of-fame/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=Hartford Courant |language=en-US}}</ref> backed up [[Bernie Kosar]] for the next two seasons, and became the starter in 1985. As a senior in 1986, he was a Unanimous First-team All-American and won the Heisman Trophy,<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 6, 2013 |title=Hurricane Legend Vinny Testaverde to Enter the College Football Hall of Fame |url=https://footballfoundation.org/news/2013/5/6/_53640.aspx |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=National Football Foundation |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas Jr. |first=Robert Mcg. |date=December 7, 1986 |title=TESTAVERDE AWARDED HEISMAN |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/12/07/sports/testaverde-awarded-heisman.html |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Heisman Memorial Trophy Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/heisman.html |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> on his way to becoming the Hurricanes' all-time leader in career [[touchdown]] passes with 48.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubenstein |first=Alan |date=November 26, 2023 |title=Miami Football: 15 greatest players of the Jimmy Johnson era |url=https://caneswarning.com/2023/11/26/miami-football-greatest-players-jimmy-johnson-era/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=Canes Warning |language=en-US}}</ref> In addition to the Heisman Trophy, he also won the Davey O'Brien Award, the Maxwell Award, the Sammy Baugh Trophy, and the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Davey O'Brien Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/obrien.html |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Maxwell Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/maxwell.html |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sammy Baugh Trophy Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/baugh.html |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Walter Camp Player of the Year Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/camp-poy.html |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> His 26 touchdown passes and [[passer rating]] of 165.8 in the 1986 season led major college football.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1986 College Football Leaders |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/1986-leaders.html |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He played in the [[1987 Fiesta Bowl]] against [[Penn State Nittany Lions football|Penn State]] for the 1986 national championship, a game in which the Miami Hurricanes were heavily favored but lost 14–10 in a game in which Testaverde threw five interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffer |first=Richard |date=January 3, 1987 |title=Penn State Picks Off Miami, 14–10 : Testaverde Intercepted Five Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-01-03-sp-2016-story.html |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

Testaverde played an important part in the University of Miami's history as one of the top [[college football]] programs of the 1980s and 1990s. Along with [[Jim Kelly]], [[Mark Richt]], [[Bernie Kosar]], [[Steve Walsh (American football)|Steve Walsh]], [[Gino Torretta]], [[Craig Erickson]], and [[Ken Dorsey]], Testaverde is considered part of the University of Miami's quarterback dynasty, and was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. On May 7, 2013, he was inducted into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]].<ref name="courant" />

===College statistics===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
! colspan="11" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Miami Hurricanes}}"| Miami Hurricanes 
|-
! rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="7"| Passing
|-
! Cmp !! Att !! Pct !! Yds !! TD !! Int !! Rtg
|-
! [[1982 NCAA Division I-A football season|1982]] || [[1982 Miami Hurricanes football season|Miami]]
| 5 || 12 || 41.7 || 79 || 1 || 0 || 124.5
|-
! [[1983 NCAA Division I-A football season|1983]] || [[1983 Miami Hurricanes football season|Miami]]
| colspan="6"|''Redshirted''
|-
! [[1984 NCAA Division I-A football season|1984]] || [[1984 Miami Hurricanes football season|Miami]]
| 17 || 34 || 50 || 184 || 0 || 1 || 89.6
|-
! [[1985 NCAA Division I-A football season|1985]] || [[1985 Miami Hurricanes football season|Miami]]
| 216 || 352 || 61.4 || 3,238 || 21 || 15 || 149.8
|-
! [[1986 NCAA Division I-A football season|1986]] || [[1986 Miami Hurricanes football season|Miami]]
| 175 || 276 || 63.4 || 2,557 || 26 || 9 || 165.8
|-
! colspan="2"|[https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/vinny-testaverde-1.html Career] !! 413 !! 674 !! 61.3 !! 6,058 !! 48 !! 25 !! 152.9
|}

==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
|    height ft = 6
|    height in = 4¼
|       weight = 213
|         dash = 4.75
|    ten split = 1.63
| twenty split = 2.75
|      shuttle =
|   cone drill =
|     vertical =
|     broad ft =
|     broad in =
|        bench = 13
|     arm span = 33½
|    hand span = 10
|    wonderlic =
|         note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=26466 |title=Vinny Testaverde, Combine Results, QB – Miami (FL) |website=nflcombineresults.com |access-date=September 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ras.football/2020/01/25/vinny-testaverde-ras/ |title=Vinny Testaverde RAS |website=ras.football |date=January 25, 2020 |access-date=September 1, 2021}}</ref>
}}

