Vinny Testaverde (born November 13, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American football quarterback. He was the starting quarterback for the NFL's Dallas Cowboys in the 2004 season.

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.

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.

Testaverde then spent three seasons with the Cleveland Browns, 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.

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

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, he dispelled critics in his first two games with the Cowboys, passing for two consecutive 300-yard games.

External links

• Heisman Trophy 1986 Award: Vinny Testaverde
• Fan site