The definitive mark of a great leader is humility. Inspiring entrepreneurs may stand firm on their core principles, but receptive leaders are also good listeners who heed the opinions of all stakeholders and do the right things for the right reasons.
As the Executive Vice President of Football Operations at the NFL, Troy Vincent is a shining example of fair, firm, selfless, and consistent leadership. Always open to new ideas and approaches towards management, Troy believes that integrity and mutual respect form the cornerstone of football and life. As a highly influential figure in the NFL, he uses his position to notice and cultivate the unique abilities in people by pushing them to do their best, both on and off the field.
Troy is revered as a “servant leader,” who treats people just like he himself desires to be treated. His style of leadership empowers others to be all that they aspire to be, by providing them the support they need. “Every opportunity for excellence can be achieved through humility, smart work, serving others, and assisting those around you in their path to success,” says Troy.
Learning life through football
Since his days as a young athlete, football became the purpose of Troy Vincent’s life and shaped his beliefs. First and foremost, football enabled him to attain the premier education that is crucial to living a fulfilling life.
Moreover, playing football imparted a plethora of skills and values that have stayed with Troy, that he has subsequently imbibed in his life as a professional leader. In high school and beyond, Troy’s experiences on the field have inspired him to remain a “lifetime learner.” He claims, “There are many life lessons to be learned in sports, such as work ethics, perseverance, time management, and healthy competition. Sport has a way of teaching authentic inclusion.”
Making football world class
Even after hanging his boots, Troy has been living and breathing football. Over the years, he has kept a keen and watchful eye on the developmental leaps in his sport. Today, Troy notes, “Football athletes are becoming stronger, faster, smarter, and more athletic with each passing year. The game itself is evolving through rule changes, greater use of technology, player protection, novel techniques, and improvements in player health, resulting in improved quality of life.”
At NFL, Troy Vincent’s primary responsibility is to protect the integrity and competitive fairness of professional football, and to steer its future growth in a measurable and responsible manner. According to Troy, this two-pronged future comprises several aspects: “Establishing a culture of clarity, consistency, and credibility among players, coaches, clubs, and fans, in order to develop the future player, along with preserving and innovating the game itself.”
Beyond these immediate improvements Troy envisages, his long-term goal is to provide “a world-class game-day experience for players, coaches and fans by innovating and proactively meeting the demands and challenges of football.”
To Troy’s delight, football as a professional space is becoming more inclusive by the day, presenting opportunities that benefit everyone, both inside and outside the turf.
Lifetime Learner
Troy’s experience of playing professional football in the NFL molded his outlook as an athlete as well as a person. As a “lifetime learner,” he learned something new every day and constantly improved his understanding of the world around him. He realized that the greatest joy is derived from helping those who really need some form of support.
In the locker room, the boardroom, off the field, and in relation to the larger community, Troy’s goal has always been to work for the greater good, “whether it is a young man or woman who needs that extra bit of encouragement to attain a goal, that player who wants to get better at what he does, or a former player who plans to transition to his off-the-field career efficiently.” Furthermore, Troy Vincent has utilized his position and influence in a wide array of philanthropic activities and affirmative social work.
Impacting Society
For the past 25 years, Troy has tirelessly advocated against domestic violence and sexual assault. His awareness of the rampant nature of these social ills pushed him to self-examine “who we are and what we stand for.” Realizing the popularity of football as a sport and the power of his voice and actions as a former NFL hall-of-famer, Troy learned the importance of education, policy, and process in football, with regard to its impact on society.
Along with his wife Tommi and their children, Troy has organized several outreach programs through their Love Thy Neighbor foundation, in partnership with various organizations, including school systems, food suppliers, and resource providers. “Our goal is to impact local economies while resourcing a range of community needs, such as education, school supplies, youth character, leadership development, safe zone activities, and nutritious meals for individuals and families throughout the year,” Troy states.
The Vincent family has established a generational legacy of giving back through social service and a longstanding commitment to improving the lives and potentials of fellow humans. Troy proudly asserts, “It is an integral part of our faith walk!”
Growing the Game
Having been a decorated premier athlete, a community leader, a family man, and serving as the current Executive Vice President of Football Operations, Troy Vincent is far from ready to call it a day. He imagines a future where he still has much of the race to run.
He admits, “Personally, my goal is to continue being a transformational leader who preserves the tradition and values of football while facilitating its evolution culturally, socially, and economically. I feel a tremendous amount of responsibility to everyone who has coached the game, worn the uniform, owns a team, and is a season ticket holder. It is humbling to be an active contributor to a sport that galvanizes communities, brings people of all backgrounds and races together, and has such an impact on our country.”
Going forward, Troy Vincent wants to realize his vision of growing the game of football in a measured and responsible manner by maintaining its integrity and values while expanding its global footprint. “It is exciting to be a part of the NFL family, to bring a player’s perspective to the business, and to assist in shaping the future of the football ecosystem,” he concludes.