===Tampa Bay Buccaneers===
Testaverde was selected as the first overall draft pick by the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] in the [[1987 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1987 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1987/draft.htm |access-date=September 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chiusano |first=Anthony |date=April 28, 2023 |title=Colleges with the most overall No. 1 picks in NFL draft history |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2023-04-27/colleges-most-overall-no-1-picks-nfl-draft-history |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=NCAA.com |language=en}}</ref> He made his NFL debut in Week 2, throwing four passes in a 20–3 loss to the [[Chicago Bears]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears – September 20th, 1987 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198709200chi.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He made his first start in a Week 13 loss to the Saints. He scored his first NFL touchdown on a one-yard rush and he threw his first passing touchdown on a 37-yard pass to Mark Carrier.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – December 6th, 1987 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198712060nor.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In his second season, Testaverde struggled heavily with a 47.6% completion rate for 3,240 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 35 [[interception]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vinny Testaverde 1987 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TestVi00/gamelog/1987/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> His 35 interceptions were the second most of any quarterback in a single season in NFL history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Passes Intercepted Single-Season Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_int_single_season.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> During his tenure in Tampa, Testaverde received taunts from fans and radio personalities about his [[color blindness]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Preston |first=Mike |date=July 18, 1996 |title=Public image limited Quarterback: Vinny Testaverde has aired his private life in the past, and gotten burned. He's learned his lessons, on and off the field. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1996/07/18/public-image-limited-quarterback-vinny-testaverde-has-aired-his-private-life-in-the-past-and-gotten-burned-hes-learned-his-lessons-on-and-off-the-field/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=Baltimore Sun |language=en-US}}</ref> In 1988, a radio station in Tampa rented a billboard that had Testaverde standing in front of a blue background. The billboard read: "Vinny thinks this is orange!"<ref name="SBNation6202019">{{Cite web |last=Brady |first=James |date=June 20, 2019 |title=Who's your favorite NFL journeyman quarterback? |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/6/20/18682804/nfl-journeyman-quarterback-best-josh-mccown-retirement |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=SBNation.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name="orangebillboard">{{cite news |last=Arthur |first=Bruce |date=November 18, 2006 |title=Vinny, vidi, vici: Our game picker admits his aim is often little off, but like recently unretired Vinny Testaverde, he keeps on chuckin' |work=[[National Post]] |url=http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/columnists/story.html?id=491015fb-5107-42c9-8143-dc15e0ac8bf6&p=1 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929104721/http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/columnists/story.html?id=491015fb-5107-42c9-8143-dc15e0ac8bf6&p=1 |archive-date=September 29, 2007 }}</ref> The high number of errors caused his intelligence to be called into question. [[National Football League Players Association]] president [[Gene Upshaw]], unaware that his comments could be heard by anyone viewing through a direct satellite uplink, once commented during an ''[[NFL Live!]]'' commercial break that Testaverde was so dumb that he would drag the electric cord through his swimming pool while trimming the hedges, and claimed himself to be a better quarterback (Upshaw was a retired offensive guard) than Testaverde.<ref>Greene, Jerry. "Dolphins, Bucs may draft Seminoles". The Boca Raton News. December 10, 1988</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hersch |first=Hank |date=December 19, 1988 |title=TRIALS OF TESTAVERDE |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1988/12/19/trials-of-testaverde |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=Sports Illustrated Vault |language=en-us}}</ref>

In the 1989 season, Testaverde started all 14 games and passed for over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vinny Testaverde 1989 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TestVi00/gamelog/1989/ |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> While Testaverde significantly reduced his interception total in 1989, he again led the league with 22.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1989 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1989/passing.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> His numbers continued to improve, and in the 1992 season, his last with Tampa Bay, he threw for a 57.5% completion rate for 2,554 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vinny Testaverde 1992 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TestVi00/gamelog/1992/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

===Cleveland Browns===
Testaverde signed as an [[unrestricted free agent]] with the [[Cleveland Browns]] in 1993.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 1, 1993 |title=Testaverde Signs With Browns |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-04-01-sp-17614-story.html |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> After spending half a season as a backup to his former Hurricanes teammate [[Bernie Kosar]], he became the starter after Kosar's release by then Browns head coach [[Bill Belichick]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pluto |first=Terry |date=August 14, 2010 |title=In second half of his life, former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar begins a comeback: Terry Pluto |url=https://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/2010/08/in_second_half_of_his_life_for.html |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=cleveland.com |language=en}}</ref> Testaverde spent three seasons in Cleveland, and in [[1994 Cleveland Browns season|1994]] led the team to an 11–5 record and a playoff appearance, where they won the [[American Football Conference|AFC]] [[1994–95 NFL playoffs#AFC: Cleveland Browns 20, New England Patriots 13|Wild Card Round]] game against [[New England Patriots|New England]] before being defeated by [[Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh]] in the [[1994–95 NFL playoffs#AFC: Pittsburgh Steelers 29, Cleveland Browns 9|Divisional Round]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1994 Cleveland Browns Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cle/1994.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns – January 1st, 1995 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199501010cle.htm |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – January 7th, 1995 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199501070pit.htm |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Testaverde started on and off for the Browns during the 1995 season, where the team dropped to a 5–11 record and missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1995 Cleveland Browns Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cle/1995.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Testaverde was part of controversial Cleveland Browns move to Baltimore.

=== Baltimore Ravens ===
In 1996, most of the players and personnel that made up the Cleveland Browns organization [[Cleveland Browns relocation controversy|moved to Baltimore]], establishing the [[Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Langbaum |first=Kevin |date=August 31, 1996 |title=Ravens put ball, fate in Testaverde's hands Starting status clear, but veteran's ability to win remains cloudy |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1996/08/31/ravens-put-ball-fate-in-testaverdes-hands-starting-status-clear-but-veterans-ability-to-win-remains-cloudy/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=Baltimore Sun |language=en-US}}</ref> Testaverde played two seasons with the newly formed team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buhler |first=John |date=January 29, 2020 |title=Vinny Testaverde on what could have been with Bill Belichick in Cleveland |url=https://fansided.com/2020/01/29/vinny-testaverde-bill-belichick-cleveland-browns/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=FanSided |language=en-US}}</ref> He scored the first touchdown in the history of the Ravens on a nine-yard run<ref name="SBNation6202019" /> and ended the season with over 4,000 passing yards, 33 passing touchdowns, and 19 interceptions.<ref name="Sun631998">{{cite news |last=Preston |first=Mike |date=June 3, 1998 |title=Ravens end Testaverde era by waiving quarterback Going in 'different direction,' team saves $1.6 million on '98 cap |work=The Baltimore Sun |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1998-06-03-1998154017-story.html |access-date=March 21, 2020}}</ref> Testaverde made his first [[1997 Pro Bowl|Pro Bowl appearance]] in 1996, with the Ravens.<ref name="probowl96">{{Cite web |title=1996 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1996/probowl.htm |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Said football statistics site ''[[Football Outsiders]]'' of Testaverde's unlikely [[1996 NFL season|1996 season]], "The real reason the Ravens ranked first in rushing [efficiency] was, believe it or not, Vinny Testaverde, who was out of his gourd as a scrambler that season. Ignore the official stats and take out the kneels, and Testaverde had 197 yards on just 23 carries, 8.6 yards per carry. He scrambled seven times on third down with 5–10 yards to go and converted six of those. He scrambled six times on a 1st-and-10 and gained a new first down five times. Testaverde had not rushed for 100 yards since [[1992 NFL season|1992]]."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vinny Testaverde Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TestVi00.htm |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Testaverde signed a restructured four-year contract with the Ravens ahead of the 1997 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 9, 1997 |title=Testaverde gets new deal $19 million contract aids Ravens' salary cap |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1997/03/09/testaverde-gets-new-deal-19-million-contract-aids-ravens-salary-cap/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=Baltimore Sun |language=en-US}}</ref> Ravens owner [[Art Modell]] complimented Testaverde on his loyalty to the team and his acceptance of the city of Baltimore.<ref>{{cite news |last=Preston |first=Mike |date=March 9, 1997 |title=Testaverde gets new deal $19 million contract aids Ravens' salary cap |work=The Baltimore Sun |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-03-09-1997068154-story.html |access-date=March 21, 2020}}</ref> However, Testaverde did not perform as well in 1997 as he did the previous year. He threw 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, and was replaced by backup [[Eric Zeier]] after suffering an injury. Zeier led the Ravens to two consecutive victories and become popular with the fans.<ref name="Sun631998" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambrecht |first=Gary |date=July 25, 1998 |title=Zeier keeps fire inside Ravens: With a new $2.6 million contract and confidence from last year's finish, backup quarterback Eric Zeier patiently waits for his chance to show what he can do. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1998-07-25-1998206046-story.html |access-date=March 21, 2020 |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun}}</ref> After trading for [[Indianapolis Colts]] quarterback [[Jim Harbaugh]], the Ravens released Testaverde prior to the 1998 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 3, 1998 |title=Ravens cut Testaverde |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1998/06/03/ravens-cut-testaverde/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302155715/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1998/06/03/ravens-cut-testaverde/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref> While Modell and Ravens coach [[Ted Marchibroda]] complimented Testaverde and said that he would start elsewhere in the NFL, Testaverde and his agent were dissatisfied with the way that his release was conducted.<ref name="Sun631998" />

