Job security — it’s one of the most powerful motivators around.
Because of the recent lockout, job status for National Football League players like former LSU running back Justin Vincent is a shade of gray.
Teams and players have cut off all communication, leaving Vincent an unemployed free agent with no one with whom to interview.
“We’re basically in the dark. There is nothing,” Vincent said. “We know a little bit more than what you see on ESPN, but it’s basically the weirdest situation I’ve ever been in.”
Although Vincent has only been active for one game during his four-year stint in the NFL, he has been employed as a member of the practice squad during that time.
Immediately following the 2007 NFL Draft, Vincent was signed as a free agent by the Atlanta Falcons and first-year coach Bobby Petrino.
Petrino resigned during the 2007 season, and Vincent’s roster spot didn’t survive the housecleaning that ensued.
The Pittsburgh Steelers contacted Vincent following his release, and the 2003 Southeastern Conference Championship Game MVP began his four-year run on the practice squad.
“It was a perfect situation,” Vincent said. “I got to play for one of the best coaches out there [Steelers coach Mike Tomlin].”
During Vincent’s tenure in The Steel City, Pittsburgh captured the franchise’s sixth Super Bowl crown in 2008 with a win against the Arizona Cardinals.
“There aren’t too many people in the NFL with a national championship ring and a Super Bowl ring,” said Vincent.
Although he wasn’t active in the Super Bowl, Vincent made his impact in other ways, assisting the coaches and other players during practice with plays and assignments.
“I knew the playbook like the back of my hand,” Vincent said. “I never had a problem learning the plays or helping guys out when they didn’t know something.”
Although the run ultimately ended in Vincent’s release earlier this year, Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson made sure the former Tiger knew he had his place in Pittsburgh.
“[Wilson] told me that whenever he moves on that I would [at least] have the opportunity to tell him no [to being his replacement],” Vincent said. “It’s a good feeling to know that you’ve made an impression on someone, and that they’ll look at you for a job.”
As for Vincent’s current employment status, it’s wait and see.
In the meantime, Vincent is back at LSU finishing his communication studies degree.
He’s set to graduate in May, but he continues to work out in hopes the phone will ring for another shot.
“My last workout was with Seattle, so hopefully that’s where I’ll end up,” Vincent said. “But as of right now, I’m just waiting.”
Baton Rouge seems to be a cozy spot to play the waiting game for former Tigers.
A quick glance around the Charles McLendon Practice Facility during spring workouts generally revealed a former player or two working out or just taking in a practice.
After all, it’s LSU performance on the field that warrants Vincent’s bragging rights in NFL locker rooms year to year.
“It’s 24-7 trash talk,” Vincent said. “We can’t wait for college football to start. The guys from Louisiana always stick together, guys like [Tulane’s] Mewelde Moore, [Louisiana-Lafayette’s] Ike Taylor and [Ole Miss’] Mike Wallace. We have each other’s backs when it comes to football in the South.”
 
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Contact Hunt Palmer at
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