===New York Jets (first stint)===
In 1998, his first season with his hometown [[New York Jets]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Sam |date=June 24, 2021 |title=This Date In Transactions History: Jets Sign Vinny Testaverde |url=https://www.profootballrumors.com/2021/06/this-date-in-transactions-history-jets-sign-vinny-testaverde |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=Pro Football Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Eskenazi |first=Gerald |date=June 25, 1998 |title=PRO FOOTBALL; The Jets' Testaverde Era Begins (Well, It All Depends) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/25/sports/pro-football-the-jets-testaverde-era-begins-well-it-all-depends.html |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Testaverde began the season as the second-string quarterback behind starter [[Glenn Foley]], whose rib injury in Week 2 made him the starter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eskenazi |first=Gerald |date=September 17, 1998 |title=PRO FOOTBALL; Injury Could Turn the Jets' Foley Into a Spectator |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/17/sports/pro-football-injury-could-turn-the-jets-foley-into-a-spectator.html |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Testaverde flourished in his first start, throwing four touchdown passes against the [[Indianapolis Colts]] and winning two straight games for the Jets. The recovered Foley was named the starter by head coach [[Bill Parcells]] for their Week 6 game against the [[Los Angeles Rams|St. Louis Rams]], but after a miserable 5-of-15 outing, he was benched and replaced by Testaverde, who remained the starter for the rest of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eskenazi |first=Gerald |date=October 17, 1998 |title=PRO FOOTBALL; Foley's Toughest Test Continues on the Bench |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/17/sports/pro-football-foley-s-toughest-test-continues-on-the-bench.html |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> He went 12–1 in 13 games as a starter, completing 61.5% of his passes with 29 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a 101.6 quarterback rating, making the Pro Bowl for the second time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vinny Testaverde 1998 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TestVi00/gamelog/1998/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="probowl98">{{Cite web |title=1998 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1998/probowl.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209135612/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/misc/pb1998.htm |archive-date=February 9, 2007 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In a December game against the [[1998 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], Testaverde was involved in a play that was cited as an impetus for the NFL's adoption of a new [[instant replay]] review system the next season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Butchko |first=John |date=September 30, 2016 |title=This Jets vs. Seahawks Game From the Past Helped Bring Instant Replay Back Into the NFL |url=https://www.ganggreennation.com/2016/9/30/13116586/this-jets-vs-seahawks-game-from-the-past-helped-bring-instant-replay-back-into-the-nfl |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=Gang Green Nation |language=en}}</ref> With the Jets trailing 31–26 and twenty seconds left in the game, Testaverde attempted to score on a quarterback sneak on fourth and goal from the Seattle five-yard line. Testaverde had been tackled and the ball was not across the goal line when this happened, but because Testaverde's helmet had crossed the line the game's head linesman, Earnie Frantz, ruled the play a touchdown. The Jets won the game 32–31 and the loss was said to have cost the Seahawks a playoff berth and coach [[Dennis Erickson]] his job.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Gary |date=June 3, 2010 |title=Quarterback sneak by Vinny Testaverde in 1998 opened door for coaches to request video replays |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2010/06/03/quarterback-sneak-by-vinny-testaverde-in-1998-opened-door-for-coaches-to-request-video-replays/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}}</ref>

In spite of the controversy, Testaverde's 1998 season was arguably his best season in the NFL. With him under center, the Jets won the [[AFC East]] for the first time since the merger and earned a first-round bye, and a home [[1998–99 NFL playoffs#AFC: New York Jets 34, Jacksonville Jaguars 24|Divisional Round]] playoff game against Jacksonville.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 New York Jets Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyj/1998.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets – January 10th, 1999 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199901100nyj.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the [[1998–99 NFL playoffs#AFC: Denver Broncos 23, New York Jets 10|AFC Championship]] that year, they lost to the eventual [[Super Bowl]] champion [[Denver Broncos]] 23–10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – New York Jets at Denver Broncos – January 17th, 1999 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199901170den.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Jets had Super Bowl aspirations entering the 1999 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Magliocchetti |first=Geoff |date=September 24, 2019 |title=The New York Jets Could Look To 1999 For Grind-It-Out Inspiration |url=https://elitesportsny.com/2019/09/24/new-york-jets-could-look-to-1999-for-grind-it-out-inspiration/ |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=Elite Sports NY |language=en-US}}</ref> However, in the first game of the season, against the [[New England Patriots]], Testaverde suffered a ruptured [[Achilles tendon]] and did not play for the rest of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 13, 1999 |title=Testaverde done for the season |url=https://a.espncdn.com/nfl/news/1999/0912/53587.html |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bumbaca |first=Chris |date=September 13, 2023 |title=Ex-Jets QB Vinny Testaverde struck with 'bad memories' after watching Aaron Rodgers' injury |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2023/09/13/aaron-rodgers-injury-vinny-testaverde-new-york-jets-achilles/70841768007/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2000, Testaverde returned as the Jets quarterback. The highlight of the season was the "[[The Monday Night Miracle (American football)|Monday Night Miracle]]" game against the [[Miami Dolphins]] on October 23, 2000, selected by fans as the greatest game in [[Monday Night Football]] history.<ref name="miracle">{{Cite web |last=Diegnan |first=Mike |title=MNF's Greatest Games: Miami-New York Jets 2000 |url=http://espn.go.com/abcsports/mnf/s/greatestgames/miaminewyorkjets2000.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030216035427/http://espn.go.com/abcsports/mnf/s/greatestgames/miaminewyorkjets2000.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 16, 2003 |access-date=January 2, 2007 |publisher=ABC Sports Online}}</ref> In that game, the Jets fell behind 30–7 going into the fourth quarter, but came back to win the game, 40–37 behind five touchdown passes from Testaverde, including one each to [[Laveranues Coles]], [[Jermaine Wiggins]], [[Jumbo Elliott (American football)|Jumbo Elliott]], and two to [[Wayne Chrebet]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – October 23rd, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200010230nyj.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2010 |title=Jets Honor 2000 'Monday Night Miracle' Team  |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/jets-honor-2000-monday-night-miracle-team/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=CBS – New York |language=en-US}}</ref> In the regular season finale against the Ravens, he passed for a career-high 481 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in the loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens – December 24th, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200012240rav.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2000 season, he led the Jets to a 9–7 record but missed the postseason.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2000/index.htm |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 New York Jets Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyj/2000.htm |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He finished with 3,732 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vinny Testaverde 2000 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TestVi00/gamelog/2000/ |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Following the departure of head coach [[Al Groh]], Testaverde had a new coach in [[Herm Edwards]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Battista |first=Judy |date=December 31, 2000 |title=PRO FOOTBALL; Groh Jolts Jets and Resigns as Coach After One Season |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/31/sports/pro-football-groh-jolts-jets-and-resigns-as-coach-after-one-season.html |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cannizzaro |first=Mark |date=March 1, 2001 |title=Jets' Edwards set to take New York stage |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/cannizzaro_mark/1119216.html |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In 2001, Testaverde led the Jets back to the [[2001-02 NFL playoffs|playoffs]], where they lost in the [[2001–02 NFL playoffs#AFC: Oakland Raiders 38, New York Jets 24|Wild Card Round]] to the [[Oakland Raiders]] 38–24. Testaverde was efficient in the loss, passing for three touchdowns and no interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – New York Jets at Oakland Raiders – January 12th, 2002 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200201120rai.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2002, he was replaced after a 1–3 start by [[Chad Pennington]].<ref name="pennington">{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2002 |title=Testaverde benched for Pennington |url=http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/NYJ/5764421 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214105852/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/NYJ/5764421 |archive-date=December 14, 2006 |access-date=January 2, 2007 |publisher=NFL.com wire reports}}</ref> He made cameo appearances to take the last snap in both the playoff-clinching game versus the [[Green Bay Packers]] and the 41–0 Wild Card Round win against the [[Indianapolis Colts]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets – January 4th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301040nyj.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2003, he was assigned to a backup role behind Pennington, although he started the first six games due to Pennington's left wrist injury.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vinny Testaverde 2003 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TestVi00/gamelog/2003/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

===Dallas Cowboys===
Despite his injuries, Testaverde's performance with the Jets endeared him to Bill Parcells, who retired from coaching in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Macur |first=Juliet |date=September 26, 2004 |title=Testaverde Is Hearing It All Again From Parcells |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/26/sports/football/testaverde-is-hearing-it-all-again-from-parcells.html |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> One year after Parcells was lured out of retirement by [[Dallas Cowboys]] owner [[Jerry Jones]], he brought Testaverde to the Cowboys in 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 3, 2004 |title=Reunited: Testaverde joins Parcells in Dallas |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1815150 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

Testaverde initially was signed to be a backup and mentor to young Cowboys quarterback [[Quincy Carter]], but after Carter was abruptly cut by the Cowboys for allegedly failing a drug test, Testaverde was given the starting quarterback job.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 5, 2004 |title=Cowboys cut Carter loose |url=https://www.deseret.com/2004/8/5/19843636/cowboys-cut-carter-loose/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2004 |title=Hutchinson starting over |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/10/08/hutchinson-starting-over/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> While many questioned his ability to still play in the NFL, the protection schemes and play-calling allowed him to showcase his arm, although with mixed results. He was able to throw for significant yardage, but led the league in interceptions, getting picked off on 4% of his passes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/passing.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Dallas finished the 2004 season 6–10, for third place in the [[NFC East]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2004.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/index.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Testaverde's one-year contract with the Cowboys expired early in 2005. The Cowboys chose to instead sign Parcells' 1993 number one [[NFL draft|draft]] pick, [[Drew Bledsoe]], as their top quarterback, leaving Testaverde without a contract. Parcells cites Testaverde's presence in Dallas as having been important to the development of eventual starter [[Tony Romo]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=August 15, 2016 |title=Tony Romo moves into different role: mentor |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4752888/tony-romo-moves-into-different-role-mentor |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> At the time, Testaverde's 3,532 passing yards and 297 completions were the third-best total of his career and the third-most passing yards in Dallas Cowboys franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys Career Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/career-passing.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He also tied the franchise record for 300-yard passing games in a season with three and became the fifth quarterback in league history to pass for over 300 yards at 40 years old.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

===New York Jets (second stint)===
As injuries on September 25, 2005 knocked both [[Chad Pennington]] and backup [[Jay Fiedler]] out for the [[2005 NFL season|2005 season]], the New York Jets re-signed Testaverde on September 27, 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=September 27, 2005 |title=Blast from past: Jets turn to Testaverde at QB |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2173731 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Testaverde was named the Jets' starting quarterback in week five of the 2005 season, in a home game against the team that originally drafted him, the [[2005 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stroud |first=Rick |date=October 6, 2005 |title=Testaverde goes from couch to QB in 2 weeks |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2005/10/06/testaverde-goes-from-couch-to-qb-in-2-weeks/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref>

On December 26, against the [[New England Patriots]] on the final [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] telecast of ''[[Monday Night Football]]'', Testaverde set a new NFL record for most consecutive seasons with at least one [[touchdown]] pass, 19, by throwing a 27-yard pass to [[Laveranues Coles]] to secure the record.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 27, 2005 |title=Testaverde sets record with TD in 19th straight season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2271938 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> That pass is also notable as being the last touchdown pass thrown on ''Monday Night Football'' while it was still broadcast by ABC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cimini |first=Rich |date=December 26, 2005 |title=PLAYBOOK. IT'S OVER TIME. VINNY, ABC'S 'MNF' BOWING OUT TOGETHER |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2005/12/26/playbook-its-over-time-vinny-abcs-mnf-bowing-out-together/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}}</ref> The game was also notable because the Patriots sent in back-up quarterback [[Doug Flutie]], making this the first game in NFL history in which two quarterbacks over the age of 40 completed a pass (Testaverde was 42, Flutie was 43).{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

===New England Patriots===
On November 14, 2006, the [[New England Patriots]] signed Testaverde as a backup to starter [[Tom Brady]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2006 |title=Pats sign Testaverde |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2662075 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> Testaverde kneeled down for the final play in a victory against the [[2006 Green Bay Packers season|Packers]] on November 19, 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Green Bay Packers – November 19th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611190gnb.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Testaverde threw a touchdown pass to [[Troy Brown]] on December 31, 2006, against the [[2006 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], giving him at least one touchdown pass for the twentieth straight season, extending his NFL record.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2007 |title=Patriots' Testaverde tosses historic TD |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2007/01/01/patriots-testaverde-tosses-historic-td/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref> The Patriots defeated the [[2006 New York Jets season|Jets]], Testaverde's former team, in the first round of the [[NFL playoffs, 2006-07|playoffs]], and Testaverde took the last couple of snaps to run out the clock.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – New York Jets at New England Patriots – January 7th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200701070nwe.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Testaverde wore #14 with the Patriots, the second time the number has been re-issued since [[Steve Grogan]]'s retirement as [[P.K. Sam]] wore it earlier in the decade.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Players to Wear Number 14 for New England Patriots |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/uniform.cgi?team=nwe&number=14 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]}}</ref>

On May 29, [[2007 New England Patriots season|2007]], Testaverde stated his interest in returning to the Patriots for the 2007 NFL season,<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2007 |title=Patriots Notebook: Testaverde not retired yet |url=https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/sports/2007/05/23/patriots-notebook-testaverde-not-retired/41215413007/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=MetroWest Daily News |language=en-US}}</ref> and on July 13, 2007, confirmed this with [[Sporting News Radio]]. He officially signed a 1-year contract for $825,000 on August 18, 2007, but was released on September 1, 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |author-link=Len Pasquarelli |date=August 18, 2007 |title=Pats come to terms with veteran QB Testaverde |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/trainingcamp07/news/story?id=2980587 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Crouse |first=Karen |date=October 18, 2007 |title=Testaverde Finds It's Hard to Remain Retired |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/18/sports/football/18testaverde.html |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Carolina Panthers===
[[File:Vinny Testaverde.jpg|thumb|Testaverde with the [[Carolina Panthers]] in November 2007]]
With [[Jake Delhomme]] out for the [[2007 NFL season|2007 season]] due to an elbow injury he suffered in a Week 3 victory over the [[Atlanta Falcons]], and [[David Carr (American football)|David Carr]] out with a sore back, the Panthers signed Testaverde on October 10, 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2007 |title=Panthers sign 43-year-old Testaverde to one-year deal |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/panthers-sign-43-year-old-testaverde-to-one-year-deal-09000d5d80322952 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2007 |title=43-year-old Testaverde signs with Panthers |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nfl/2007/10/11/43-year-old-testaverde-signs/23701547007/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US}}</ref> Testaverde, wearing #16, started his first game with the team on October 14, 2007, against the [[Arizona Cardinals]]. In that game, he threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to [[Steve Smith Sr.|Steve Smith]], extending his NFL record to 21 consecutive seasons with a touchdown pass.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2007 |title=QB-needy Panthers agree to deal with Testaverde |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3056695 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> After leading the Panthers to a 25–10 victory, the 43-year-old became the oldest starting quarterback to win a game in NFL history, and the third-oldest to start one.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Horrigan |first=Jeff |date=October 16, 2007 |title=Belichick: Vinny one for ages |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2007/10/16/belichick-vinny-one-for-ages/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=Boston Herald |language=en-US}}</ref> He has also thrown touchdown passes to 71 different players, a record since broken by [[Tom Brady]]. On October 28, coach [[John Fox (American football)|John Fox]] named Testaverde the starting quarterback against the [[Indianapolis Colts]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 26, 2007 |title=Panthers pick Testaverde to start at QB vs. Colts |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3080685 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> In that game, Testaverde led the Panthers in the longest opening drive for a touchdown in franchise history, consisting of 18 plays and lasting over 11 minutes. Despite winning time of possession in the first half of the game, the Panthers entered the locker room under a 3-point deficit. In the second half, Testaverde left the field with a strained [[Achilles tendon]], and was replaced by former [[Houston Texans]] quarterback David Carr. Ultimately, the Panthers lost 31–7.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cranston |first=Mike |date=October 28, 2007 |title=After slow start, Colts rout Panthers 31–7 |url=https://www.blueridgenow.com/story/news/2007/10/28/after-slow-start-colts-rout-panthers-31-7/28047710007/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=Hendersonville Times-News |language=en-US}}</ref> Reports said that Testaverde would be out for at least a week.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2007 |title=Carr projects as Panthers' likely Sunday starter |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3088296 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

On November 18, Testaverde and the Panthers played at [[Lambeau Field]] against [[Brett Favre]] and the [[Green Bay Packers]] for their Week 11 matchup.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2007 |title=Packers...31 Panthers...17 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-19-sp-packers19-story.html |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> With Testaverde at 44 years old and Favre at 38 years old, this was the oldest starting quarterback duo in any game in NFL history. The "Senior Bowl", as it was nicknamed in the media, was won by the Packers 31–17.<ref>{{Cite web |last=The Associated Press |date=November 19, 2007 |title=Brett Favre leads Packers past Vinny Testaverde, Panthers |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/2007/11/19/2007-11-19_brett_favre_leads_packers_past_vinny_tes.html |access-date=September 20, 2010 |publisher=Nydailynews.com |archive-date=December 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071202132714/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/2007/11/19/2007-11-19_brett_favre_leads_packers_past_vinny_tes.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On December 2, Testaverde became the second-oldest starting quarterback in NFL history at 44 years and 19 days old. He threw two touchdown passes against the [[2007 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] in the Panthers' win, breaking his own record for the oldest starter to win an NFL game. During this game, Testaverde and [[Dante Rosario]] became the passer/receiver duo with the largest age gap between them (20 years, 346 days) to connect for a touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oldest quarterbacks to throw a touchdown pass in the NFL |url=https://www.nfl.com/photos/the-nfl-s-bad-grandpa-quarterbacks-0ap2000000269379 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2007|agency=Associated Press |title=Testaverde and creative plays help lift Panthers over 49ers |url=https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2007/12/03/testaverde-and-creative-plays-help-lift-panthers-over-49ers/28594495007/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>

Testaverde announced his plans for retirement on December 29, which would take effect after the final game of the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 30.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 29, 2007 |title=Testaverde to retire from NFL after Panthers' game Sunday |url=https://abc7news.com/archive/5861170/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=ABC7 San Francisco |language=en}}</ref>

Panthers head coach John Fox sent him into the game to take the final kneel-down snap in a game which the Panthers won 31–23, expectantly bringing to an end to the 44-year-old's 21-year NFL career at the same city he was originally drafted. He officially announced his retirement from professional football in January 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 29, 2007 |title=Testaverde, 44, set to retire after Panthers' finale |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3172576 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

===Legacy===

Despite his long career and overall statistical achievements, Testaverde only had moderate success in terms of [[List of most wins by a National Football League starting quarterback|wins and losses]]. During the regular season as a starter, he led his teams to 90 wins, 123 losses, and one tie. He led his team to the postseason on three occasions, with an overall postseason record of 2–3, reaching the AFC Championship Game once.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vinny Testaverde Playoffs Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TestVi00/gamelog/post/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> A [[Journeyman (sports)|journeyman quarterback]] who played on seven different teams, Testaverde holds several NFL records related to his longevity in the league, including the NFL record for having thrown a touchdown pass in 21 consecutive seasons, the most losses by a starting quarterback with 123, and throwing touchdown passes to an NFL record 70 different players (broken by [[Tom Brady]] in 2018).<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2007 |title=Vinny Testaverde, 43, throws a TD in 21st straight season |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2007/10/15/vinny-testaverde-43-throws-a-td-in-21st-straight-season/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=New York Daily News|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=November 14, 2017 |title=Look out, Vinny Testaverde: Tom Brady in pursuit of unique TD record |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4807991/look-out-vinny-testaverde-here-comes-tom-brady-in-pursuit-of-td-record |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> He had one of the highest completion percentages in a single game during the regular season (at least 20 attempts) at 91.3% (21/23), in 1993, against the [[Los Angeles Rams]]. Testaverde's one-time record has since been broken multiple times, with [[Drew Brees]] now holding the record at 96.7%.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Pass Completion % Single Game Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_perc_single_game.htm |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

As a player, Testaverde was commended for his arm strength but criticized for his lack of mobility and tendency to commit turnovers.<ref name="SBNation6202019" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Joyner |first=James |date=September 27, 2005 |title=Jets Sign Vinny Testaverde to Replace Injured Pennington at QB |url=https://www.outsidethebeltway.com/espncom_-_nfl_-_blast_from_past_jets_turn_to_testaverde_at_qb/ |access-date=March 21, 2020 |website=Outside the Belway}}</ref>

==Career awards and highlights==
* 2× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1997 Pro Bowl|1996]], [[1999 Pro Bowl|1998]])
* [[Pro Football Weekly|PFW All-AFC]] (1998)<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1998/allpro.htm |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* 2× [[American Football Conference|AFC]] [[List of National Football League season passing touchdowns leaders|Passing Touchdowns Leader]] ([[1996 NFL season|1996]], [[1998 NFL season|1998]])
* [[American Football Conference|AFC]] [[Passer Rating]] Leader ([[1998 NFL season|1998]])<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1998/passing.htm |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* 4× AFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 17, 1993, Week 9, 1996, Week 7, 1998, Week 15, 2001)
* 2× NFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 1, 1989, Week 2, 1992)
* 3× AFC Offensive Player of the Month (September 1995, November 1998, December 1998)
* 1× NFC Offensive Player of the Month (September 1990)
* Tampa Bay Buccaneers leader in interceptions<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Career Passing Leaders |url=https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/leaders/career-passing-interceptions |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=FootballDB.com}}</ref>
* Inducted into the [[Florida Sports Hall of Fame]] (2006).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vinny Testaverde |url=https://flasportshof.org/fshofmember/vinny-testaverde/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=Florida Sports Hall of Fame |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Inducted into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]] (2013)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weintraub |first=Robert |date=May 11, 2013 |title=Honoring Greats of College Football Takes Much Time and Several Steps |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/12/sports/ncaafootball/for-college-football-stars-a-long-wait-for-the-hall-of-fame.html |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Inducted into the [[Long Island Sports Hall of Fame]] (1987)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ketcham |first=Diane |date=April 26, 1987 |title=LONG ISLAND JOURNAL |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/26/nyregion/long-island-journal-865687.html |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

==NFL career statistics==
===Regular season===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="3"| Games
! colspan="8"| Passing
! colspan="4"| Rushing
! colspan="2"| Fumbles
|-
! GP !! GS !! Record !! Cmp !! Att !! Pct !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Int !! Rtg !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Fum !! Lost
|- 
! [[1987 NFL season|1987]] || [[1987 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|TB]] 
| 6 || 4 || 0–4 || 71 || 165 || 43.0 || 1,081 || 6.6 || 5 || 6 || 60.2 || 13 || 50 || 3.8 || 1 || 7 || 2
|-
! [[1988 NFL season|1988]] || [[1988 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|TB]]
| 15 || 15 || 5–10 || 222 || 466 || 47.6 || 3,240 || 7.0 || 13 || '''35''' || 48.8 || 28 || 138 || 4.9 || 1 || 8 || 5
|-
! [[1989 NFL season|1989]] || [[1989 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|TB]]
| 14 || 14 || 5–9 || 258 || 480 || 53.8 || 3,133 || 6.5 || 20 || 22 || 68.9 || 25 || 139 || 5.6 || 0 || 4 || 2
|-
! [[1990 NFL season|1990]] || [[1990 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|TB]]
| 14 || 13 || 6–7 || 203 || 365 || 55.6 || 2,818 || 7.7 || 17 || 18 || 75.6 || '''38''' || '''280''' || 7.4 || 1 || 10 || 2
|-
! [[1991 NFL season|1991]] || [[1991 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|TB]]
| 13 || 12 || 3–9 || 166 || 326 || 50.9 || 1,994 || 6.1 || 8 || 15 || 59.0 || 32 || 101 || 3.2 || 0 || 5 || 2
|-
! [[1992 NFL season|1992]] || [[1992 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|TB]]
| 14 || 14 || 5–9 || 206 || 358 || 57.5 || 2,554 || 7.1 || 14 || 16 || 74.2 || 36 || 197 || 5.5 || '''2''' || 4 || 1
|-
! [[1993 NFL season|1993]] || [[1993 Cleveland Browns season|CLE]]
| 10 || 6 || 3–3 || 130 || 230 || 56.5 || 1,797 || 7.8 || 14 || 9 || 85.7 || 18 || 74 || 4.1 || 0 || 4 || 3
|-
! [[1994 NFL season|1994]] || [[1994 Cleveland Browns season|CLE]]
| 14 || 13 || 9–4 || 207 || 376 || 55.1 || 2,575 || 6.8 || 16 || 18 || 70.7 || 21 || 37 || 1.8 || '''2''' || 3 || 2
|-
! [[1995 NFL season|1995]] || [[1995 Cleveland Browns season|CLE]]
| 13 || 12 || 4–8 || 241 || 392 || 61.5 || 2,883 || 7.4 || 17 || 10 || 87.8 || 18 || 62 || 3.4 || '''2''' || 4 || 1
|-
! [[1996 NFL season|1996]] || [[1996 Baltimore Ravens season|BAL]]
| '''16''' || '''16''' || 4–12 || 325 || 549 || 59.2 || '''4,177''' || 7.6 || '''33''' || 19 || 88.7 || 34 || 188 || 5.5 || '''2''' || 9 || '''7'''
|-
! [[1997 NFL season|1997]] || [[1997 Baltimore Ravens season|BAL]]
| 13 || 13 || 4–8–1 || 271 || 470 || 57.7 || 2,971 || 6.3 || 18 || 15 || 75.9 || 34 || 138 || 4.1 || 0 || 11 || 3
|-
! [[1998 NFL season|1998]] || [[1998 New York Jets season|NYJ]]
| 14 || 13 || '''12–1''' || 259 || 421 || 61.5 || 3,256 || 7.7 || 29 || 7 || 101.6 || 24 || 104 || 4.3 || 1 || 7 || 3
|-
! [[1999 NFL season|1999]] || [[1999 New York Jets season|NYJ]]
| 1 || 1 || 0–1 || 10 || 15 || '''66.7''' || 96 || 6.4 || 1 || 1 || 78.7 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2000 NFL season|2000]] || [[2000 New York Jets season|NYJ]]
| '''16''' || '''16''' || 9–7 || '''328''' || '''590''' || 55.6 || 3,732 || 6.3 || 21 || 25 || 69.0 || 25 || 32 || 1.3 || 0 || 7 || 4
|-
! [[2001 NFL season|2001]] || [[2001 New York Jets season|NYJ]]
| '''16'''|| '''16''' || 10–6 || 260 || 441 || 59.0 || 2,752 || 6.2 || 15 || 14 || 75.3 || 31 || 25 || 0.8 || 0 || '''12''' || 2
|-
! [[2002 NFL season|2002]] || [[2002 New York Jets season|NYJ]]
| 5 || 4 || 1–3 || 54 || 83 || 65.1 || 499 || 6.0 || 3 || 3 || 78.3 || 2 || 23 || '''11.5''' || 0 || 2 || 2
|-
! [[2003 NFL season|2003]] || [[2003 New York Jets season|NYJ]]
| 7 || 7 || 2–5 || 123 || 198 || 62.1 || 1,385 || 7.0 || 7 || 2 || 90.6 || 6 || 17 || 2.8 || 0 || 1 || 0
|-
! [[2004 NFL season|2004]] || [[2004 Dallas Cowboys season|DAL]]
| '''16''' || 15 || 5–10 || 297 || 495 || 60.0 || 3,532 || 7.1 || 17 || 20 || 76.4 || 21 || 38 || 1.8 || 1 || 8 || 4
|-
! [[2005 NFL season|2005]] || [[2005 New York Jets season|NYJ]]
| 6 || 4 || 1–3 || 60 || 106 || 56.6 || 777 || 7.3 || 1 || 6 || 59.4 || 7 || 4 || 0.6 || '''2''' || 8 || 1
|-
! [[2006 NFL season|2006]] || [[2006 New England Patriots season|NE]]
| 3 || 0 || — || 2 || 3 || '''66.7''' || 29 || '''9.7''' || 1 || 0 || '''137.5''' || 8 || −8 || −1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2007 NFL season|2007]] || [[2007 Carolina Panthers season|CAR]]
| 7 || 6 || 2–4 || 94 || 172 || 54.7 || 952 || 5.5 || 5 || 6 || 65.8 || 9 || 22 || 2.4 || 0 || 3 || 1
|-
! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TestVi00.htm Career] !! 233 !! 214 !! 90–123–1 !! 3,787 !! 6,701 !! 56.5 !! 46,233 !! 6.9 !! 275 !! 267 !! 75.0 !! 430 !! 1,661 !! 3.9 !! 15 !! 117 !! 47
|}

===Playoffs===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="3"| Games
! colspan="8"| Passing
! colspan="4"| Rushing
! colspan="2"| Fumbles
|-
! GP !! GS !! Record !! Cmp !! Att !! Pct !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Int !! Rtg !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Fum !! Lost
|- 
! [[1994-95 NFL playoffs|1994]] || [[1994 Cleveland Browns season|CLE]] 
| '''2''' || '''2''' || '''1–1''' || 33 || 61 || 54.1 || 412 || 6.8 || 2 || 2 || 72.6 || '''5''' || '''19''' || '''3.8''' || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[1998-99 NFL playoffs|1998]] || [[1998 New York Jets season|NYJ]]
| '''2''' || '''2''' || '''1–1''' || '''55''' || '''88''' || 62.5 || '''640''' || '''7.3''' || 1 || '''3''' || 74.1 || 1 || −1 || −1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2001-02 NFL playoffs|2001]] || [[2001 New York Jets season|NYJ]]
| 1 || 1 || 0–1 || 26 || 40 || '''65.0''' || 268 || 6.7 || '''3''' || 0 || '''109.2''' || 1 || 1 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2002-03 NFL playoffs|2002]] || [[2002 New York Jets season|NYJ]]
| 1 || 0 || — || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 2 || −2 || −1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2006-07 NFL playoffs|2006]] || [[2006 New England Patriots season|NE]]
| 1 || 0 || — || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 1 || −1 || −1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TestVi00/gamelog/post/ Career] !! 7 !! 5 !! 2–3 !! 114 !! 189 !! 60.3 !! 1,320 !! 7.0 !! 6 !! 5 !! 81.0 !! 10 !! 16 !! 1.6 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0
|}

===NFL records===
* Most losses as a starting quarterback (123)<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2020 |title=By retiring, Eli Manning avoided Vinny Testaverde's career loss record |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/by-retiring-eli-manning-avoided-vinny-testaverdes-career-loss-record |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Buccaneers franchise records===
*Most times sacked (197)<ref name="Buccaneers">{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Career Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/career-passing.htm |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>
* Most interceptions thrown in a season (35 in 1987)
* Most interceptions thrown in a career – 112 (1987–1992)<ref name="Buccaneers" />

===New York Jets franchise records===
* Most 4th quarter comeback wins in a single season – 5 (2001)<ref name="NY Jets">{{Cite web |title=New York Jets Single-Season Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyj/single-season-passing.htm |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>
* Most game winning drives in a single season – 5 (2001) (tied with three others)<ref name="NY Jets" />
* Most passing attempts in a single season – 590 (2000)<ref name="NY Jets" />
* Most passing attempts in one game – 69 (December 24, 2000, against the Ravens)<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Pass Attempts Single Game Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_att_single_game.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
* Most pass completions in one game – 42 (December 6, 1998, against the Seahawks) (tied with Richard Todd)<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Passes Completed Single Game Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_single_game.htm |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Testaverde is currently the quarterbacks coach at [[Jesuit High School of Tampa]], where his son [[Vincent Testaverde Jr.|Vincent Jr.]] attended.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Jesuit Football |url=http://www.jesuittampa.org/Athletics/Football/Football-Coaching-Staff.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826081308/http://www.jesuittampa.org/Athletics/Football/Football-Coaching-Staff.aspx |archive-date=August 26, 2013 |access-date=June 21, 2013 |website=JesuitTampa.org}}</ref> He and his wife, Mitzi, have two daughters, Alicia and Madeleine, and a son, Vincent Jr;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Franchuk |first=Jason |date=October 13, 2017 |title=Vincent Testaverde out to make his own name with UAlbany |url=https://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/Vincent-Testaverde-out-to-make-his-own-name-with-12274471.php |access-date=September 24, 2020 |website=Times Union |language=en-US}}</ref> they live in [[Tampa, Florida]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gehman |first=Jim |date=August 1, 2019 |title=Where Are They Now: Vinny Testaverde |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/where-are-they-now-vinny-testaverde |access-date=April 26, 2022 |website=NewYorkJets.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Vincent Jr. played college football as a quarterback for the [[Albany Great Danes football|SUNY Albany Great Danes]]; he signed with the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft and had a short stint with the [[Tampa Bay Vipers]] of the [[XFL (2020)|XFL]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bumbaca |first=Chris |date=July 29, 2019 |title=Vinny Testaverde's son, Vincent, signs deal with Tampa Bay Buccaneers |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/buccaneers/2019/07/29/vinny-testaverdes-son-vincent-signs-camp-deal-tampa-bay-buccaneers/1854964001/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

On September 18, 2025, the [[University of Miami]] announced that Max Chira, a UM fan, has made a $1.81 million donation that will be used to construct life-sized statues of [[Gino Torretta]] and Testaverde on campus outside the Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article312162663.html | title=Hurricanes Heisman Trophy winners to get statues built on UM campus | work=miamiherald.com | date=September 18, 2025 | access-date=September 18, 2025}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of first overall National Football League draft picks]]
* [[List of NCAA major college football yearly passing leaders]]
* [[List of Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round draft picks]]

==References==
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{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{College Football HoF|2352}}
* {{Heisman|vinny-testaverde}}
* {{Footballstats |nfl=vinny-testaverde |espn=9 |pfr=T/TestVi00}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Testaverde, Vinny}}
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